Though part of the island of Basilan, the city is administratively under Region IX-Zamboanga Peninsula (ZamPen). 

Several indigenous communities call it home. One of which is the Sama Banguingui, an ethno-linguistic group native to the Balanguingui Islands but is also dispersed throughout the Greater Sulu Archipelago. Some have settled in the southern and western coastal regions of the Peninsula. 

Most of them build their houses on stilts over shallow waters and rely on the bounty of the sea for their livelihood. 

In 2019, the local government of Isabela de Basilan tapped some of them to be part of its “Sun, Sand, and Sea Experience” to boost tourism.

The ladies of Marang-Marang Women’s Association

One of the tourism initiatives of the LGU is Marang-Marang Floating Cottage. The twin cottages are located within a protected area of thick mangroves, about a 20-minute boat ride from Port Isabela. 

Legend has it that the name of the island derives from two marang trees that used to be a meeting place among the locals. 

The ones managing the cottages are the ladies from the Marang-Marang Women’s Association. Mayra Abbas, the group’s president, recalls that it was almost three years ago when they were tapped by the LGU to be a part of the tourism circuit. 

For their efforts, the group was honored during the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) ZamPen Tourism Awards in 2021. They were recognized for their contribution to the city’s “Sun, Sand, and Sea Experience,” specifically in culinary tourism. 

Abbas shares that before they became tourism workers, the group would occasionally cook for visitors from government agencies upon the request of the LGU.

They initially thought that there was nothing special about their food. “It was only recently when we realized that the food that we serve can be for tourists. That our simple recipes will be appreciated by others,” the mother of three says.

A medley of Sama and Tausug cuisine

The highlight of every visit to Marang-Marang Cottage is the Sama and Tausug spread prepared by Abbas and her team. The feast is a medley of crabs, shrimp, shells, squid, fish, fruits, and sweets.

Its location near the Sulu Sea and within a lush mangrove park means you are in for a fresh seafood feast. 

Sama and Tausug cuisines are influenced by the different indigenous communities in the Sulu Archipelago. The proximity of the Malay peninsula with its various spices has also exerted an influence on these two culinary traditions. 

This convergence of cultures makes Sama and Tausug food unique, one you cannot find anywhere else in the country. 

Part of their tradition is cooking with siyunug lahing or burnt coconut and different spices, some from neighboring Southeast Asian countries. 

Among the dishes that the Marang-Marang women serve, the most eye-catching is the Oko-oko. This Sama dish is rice cooked in tehe-tehe or sea urchin broth. Preparing it requires skill and patience. 

Before stuffing the tehe-tehe with rice, the spines are removed using a rock. The meat is then set aside and the inside of the shell cleaned. Rice is sautéed with the tehe-tehe meat and spices then placed inside the shell. Before boiling, the opening is sealed with a leaf, usually coconut or pandan.

The proper way of eating Oko-oko is cracking it open like a hard-boiled egg.

Another distinct dish is a fish cake called Utak-utak. They usually use yellowfin or mackerel tuna which is simmered, shredded, and mixed with coconut, onions, garlic, black pepper, and turmeric. 

The mixture is then coated with a flour-and-egg batter, formed into patties, then deep-fried until golden brown.

There is Chupa Kulo, snails in a thick broth made from squash and coconut milk. The snails are not deshelled upon cooking so eating the meat requires sucking it out, hence, the name which in Chavacano means “to suck the bottom.”

They also serve Junay, a rice dish wrapped in banana leaves with burnt coconut meat and spices, and Baked Imbao or mangrove clams topped with garlic and grated cheese. The clams are harvested fresh from the mangroves and have a natural sweetness.

For dessert, they have Putli Mandi or steamed rice cakes with mangoes and Panyalam (also Panyam) or rice pancakes. Made of coconut, muscovado, and rice powder, it is usually served as an offering to deities. 

The Sama Banguigui believe that noise may ruin the Panyalam’s flavor so preparing and cooking it have to be done in silence. Complimenting its taste and form should also be avoided. 

Similarly, the first batch must not be eaten, instead, it has to be offered to the spirits. 

Panyalam is commonly eaten during special occasions and religious holidays. It is also given as a peace offering for people or spirits that are believed to have been offended by the giver.

Abbas says that no meal is complete without hard-boiled eggs and kiyuning or yellow rice. The rice gets its color from coconut oil and turmeric. 

The Sama Banguingui usually accompany their meals with kahawa sūg or Sulu coffee, a single-origin varietal grown by the Tausug.

Adding to the festive vibe are the colorful woven placemats, tutup or food covers, and ambung or containers. They are made using pandan, nipa, or buri leaves. Tutup and ambung are used to keep the food warm and insects at bay. 

A more sustainable livelihood 

More than the experience of feasting on authentic Sama and Tausug cuisine, a visit to Marang-Marang Floating Cottage helps sustain the livelihood of the local Sama Banguingui community.

Most of the ingredients are sourced locally. The seafood, for example, are bought from the association ladies’ husbands who are mostly fisherfolk. 

“The food that we serve are mostly from the mangroves. Our men also derive their livelihood from here. They catch shrimp at night. They also harvest clams,” shares Abbas.

Even the langka or jackfruit that they use are harvested by the men in the community. 

Abbas shares that fishing is dependent on the weather. “If the weather is bad, they would not be able to catch anything. They cannot catch shrimp if the waters are murky. They need the waters to be clear for them to see the shrimp’s red eyes. The men sleep during the day and work at night,” Abbas explains. 

Through their work as tourism workers, the women are able to help augment their household finances especially on bad weather days when the catch is not plentiful. Some of them also sell fish and seafood in the market every Sunday. 

Claudio M. Ramos, tourism officer of Isabela de Basilan, shares that the association has existed even before they tapped the members to be part of the tourism circuit. But the LGU’s support helped the women improve on a more holistic level. 

“Like Mayra before,” he adds, “you cannot even pull her aside and talk to her. She almost fainted when she was first interviewed. She wanted me to stay beside her. But look at her now, she is already talkative and more confident.”

