Dapitan City

Dapitan City is just 7-9 hours land travel from Zamboanga. Dakak is their well-known tourist destination but there are still many other places to go. The Rizal Park and Museum is one good place to visit as well. 

Research Activity in Manila

The conduct of our intensive research in Manila was too exhausting. We went to different institutions such as the Filipinas Heritage, Lopez Memorial Library, Rizal Library in ADMU, UP Manila and other places. Our purpose is to gather related info about Zamboanga City. Well, it was all the worth but too tedious.

There are also good things that happened, of course. We visited some of the museums and it amazed me a great deal. Just don’t forget to follow rules in museum tours.

If, for future reference, you would like to go on intensive research, visit the places mentioned above and include the national archives.

Dumaguete, Valencia, Bais, Sibulan

My Dumaguete experience is a memorable one. There are just lots of beautiful places you could go. Although, Dumaguete is just a small city compared to Zamboanga.

As I remember, the city is labeled as the motorcycle capital of the Philippines. During my younger years as I have visited the place, it’s true that there were so many motorcycles in the city. But right now, there are so many 4-wheel vehicles in the place.

In the city proper, the old bell tower is still there. There are also so many beautiful sites in Valencia , Sibulan and Bais, these are municipalities near the city. In Valencia, you could go, visit and experience the beautiful scenes in the Casororo Falls, Tejero’s Resort, American-Japanese Shrine, Mag-aso, Tierra Alta and a lot more. On the other places, the life in Sibulan and Bais is similar to province. Good people with clean and fresh atmosphere.

Dumagueteños are really nice, because of this, many Americans and foreigners decided to stay for good in this place.

Mindanao Association of Museums 2015 Conference

It was a great privilege to join the MAM conference last 2015. I have met different people with different experiences in their work as museum workers. Through this conference, new knowledge and insights were introduced to all museums staffs all over Mindanao.

Collaborations in the same field of work is a great way to widen our experience.

The conference was held in Cagayan de Oro City and there were more than 20 participants who came and join the said event. The speakers were from well-known museums in the Philippines such as the Ayala Museum in Makati City and a lot more.

And of course, CDO is such a good place.

The Zamboanga Normal School was built during the American Colonial Period and completed in 1921. Normal Schools were founded by the Americans to improve the state of education not only in Zamboanga but in the entire Philippines. The Zamboanga Normal School (as an institution) was established in 1904 and intended to train teachers.

For more related info, click here

Ebenezer Bible College and Seminary

The Ebenezer School is the first and the largest seminary of the Christian and Missionary Alliance Churches of the Philippines (CAMACOP). It started as Two Christian day schools, the first was established in 1903 and the second in 1920. The first classes for Christian workers’ training started in 1926. The task to manage this training was consigned to Rev. Joseph Williams, after which by Rev. MacMillan. In 1928 the two schools merged and was named Ebenezer Bible Institute.

During the outbreak of World War II, the classes were suspended. It resumed in 1946 and the upgrading of the school’s curriculum and facilities ensued throughout years. It was in the year 1962 that the name of the school was changed to Ebenezer Bible College. The school was originally located at Tetuan and was transferred to Upper Calarian, its present location, in 1957. The management was also transferred to Filipinos in 1952 with Rev. Pada as the first Principal.

The school was recognized by the Philippine Commission on Higher Education in 2002. And currently, Rev. Dulaca serves as the president of the school.

Hola Zamboanga

Zamboanga is one of the oldest cities in the Philippines.

The first two groups of inhabitants who settled here are the Subanons and Badjaos (according to history). The Spaniards came and colonized the city in 16th century followed by the Americans in 1899 to 1946. The Japanese also came in the city from 1942-1945, after which the return of the Americans. 1947, we attained full independence from any foreign domination.

  

With all these events in the past, there were developments made in the city especially in the construction of government and public facilities.

Presently, there are lots of places you can choose to visit. Below are some old structures and some recent developments in the city.

 

The Fort Pilar that was built in 1635 during the Spanish Colonial Period.

 

Paseo del Mar. This is one of the most visited "gimik" or hangout places in the city.

 

Of course, my very own school. The College of Teacher Education building in WMSU. Before, it is the Normal School built during the American Regime.