It is a matter of support from the LGU, says Ramos, to let the women feel that what they are doing has value and meaning. “I saw how these women improved from self-presentation to cooking,” he says. 

“I am so proud of these ladies. We still have so many plans. We will be adding to the cottages next year. We really pushed for this with the LGU.” They plan to put up one big cottage for events and an additional two small cottages. 

They are also pushing for the renovation of the two existing ones. The current cottages were built through the efforts of the former barangay captain. As for the Marang-Marang Women’s Association, Abbas and the ladies have requested for their own place where they can prepare their dishes as well as display and sell their products for additional income. 

Practical Information

Access to Isabela de Basilan is usually through Zamboanga City. From there, a 1 hour and 45 minute ferry ride will take you to Isabela de Basilan. 

The fare ranges from Php20 (student and senior citizen’s discounted fare on some conventional ferries) to P70 (first-class w/ aircon). Visitors can also take a “Fast Craft” which only takes about 45 minutes.

Abbas and Ramos suggest coordinating with Isabela de Basilan’s Tourism Office for bookings. A day at Marang-Marang Cottage costs Php500/head, inclusive of the mangrove tour but not including the boat ride from James Strong Boulevard. 

Abbas and her team are coordinating with the Tourism Office for a consolidated tour package. 

Outsource the Planning

For a seamless trip, you may leave the planning to DOT’s accredited tour operators in Zamboanga City and Isabela de Basilan:

• Itravel Tourist Lane

(062) 991-1174 / 0917-722-6410; itraveltouristlane2020@gmail.com

• Buenas Travel and Tours

09062087106; milabelrichter01@gmail.com

• Travel Max Tours

(062) 990-2100; knowelle_88@yahoo.com

• Happy Campers Tour and Leisure

09177103094; happycampers349@gmail.com

Travel safely!

All tourist destinations in Isabela de Basilan have health and safety protocols in place to protect locals and visitors alike. Everyone is expected to comply by wearing face masks, regularly washing their hands, and practicing physical distancing.

To check out up-to-date information regarding local destinations that are open and the safety protocols and requirements needed for each location, you may visit www.philippines.travel/safetrip or download the Travel Philippines app at app.philippines.travel or the Google Playstore.

The post This Floating Mangrove Restaurant is a Seafood Haven appeared first on 7641 Islands of the Philippines.

Many are conveniently located and have essential amenities such as free WiFi and 24-hour room service. 

A few even have additional features like in-house restaurants and karaoke rooms. There are also those which offer services such as free shuttle to the airport or room massage. 

If you are thinking of exploring any or all of ZamPen’s three provinces and component city, here is a list of recommended accommodations. 

Zamboanga City

Garden Orchid Hotel
Governor Camins Avenue

This 4-star hotel is the city’s biggest. It has more than 200 rooms, an outdoor pool, a physical fitness gym, sauna, business center, function rooms, and travel agency. 

The hotel has been around for almost four decades, and it has become a favorite among both business and leisure travelers.

All rooms have air conditioning, blackout curtains, a desk, safe, cable TV, refrigerator, clothes rack, wardrobe/closet, hot and cold shower, and complimentary toiletries.

It is conveniently located—only 2 minutes away from the airport, 3 kilometers to the central business district, and with other tourist destinations all within 5 kilometers.

Dining options at the Garden Orchid Hotel include a Japanese restaurant, coffee shop, and lobby bar. 

Rates range from Php4,000/night for a Superior Room to Php12,000/night for their Bridal and Junior Suites. 

Visit the Garden Orchid Hotel’s website for more information. 

Marcian Garden Hotel
Governor Camins Avenue

This hotel combines Spanish-Moroccan design with the festive colors of Zamboanga. 

It has 60 suites and rooms that have air conditioning, blackout curtains, a desk, cable TV, wardrobe/ closet, hot and cold shower, bidet, minibar, and complimentary toiletries. 

Among its amenities are event and function rooms, a bar, restaurant, coffee shop, prayer room, outdoor pool, spa, and souvenir shop.

Marcian Garden Hotel is situated five minutes away from the airport and guests are entitled to a free airport shuttle. It is connected to a convention center and is near KCC Mall De Zamboanga.

You can book a Superior Twin Room for Php3,920/night and a Deluxe Twin Room for Php4,256/night.

Visit Marcian Garden Hotel’s Facebook page for more information. You may also email reservations@marcianhotels.com for reservations. 

Grand Astoria Hotel
466 Mayor Jaldon Street

This 3-star hotel is located near the Metropolitan Cathedral of Immaculate Concepcion and the City Hall. Fort Pilar and the Zamboanga Golf Course are also within 5 kilometers. 

The Grand Astoria Hotel is a great mid-range option for travelers. The hotel has a total of 145 rooms, a conference center, restaurant, souvenir shop, and 24-hour room service. 

Every room has free WiFi, hot and cold shower, air conditioning, telephone, cable TV, and refrigerator. The hotel also offers massage services, luggage storage, dry cleaning, and free parking for guests. 

The hotel’s Lotus Restaurant specializes in local and international cuisine and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is within walking distance to other restaurants like Jimmy’s Satti House, Family Fried Chicken, and fast food chains.

You can book a room for as low as Php1,800/night.

For more information and reservations, visit the Grand Astoria Hotel’s website.

Cityinn Hotel 
Governor Alvarez Street corner La Purisima Street

This 37-room budget hotel offers affordable rates for leisure and business travelers. It is less than 15 minutes away from the airport and is in the city’s business and commercial district. 

The hotel is near restaurants, pharmacies, bakeries, convenience stores, and shops. It is within walking distance to the city’s first shopping mall in ZamPen, SM Mindpro (formerly Mindpro Citimall). It is also situated directly opposite Ateneo de Zamboanga University. 

It provides 24-hour front desk service, luggage storage, Wi-Fi, and parking spaces. 

Rates start at Php1,600/night for a Standard Room to Php2,400/night for a Family Deluxe or Family Superior Room. 

Visit the Cityinn Hotel’s Facebook page for more information

Zamboanga del Norte

‘D Hotel 
Rizal Avenue corner Osmeña Street, Dipolog

Centrally located in the heart of Dipolog, this 48-room hotel has modern rooms and suites with free Wi-Fi. 

The hotel offers free breakfast and airport shuttle for all guests. It has four dining options: Tonino’s Resto and Wine Bar for continental and Asian fusion cuisine; Deli at the Taylors Room for wine, cheeses, and cold cuts; Umami Room for Japanese cuisine; and Cucina Italiana for pizza and pasta.

You can book a Standard Room for as low as Php1,700/night. 

For more information, visit ‘D Hotel’s Facebook page. 

Ariana Hotel
Airport Road, Dipolog

Though not within the city center, the hotel’s location makes it a quiet and relaxing accommodation. It is one to two minutes away from Dipolog airport.

All 36 rooms have air conditioning, a refrigerator, cable TV, hot and cold shower, and minibar. Guests have access to free WiFi, 24-hour room service, and free parking. 

You do not have to look far for dining options with the hotel’s in-house restaurant that serves free breakfast. It also has a coffee shop, bar, and music lounge. 

Dipolog Sunset Boulevard is within walking distance from the hotel. The boulevard is popular for its sunsets and the street food hawkers at night. 

You can book a Single Executive Room for Php1,850/night, Double Executive Room for Php2,450/ night, Garden Suite for Php4,850/night, and a Presidential Suite for Php8,900/night.

Visit Ariana Hotel’s Facebook page for more details.

Zamboanga del Sur

Chandler Suites
F.S Pajares Avenue, Gatas District

Located in downtown Pagadian, the hotel’s convenient location makes banks, restaurants, and souvenir shops readily accessible. 

The hotel features amenities such as free Wi-Fi in all rooms and common areas, 24-hour front desk and room service, and express check-in/check-out. Cable TV and complimentary tea, coffee, and slippers are available in selected guestrooms. 

The hotel also offers recreational facilities such as karaoke rooms.

Rates can go as low as Php998/night for a Standard Single to Php4,450/night for a Chandler Suite. 

Visit Chandler Suite’s Facebook page for more information. 

Mardale Hotel
Cabrera Street

This budget-friendly hotel is conveniently located just off Pagadian’s main highway. Rooms have amenities such as air conditioning, cable TV, and free WiFi. Selected rooms come with a desk. 

It has a lounge, 24-hour front desk and room service, express check-in/check-out, and free parking for guests. The hotel also has an in-house restaurant for breakfast and other meals. 

For those looking for a relaxing stay, Mardale Hotel has recreational facilities like a swimming pool, gym, and sauna. 

The center of Pagadian is within 2 kilometers from the hotel. It is about a 5-minute drive to Pulacan Falls and 10 minutes to Megayon Park. Near the hotel are fast food chains, restaurants, and other commercial establishments.

Room rates range from Php798 to Php3,498/night.

For more details, visit Mardale Hotel’s Facebook page.

Zamboanga Sibugay

Casa Mea Hotel and Restaurant
Ipil

This hotel is centrally-located in the capital Ipil. It has its own in-house restaurant, free WiFI, and karaoke rooms. 

It is also located right next to a bank and near fast food and dining establishments, making it a convenient base while in the province. 

A Standard Deluxe Room costs Php900/night, Standard Room at Php1000/night, Double Deluxe and Barkadahan Rooms at Php1,300/night, and a Matrimonial Room at Php1,500/night.

Visit Casa Mea Hotel and Restaurant’s Facebook page for more information.

Isabela de Basilan

Kasinnahan Hotel
Basilan Circumferential Road

The hotel is situated in a tranquil area about 10 minutes away from the city center and just off the highway. 

The hotel’s modern rustic theme allows it to blend with the surrounding nature. The rooms have a hot and cold shower and cable television. Free WiFI is available within the property but the signal tends to be weak in the rooms. 

It has an outdoor pool and an in-house restaurant. Its banquet halls and conference room can accommodate large gatherings. 

A Superior Twin Room that is good for two can be booked for Php1,700/night, while a Villa for up to six guests will set you back Php4,000/night. 

For more information you can visit Kasinnahan Hotel’s Facebook page. 

Basilan Business Hotel
Magno Street

This hotel is located only a stone’s throw away from the Aguada Grande River, Port Isabela, banks, and commercial establishments. 

All rooms are air-conditioned with cable TV, hot and cold shower, bidet, and refrigerator. 

The hotel also offers 24-hour front desk and room, laundry, document printing, and massage services and free WiFi.  

The hotel has its own restaurant, Kahapan Cafe and Restaurant. It serves dishes and coffee-based drinks that make use of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients from small farms and fishermen. 

Rates are at Php1,800/night for a Standard Room, Php2,500/night for an Executive Room, and Php4,000/night for an Executive Room. 

Visit Basilan Business Hotel’s Facebook page for more details or email basilanbusinesss@gmail.com for reservations. 

Getting there 

Zamboanga City- As a major port city, it serves as one of the main transportation hubs of Mindanao and is easily accessible by land, sea, and air. 

There are daily flights to the Zamboanga City International Airport from Manila and Cebu via Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific. Cebu Pacific also has flights from Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, and Davao.

Daily buses from Dipolog, Dapitan, Pagadian, Ozamiz, Cagayan de Oro, and Iligan take travelers to Zamboanga City. Bus travel from Cebu and Bacolod is also possible with a RORO ferry connection. 

Ferries bring passengers every Sunday from Manila. There are also passenger ships sailing from Cebu, Dumaguete, Davao, Dipolog, Iloilo, and General Santos. 

You can reach Zamboanga City by car if you are coming from Pagadian, Cotabato, Davao, General Santos, and Surigao.

Dipolog, Dapitan, and Pagadian- There are regular commercial flights to Dipolog and Pagadian from Manila.

There are daily buses from Zamboanga City to Dipolog, Dapitan, and Pagadian.