 

The Zamboanga City Hall that was built from 1905-1907 and served as the Capitol Building of the Moro Province during American Regime.

  

Rizal Park built in 1921 during the American Occupation

There are still lots of beautiful places you can visit

 

Baguio

2013 is one of my best years as I went to visit this place. It was because of a competition (science quiz bowl - national level) which was held here and we won the first prize.

I think Baguio is one of the cleanest cities in the Philippines and of course, the best place to stay during summer. Also, the only SM in the Philippines with no aircon units is found here.

The Burnham park is cool and the flowers that you can see around are lovesome. The travel time from Manila to Baguio, I think 7-8 hours. Well, the trip is good if you will take the class A bus. The city has lots of hotels where to stay. For cheaper accomodation, try the teachers camp, they have good rooms and good services. Just don't mind about the ghost stories.

Because of their cold climate, there are koreans living in the city.

 

Xavier and Bryce won the first prize while Julio was the 7th placer

 

This photo was taken from the top where the religious site of the city is located

  

SM Mall

 

Burnham park

When in MagandanGensan

General Santos City is such a wonderful place. The people are disciplined and the place is so clean. There is one thing I noticed about the sand in GenSan, it looks like bits of crystals.

I went to visit the place last 2012 to attend the National Alliance Youth Congress which was held at Lagao Gym.

At that time, the biggest mall in the city is the Robinsons mall while SM is still under construction. The roads are wide although the city is not as highly urbanized as Zamboanga. Their native language is bisaya and the people are simple in terms of their way of life and how they dress up.

The atmosphere is summery, and I think that's the reason why they have crystal-like sands. I believe the city is highly potential to develop in few years time.

  

Wandering in the city

  

We also visited the place of Senator Manny

 

 During the event

    

On travel

This photo was taken earlier this day in front of Zamboanga City Hall. Masonry initiation.

Fort Pilar is one of the oldest and beautiful fortresses in the Philippines built in 1635 during the Spanish Colonial Period. Currently, it is considered and recognized as a National Cultural Treasure by virtue of the Presidential Decree No. 260 and up to this date, the Fort is still subject for restoration and rehabilitation.

The exposition started last October 3 and will end on October 7, 2016. The event is held at Centro Latino, Paseo del Mar, Zamboanga City.

The Kaliwat Performing Artists from Davao City are here in Zamboanga to perform on October 6, 2016 in the Kalinaw Mindanao - Mindasilang Theatre Concert for Peace. This photo is taken at Zamboanga City Hall where they had a demo performance.

One of the most beautiful buildings in the Philippines, the Zamboanga City Hall. It is the Old Capitol Building of the Moro Province during the American occupation, built in 1905-1907 and became known as the biggest building constructed in Mindanao during the time.

For  more related info, click here.

Mag-aso, Valencia, Negros Oriental. The place smells like a rotten egg. The smoke that comes from deep within rocks contains sulfur that gives the odor. There are hot springs within the range and it's relaxing to make a try.

El Museo de Zamboanga! The City Museum features the rich history and heritage of Zamboanga City. Contact information: elmuseodezamboanga@gmail, 955-4306

Pagadian City! This place is somewhere in their big park (maybe). The people in Pagadian are just so nice and the unique thing about the city is their tricycle/pedicab, bent 45 degrees.

Wandering in Quezon City. Just having a nice walk on these beautiful sites in the city.

Tierra Alta Residential Resort, Valencia, Negros Oriental. The resort is on top of the hill and the view from above is breathtaking. The hotel is also good with a wide swimming pool. It has a light house and you can also enjoy the zip-line. 

Dakak! Yeah, it's really a paradise. A good place to stay for vacation. Rides and other recreational facilities are awesome.

These Filipino - American - Japanese Shrine is located on the hilltop of Valencia, Negros Oriental. When the Japanese came in the Philippines on 1940s during the World War II, this area also became the battle ground. This Shrine was built in memory of the soldiers who died during the war. On the same place, the remains/ashes of the soldiers were kept in a huge concrete block.

Just don't attempt to go there in four wheels.

Mi Ciudad de Zamboanga. One of the richest and oldest cities in the Philippines. Known as the Asia's Latin City and the Sardines Capital of the Philippines. Well, a great place to stay!