• Zamboanga Sibugay- There are no direct flights to Zamboanga Sibugay. The nearest airports are located in Zamboanga City (110 km away), Pagadian (150 km away), and Dipolog (180 km away). Ipil, the capital, is accessible by land travel roughly 3-4 hours from neighboring cities.
• Isabela de Basilan- Access to Isabela de Basilan is usually through Zamboanga City. From there, a 1 hour and 45 minute ferry ride will take you to Isabela de Basilan. The fare ranges from Php20 (student and senior citizen’s discounted fare on some conventional ferries) to P70 (first-class w/ aircon). Visitors can also take a “Fast Craft” which only takes about 45 minutes.

Another option is to travel to Isabela and from there get on a bus plying the Isabela-Lamitan route. There is a bus available every hour. 

Outsource the Planning

For a seamless trip, you may leave the planning to DOT’s accredited tour operators in Region 9:
Zamboanga City and Isabela de Basilan

• Itravel Tourist Lane

(062) 991-1174 / 0917-722-6410; itraveltouristlane2020@gmail.com

• Buenas Travel and Tours

09062087106; milabelrichter01@gmail.com

• Travel Max Tours

(062) 990-2100; knowelle_88@yahoo.com

• Happy Campers Tour and Leisure

09177103094; happycampers349@gmail.com

Zamboanga del Sur

• MTR Travel Specialist

0930-061-1690 / 0997-745-2957; mtrtravel2021@gmail.com or mtrtravelvic@gmail.com

For travel to Zamboanga del Norte or Zamboanga Sibugay, you may reach out to any of the agencies above.

Travel safely!

All tourist destinations in Zamboanga Peninsula have health and safety protocols in place to protect locals and visitors alike. Everyone is expected to comply by wearing face masks, regularly washing their hands, and practicing physical distancing.

To check out up-to-date information regarding local destinations that are open and the safety protocols and requirements needed for each location, you may visit www.philippines.travel/safetrip or download the Travel Philippines app at app.philippines.travel or the Google Playstore.

The post Hotels You Can Book in Zamboanga Peninsula appeared first on 7641 Islands of the Philippines.

Malamawi is a quaint island off the coast of Basilan. Its long white beaches can rival those of Boracay, and its quiet setting provides a much-needed solitude.

New beginnings

Under its new management in 2019, the 11-hectare Malamawi White Beach Resort, has grown from a simple tourist attraction to a sustainable community-driven initiative. 

“When [we] took over, we closed [the resort] because we wanted to clean up and get rid of the amount of trash from the property,” shares acting-general manager Mona Cali. 

She elaborates that they make an active effort to have locals involved in the resort. “We try to give back to the community, we made an HR policy to hire just locals,” Cali says. 

More than just regular staff, their team empowers them with useful skills. “We trained some of them as lifeguards, they’re really good swimmers. The abilities are already there, we just wanted to add some technical knowledge,” she adds.

Better tourist mindset

Continuing on the resort’s initiatives, Cali adds that their strategy is environmental sustainability. “We will stick to that because we need to have this mindset,” she says. 

Her group wants to change the idea of what a tourist destination can be, “We had to change our mindset from accepting as many guests as we can,” Cali explains, “we tried to resist volume-driven service.”

All visits are by-reservation to limit the daily flow of guests. They try to manage the number of guests by not going beyond a hundred. This way they can give a better service 

An entrance fee of Php600 per person is inclusive of food service by the resort and free use of the day-trip cottages. An overnight stay at one of its villas will cost Php6,999, good for four guests and with breakfast included. 

All food is prepared by its in-house team and most of the resort’s dishes consist of fresh seafood such as shrimp, crabs, and fish. Cali also shares that the resort’s dishes are halal, highlighting that not many resorts in the country offer a full halal menu.

Committing to sustainability

To uphold its environmental sustainability ethos, Malamawi White Beach Resort implemented three core policies.

“[The] first one is that we carefully segregate our food waste,” Cali says. “We turn the food waste into fertilizer through the Bokashi method.”

This was the first policy implemented early due to the challenging trash logistics for the resort. “This is an island, so it’s difficult to coordinate with the city proper to collect our trash,” the general manager adds. “We really had to find a way to manage our own trash here.”

The second policy is the ban of single-use plastics in the resort. Cali shares that this doesn’t just apply to guests. 

“We also implemented it with the staff,” she says. “They can’t bring in bottled water, they have to bring their own tumblers.” 

Cali emphasizes that they can’t enforce these policies on guests if they don’t practice it themselves. As she puts it, it has to start within.

“The third [policy] is paperless payments,” Cali shares. “We encourage [guests] to pay through whatever is convenient online.” 

This removes the need for paper receipts at the resort. She also adds that they make sure that [guests] are notified about our policies, and they agree to it before we accept their booking.

What’s ahead?

On the resort’s current initiatives, Cali admits that it’s not yet perfect, but they are starting a movement.

She continues that even if their efforts are small, it’s the right step in the larger picture of environmental awareness. 

“We’re starting to make them realize that it’s not just here, this is a global struggle,” Cali says. “We just want to be ahead of our game.”

As for future plans, Cali teases that they have plans to hammer down further on their sustainable processes. 

“One of our proposals is to not just make this a tourism site, but also as an agri-site. Going back to our sustainability strategy, we also want to grow our own vegetables,” she shares enthusiastically.

Getting there & things to do

Malamawi island is accessible from Isabela City Port. A 10 to 15-minute public boat ride to Carbon Port would cost Php10, while renting the entire boat would cost around Php100. 

Once on the island, a Php150 habal-habal ride will take you to the resort in around 25 minutes. If you have a lot of luggage, you can get a multicab to take you to the resort from Carbon Port, good for 10 people.

More than just lounging at its beach, the resort also offers many water and land activities for guests. The resort has a hike trail which leads to a high point on the island with a view of the beach.

Guests can also rent a jet ski to cruise around the shore, with a driver to assist. A 30-minute jet ski rental would be Php 2,000. Guests can also go snorkeling in the beach’s waters, which provide a clear view of the vibrant corals and diverse marine life underneath. 

To reach the snorkeling site, guests can rent a jetski for Php 4,000 per hour. Larger groups may rent a speedboat for snorkeling at Php 10,000 per hour.

Book your reservation through Malamawi White Beach Resort’s Facebook page or contact the Isabela tourism office at 09614578092.

Outsource the Planning

For a seamless trip, you may leave the planning to DOT’s accredited tour operators in Region 9:

• Itravel Tourist Lane

(062) 991-1174 / 0917-722-6410; itraveltouristlane2020@gmail.com

• Buenas Travel and Tours

09062087106; milabelrichter01@gmail.com

• Travel Max Tours

(062) 990-2100; knowelle_88@yahoo.com

• Happy Campers Tour and Leisure

09177103094; happycampers349@gmail.com

• MTR Travel Specialist

0930-061-1690 / 0997-745-2957; mtrtravel2021@gmail.com or mtrtravelvic@gmail.com

Travel safely!

All tourist destinations in Isabela de Basilan have health and safety protocols in place to protect locals and visitors alike. Everyone is expected to comply by wearing face masks, regularly washing their hands, and practicing physical distancing.

To check out up-to-date information regarding local destinations that are open and the safety protocols and requirements needed for each location, you may visit philippines.travel/safetrip or download the Travel Philippines app at app.philippines.travel or the Google Playstore.

The post How Basilan’s Halal Resort in Malamawi Stays Peaceful and Green appeared first on 7641 Islands of the Philippines.

If you’re heading for Zamboanga City, it pays to pick up a few Chavacano phrases to help you get immersed in the local culture. It is one of the widely spoken languages in the region, co-existing with Bisaya, Tausug, Yakan, and Tagalog. 

We’ve compiled the following phrases and words below to help you navigate the destination easily. But we’ve also thrown in a little bit of Chavacano history—why it has Spanish flair—and how the language is used in the region today at the end. 

More than learning the language, it is also important (and interesting) to know how Chavacano came to be. Enjoy!

Phrases for greetings/showing courtesy

• Hello – Quetal? (Kumusta?) / Quidao (Take Care)
• Good morning/afternoon/evening – Buenas Dias! Buenas Tardes! Buenas Noches!
• Thank you/Welcome – Muchas Gracias! De nada!
• Excuse me/Sorry – Dispensa kumigo 
• How are you/I’m good, thank you – Quetal ya tu? / Bueno, gracias

Phrases for asking directions/traveling/lodging

• Where is the nearest… – Onde puede incuntra…
  • Toilet? – Donde esta el bano? / Donde esta el casillas?
  • Gas Station? – con el gas station? / Onde puede compra  gasolina? (Where can I buy gas?)
  • Police Station? – estasyon del pulis?
  • Hospital/Pharmacy? – hospital/ farmacia?
  • Hotel? – hotel?
• How do I get to [location name?] – Paquilaya yo puede llega na? (literal: how do I arrive at?
• How much is the fare to  [location?] – Cuanto el pasaje para na [lokasyon]?
• May I have my change? – Puede yo saca mi sinsilyo?
• Stop, please. – Para anay. Pabor.
• I would like to book a room/ – Quiere yo man reserva/saca un cuarto
• Do you have rooms available? – Tiene pa oste maga cuarto?
• What time is check-in/check-out? – Cosa hora tu man check-in/check-out?
• Travel Safely! – Tiene cuidao! (literal: take care!)

Phrases for buying/ordering

• How much is this? – Cuanto este?
• May I buy [amount] of this? – Puede yo compra ansina cantidad de [item]?
• Do you have this in a different size? – Tiene oste mas grande (bigger)/mas jutay
• (bigger/smaller) mas jutay (smaller)?
• I would like to order, please. – Quiere era yo man order./ Puede yo man order?
• May we remove [certain ingredient] – Puede oste kita con el [certain ingredient] from the dish, please? na diamon comida, favor?
• The dish is sweet/sour/salty/etc. – Dulce/Agriu/Salaw el comida.

Phrases for asking help/emergencies

• May I ask for help? – Puede yo pidi ayuda?
• What time is it? – Cosa ya hora? / Cosa hora ya?
• I’m lost/I need directions – Perdido yo/Necita yo direccion.
• I am sick/injured – Malo yo ta sinti./ Irido yo. (I have a cut)
• I lost my phone/wallet/bag – Ya perde di mio phone/wallet/bag

Other fun phrases/words to learn 

• Counting in Chavacano – Uno, dos, tres…
• Time/Dates in Chavacano – Hora (time)/ Pecha (Date)

A Deeper Look into Chavacano 

Chavacano’s roots run deep within the region’s history. Floraime Oliveros Pantaleta from the Ateneo Center for Culture and the Arts of the Ateneo de Zamboanga University (AdZU) describes the Chavacano as a mingling of the languages of laborers, traders, and colonizers within Zamboanga City. It was one of the major trade centers in Mindanao during the Spanish occupation. 

“Chavacano is a Spanish Creolle. [Its] supposed origin goes back 386 years to the time when the Fortaleza del Pilar (more popularly known as the Fort Pilar) was established in what we now call Zamboanga City,” she says. 

Pantaleta notes that whatever language the Spanish, Sebuano, Tausug, Lutaos, and other peoples in the region used to communicate during the occupation eventually developed into what Chavacano is now. She notes that there is still a lot to say and learn between Chavacano’s origins and current use.

Today, Chavacano figures into the region’s educational system, literary production, and festivities. It is taught in the basic education curriculum; it has its own festival, the Dia de Fundacion de Chavacano, every June 23rd; and there are even music festivals, quiz bees, and film festivals, all to encourage creative production in the language.

Pantaleta herself has been part of this movement: not only has she been able to translate an English story into Chavacano (through the Sari Sari Storybooks project), but she has also published a Chavacano poem and its English translation in a literary journal. 

But there is more work to be done, she admits. “There are wins but we also still want to bridge a disconnect with readership because some of these materials still do not rebound back to the community.” 

“We are not certain that our educational institutions somehow benefit from them through use in classrooms,” she adds.

She also says that the challenge is to encourage native Chavacano and even Tausug speakers to create works of art that stem from their own motivations, not by outside institutions who simply want to showcase token representation of the language. 

“I would say there is also creative energy among the young ones in the region, not just the Chavacano speakers but from those who speak Tausug as well, that needs to be cultivated,” she notes. 

More importantly, Pantaleta wants to reframe how we think of Chavacano—she thinks of it not as a colonizer’s language, but a language borne out of the local population’s willingness to learn Spanish despite the colonizer’s unwillingness to do so. 

“There were very practical reasons for the birth of this creole, to be able to communicate despite political and cultural barriers. Language was consequential for trade and labor in those days,” she adds.

“We usually privilege affinities with the colonizer, but Chavacano is ours, not theirs. Languages borne from colonization are not the colonizer’s languages. We do not need Chavacano to be standard Spanish. It is its own language.”

Outsource the planning: iTravel Tourist Lane, Buenas Travel and Tours, Travel Max Tours

Travel safely!

All tourist destinations in Zamboanga City have health and safety protocols in place to protect locals and visitors alike. Everyone is expected to comply by wearing face masks, regularly washing their hands, and practicing physical distancing.

To check out up-to-date information regarding local destinations that are open and the safety protocols and requirements needed for each location, you may visit philippines.travel/safetrip or download the Travel Philippines app at app.philippines.travel, Apple Store, or Google Playstore.

The post Useful Phrases in Chavacano for Traveling appeared first on 7641 Islands of the Philippines.

While most of these are still under the tourist radar for now, some are fast becoming staples of travel itineraries. A number of these destinations have strict sustainability measures in anticipation of a possible influx of tourists as COVID-19 restrictions have eased. 

If you are thinking of traveling to the region, here are a few of the natural attractions you may want to consider visiting. 

Pahali Resort, Malamawi Island, Isabela de Basilan

This stretch of powdery white sand is considered one of Basilan’s top destinations. The 11-hectare property is mostly developed with villas where guests can stay overnight. The resort has an in-house restaurant that has a full halal menu consisting mostly of fresh fish and seafood. 

They also offer water activities like jet skiing and scuba diving. Snorkelers and divers are in for a treat as Malamawi’s aquamarine waters are rich with marine life.

Just outside the resort is a trail that leads to one of the island’s highest points. The trek rewards visitors with scenic views of the Basilan Strait and its islets. 

The resort adheres to a strict three-core environmental sustainability ethos. They practice food segregation, ban single-use plastics, and have shifted to paperless transactions.

To visit Malamawi White Beach Resort, contact (+63) 975 269 7133 or email malamawiwhitebeachresort@gmail.com. All visits are by reservation to limit the number of guests. 

Santa Cruz Islands, Zamboanga City

The twin islands are situated on the Basilan Strait, off the coast of the city and just a 20-minute boat ride from Paseo del Mar, Zamboanga City

Neighboring Santa Cruz Grande is famous for its pink sand beach. The color is a result of naturally crushed red organ pipe corals that blend with the island’s natural white sand. Its waters are pristine and brim with aquatic life. 

There is a yellow boat tour of its lagoon and mangroves where visitors can interact with stingless jellyfish and feast on latok or sea grapes freshly plucked from the sea.

The number of visitors to the island is regulated. Guests who wish to visit the island can coordinate with the Tourism Office in Zamboanga City’s Paseo del Mar at least a day in advance. 

Once Islas, Zamboanga City

This chain of islands and islets is one of the province’s newest eco-cultural tourism destinations. It consists of 11 islands with all but four off-limits to the public. The colorful Vinta sails decked by the beach fronts of the available islands lend them a Zamboangueño vibe. 

Since these four islands—Bisaya-Bisaya, Sirommon, Buh-Buh, and Baung-Baung—were opened to travelers in 2018, they have become popular among tourists looking for more eco-friendly travel. 

All have a strict Garbage In-Garbage Out policy and visitors can only engage in low-impact activities like swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and trekking. 

To book your trip, email OnceIslas@gmail.com or call (+62) 975 6341. 

Mount Timolan, Zamboanga del Sur 

With a forested landscape and rugged terrain, Zamboanga del Sur has a lot to offer to adventure seekers. 

A popular hike among local mountaineers is Mount Timolan, a mountain tucked away in the mineral-rich town of Tigbao. Rising 1,777 meters above sea level, it takes about three hours to reach the summit.

From the peak, one has unobstructed views of neighboring mountains including Mount Pinukis, an inactive volcano. The summit also has a crater lake that is heart-shape known as Lake Maragang.

The mountain is known for its biodiversity. It is a habitat of the Philippine Eagle and several endemic species of the cockatoo, hawk eagle, pygmy squirrel, warty pig, and sailfin lizard. Its forests are also home to various bird and snake species, water monitors, and geckos.

Mount Pulong Bato, Zamboanga City

What makes this mountain unique from all the others surrounding the city is that it is a monolith, meaning it is made of solid rock. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) confirmed that it used to be a volcano that has been inactive for thousands of years. 

Its name is partly inspired by a myth. Locals tell of a story of two star-crossed lovers, Pulong and Maryam, who jumped off a cliff in the mountain after the woman’s family disapproved of their relationship.

The monolith also goes by another name, Columbato, from the Tagalog words kolum (column) and bato (stone or rock). 

Getting to the top of Mount Pulong Bato is a bit challenging, but the effort affords visitors with views of nearby Zamboanga City and its environs. 

The mountain is near Abong-Abong Park, a pilgrimage site for Catholics during Holy Week. Visitors trekking the mountain will see each of the 14 Stations of the Cross of Jesus Christ every 50 meters or so.

Pasonanca Natural Park

Pasonanca Natural Park- At the heart of Zamboanga City’s vast forest is the Pasonanca Natural Park (PaNP), a 17,000-hectare protected area that provides an important life-support system not only to the unique flora and fauna that can be found within it, but also to the people of its surrounding communities.

It was only recently that researchers confirmed it has the presence of a nesting Philippine eagle, making it home to the Philippine national bird and the world’s largest bird of prey.

The Pasonanca Natural Park is a protected area established under the National Protected Area System (NIPAS) by virtue of RA No. 7586 as amended by RA 11038. It encompasses 4 watersheds each with separate catchment areas and river systems namely, Pasonanca, Ayala, Manicahan and Culinanan-Bolong

Pasonanca Natural park is the 3rd highest in the Philippines in terms of level of biological diversity. It has 70 species belonging to family dipterocarpacae and palmae thriving within the park dominated with white lauan (Shorea contorta) and Red Lauan (shorea negrosensis). An estimated 15,000 flora species is also present in the park with 50% of which are endemics, 105 out of 579 species of birds in the Philippines occur in the park, 24 out of 165 mammal species in the Philippines are also found in the park, 44 out of 82 species of amphibians in the Philippines also found in the park, 71 of 208 endemic reptile species in the Philippines can be found in the park, 77 families under class insecta were also recorded in the park.

Sungkilaw Falls, Zamboanga del Norte

Nestled amid a dense forest is this 20-foot high waterfall. Reaching the falls requires a tough hike of about 400 winding steps in the shadow of trees. 

Through the efforts of the local government and Subanen communities, cottages and toilets have been constructed in the area. Trails had also been carved out for an easier trek to the falls.  

Near Sungkilaw Falls is the Organization for Industrial, Spiritual, and Cultural Advancement (OISCA) forest park, a project of the Japanese government. Here, visitors can engage in outdoor sports like rappelling, Tyrolean traverse, canoeing, and swimming. 

Kabug Mangrove Park and Wetlands, Zamboanga Sibugay

This protected mangrove park in the municipality of Siay is one of the nine major flyways in the world for migratory birds. The diversity of the birds in the area make it a popular site for birdwatchers. 

Migratory birds from the East Asian-Australasian Flyway (EAAF) briefly rest and feed in the wetlands before completing their routes. The flyway runs through 22 countries and sees at least 50 million waterbirds including 32 threatened species fly through it.

Kabug Mangrove Park and Wetlands is also an ecotourism destination that promotes environmental conservation and awareness.

More than birdwatching, the area has kayak rentals and boat tours, including one on an eco-brick boat made with recycled plastic bottles stuffed with plastic waste.

Marang-Marang Mangroves, Isabela de Basilan

This thick network of mangroves is about a 30-minute boat ride from Isabela de Basilan’s James Strong Boulevard. 

It is home to various flora and fauna and a community of Sama Banguingui, one of the ethnolinguistic groups native to the Sulu Archipelago.

A visit to the area is part of the Marang-Marang Cottage experience. Twin cottages jut out amid the mangroves where visitors can sample authentic Sama and Tausug cuisine prepared by an association of Sama Banguigui women. 

Touring the surrounding mangroves on an outrigger boat gives visitors an idea of where the locals derive their livelihood and source most of their food. It also gives a peek into their everyday life as some traditional houses on stilts are built in the area. 

To arrange a visit to the Marang-Marang Floating Cottage, coordinate with Isabela de Basilan’s Tourism Office before your visit.

Getting there

• Zamboanga City- As a major port city, it serves as one of the main transportation hubs of Mindanao and is easily accessible by land, sea, and air.

There are daily flights to the Zamboanga City International Airport from Manila and Cebu via Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific. Cebu Pacific also has flights from Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, and Davao.

Daily buses from Dipolog, Dapitan, Pagadian, Ozamiz, Cagayan de Oro, and Iligan take travelers to Zamboanga City. Bus travel from Cebu and Bacolod is also possible with a RORO ferry connection. 

Ferries bring passengers every Sunday from Manila. There are also passenger ships sailing from Cebu, Dumaguete, Davao, Dipolog, Iloilo, and General Santos. 

You can reach Zamboanga City by car if you are coming from Pagadian, Cotabato, Davao, General Santos, and Surigao.

• Dipolog, Dapitan, and Pagadian- There are regular commercial flights to Dipolog and Pagadian from Manila.

There are daily buses from Zamboanga City to Dipolog, Dapitan, and Pagadian.

• Zamboanga Sibugay- There are no direct flights to Zamboanga Sibugay. The nearest airports are located in Zamboanga City (110 km away), Pagadian (150 km away), and Dipolog (180 km away). Ipil, the capital, is accessible by land travel roughly 3-4 hours from neighboring cities.
• Isabela de Basilan- Access to Basilan is usually through Zamboanga City. From there, a 1 hour and 45 minute ferry ride will take you to Isabela de Basilan. The fare ranges from Php20 (student and senior citizen’s discounted fare on some conventional ferries) to P70 (first-class w/ aircon). Visitors can also take a “Fast Craft” which only takes about 45 minutes.

Another option is to travel to Isabela and from there get on a bus plying the Isabela-Lamitan route. There is a bus available every hour. 

Outsource the Planning

For a seamless trip, you may leave the planning to DOT’s accredited tour operators in Region 9:

Zamboanga City and Isabela de Basilan

• Itravel Tourist Lane

(062) 991-1174 / 0917-722-6410; itraveltouristlane2020@gmail.com

• Buenas Travel and Tours

09062087106; milabelrichter01@gmail.com

• Travel Max Tours

(062) 990-2100; knowelle_88@yahoo.com

• Happy Campers Tour and Leisure

09177103094; happycampers349@gmail.com

Zamboanga del Sur

• MTR Travel Specialist

0930-061-1690 / 0997-745-2957; mtrtravel2021@gmail.com or mtrtravelvic@gmail.com

For travel to Zamboanga del Norte or Zamboanga Sibugay, you may reach out to any of the agencies above.

Travel safely! 

All tourist destinations in the Zamboanga Peninsula have health and safety protocols in place to protect locals and visitors alike. Everyone is expected to comply by wearing face masks, regularly washing their hands, and practicing physical distancing.

To check out up-to-date information regarding local destinations that are open and the safety protocols and requirements needed for each location, you may visit www.philippines.travel/safetrip or download the Travel Philippines app at app.philippines.travel or the Google Playstore.

The post Ten Natural Wonders of the Zamboanga Peninsula appeared first on 7641 Islands of the Philippines.

Traditional Filipino courtship practices are recognized as one of the most romantic gestures as it gives immense importance to respecting the woman and her family. Even if it means adhering to strict rules and conditions set by the future in-laws.

Old forms of courtship are shown in different ways. The most notable is Harana wherein a man is expected to perform a serenade outside the home of a lady he wishes to pursue. Expressing love could also be done by reciting poems, writing letters, gift-giving, and like Zamboanguenos — through dancing.

Zamboanga takes pride in cultural dances from social graces to courtship and events depicting the cycle of life. These are continuously being passed down from one generation to another, allowing us to glimpse how our ancestors proclaimed love and courage long ago. 

Chavacano de Zamboanga

“One thing that tourists will appreciate is that Zamboanga has beautiful sunsets,” says Errold Bayona, president of Asociacion de Guia Turistico del Zamboanga (Tour Guide’s Association of Zamboanga).

Locals highly advise that if you are the kind of traveler who loves sunsets, taking a stroll along Paseo del Mar or Cawa-Cawa Boulevard before sundown is a must. This activity even translated to Zamboanga’s very own folk dance, Chavacano de Zamboanga.

Chavacano de Zamboanga is a 3-minute festival dance that depicts lovers having a leisurely walk along the boulevard or seaports of Zamboanga.

For this traditional dance, the costumes are closely associated with Spanish formal dresses. Male dancers wear Camiseta Zamboangueno, a combination of closed-necked jackets, Baston or slim-fit trousers, and Oxford shoes.

Meanwhile, Mascota dresses are donned by female dancers. This is a butterfly-sleeved formal gown with a delicately embroidered neck scarf called Panuelo placed over the shoulders and pinned with a brooch. This was considered a fashion statement for the elite during the Spanish regime.

This dance is usually accompanied by Kulintang, a musical instrument composed of 5 to 9 small brass gongs with each pitch arranged from lowest to highest. Kulintang is usually paired with larger gongs or suspended drums.

Tourists may witness this being performed during Zamboanga’s month-long La Hermosa Festival that happens every October. Zamboanguenos also perform this dance every time they welcome group travelers at the airport.

Tumahik

Tumahik is a traditional pre-wedding dance of the Yakan. As a suitor, the man must prove his courageousness and that he is willing to protect his bride at all costs in front of the bride’s family.

This mock war dance incorporates the fighting skills of a strong Yakan warrior such as tumbling, high kicking, and other movements from southeast Asian martial arts. Facial expressions and head movements also play a big role, as male dancers should enact Magtige-et, the gritting of teeth to show anger and exhibit Bingkis-kuntara or furious-looking eyes. 

Male dancers wear Badju, a Yakan woven tight-fitting top decorated with brass buttons called Batawi. The top is partnered with Sawal Peyat or trousers entirely woven with Sinaulan pattern signifying strength and resilience.

They also wear leg tassels called Jambu made of silk threads symbolizing horsetail, as horsemanship and horse breeding are important in the Yakan culture. For the weapons, the male dancers carry Taming, a 26 to 30-inch shield made of woven rattan or Camphor wood, and Budjak, a bladed spear-like weapon made of bamboo.

Pangalay

One thing that tourists will also get to appreciate is seeing the Sama-Banguingui tribe dancing Pangalay on top of sailing Vinta boats at Great Sta Cruz Island.

Pangalay is considered a celebratory dance and is performed during weddings or festivals. It is known for its graceful and distinct hip steps that mimic the movements of the Sulu sea.

“It has been the tribe’s celebratory dance. So we thought of ways to share the art with VIPs and guests of Sta Cruz Island. Now, we perform this dance as a surprise number,” says Richard Aliangan, superintendent of the Great and Little Sta Cruz Islands Protected Landscape and Seascape.

For the clothing, the dancers wear striking silk ensembles that have golden stripes. “It is an expression of status when you wear something colorful and shiny,” Aliangan explains. “The colorful the sail as you visit the woman, the greater the honor.”

Upholding folk dances amidst today’s dance trends

With the birth of social media dance apps like TikTok, today’s youth are into modern dance crazes. But Zamboanga Peninsula Polytechnic State University (ZPPSU)’s Artistic Dance Director Mark Anthony Basilio believes in the power of knowing your roots and that appreciation of both traditional and modern dances can coexist.

“I believe one of our responsibilities is to pass the tradition to the younger generation and hopefully inspire them. So far in our school, the students are fascinated by it. They are proud of what we have,” says Basilio.

Basilio directs ZPPSU’s Nawan Cultural Dance Troupe, a multi-awarded folk dance group that represents the country’s culture on the global dance stage. Nawan is a Subanen word which means, The Future, and they have competed in different parts of the world such as Bulgaria, India, Italy, and Mexico.

“Dancing is usually considered as a form of entertainment or past-time, but more than anything, I want the young ones to realize and treasure what we have and where we came from,” ends Basilio.

Outsource the Planning

For a seamless trip, you may leave the planning to DOT’s accredited tour operators in Region 9:

• Itravel Tourist Lane

(062) 991-1174 / 0917-722-6410; itraveltouristlane2020@gmail.com

• Buenas Travel and Tours

09062087106; milabelrichter01@gmail.com

• Travel Max Tours

(062) 990-2100; knowelle_88@yahoo.com

• Happy Campers Tour and Leisure

09177103094; happycampers349@gmail.com

• MTR Travel Specialist

0930-061-1690 / 0997-745-2957; mtrtravel2021@gmail.com or mtrtravelvic@gmail.com

Travel safely!

Explore Zamboanga City responsibly by making sure that you comply with the health and safety protocols, such as wearing face masks and practicing social distancing.

For the latest travel information about Zamboanga, you may visit their official website or Facebook page. You may also review updated safety protocols and requirements on Philippine destinations at www.philippines.travel/safetrip or download the Travel Philippines app at app.philippines.travel.

The post Love and Courage Expressed through Zamboanga Dances appeared first on 7641 Islands of the Philippines.