It was then the Quarters of the American Officers in the early days of the American Period here in Zamboanga. When the Americans left, it was later purchased by a mestizo – Mr. Antonio Bayot, who later on ran it as a regular fashionable sea side resort hotel naming it Hotel Bayot. Until in the 1970’s, Mr. Bayot sold it to the Walstrom family.

Its recorded history will tell you its numerous world class Travelers that composed its long lists of who’s who in its roster of Guest Lists. The many functions that it held like, weddings, fashion shows, well appointed formal dinners, debut parties, masquerade balls, and costume parties at the terrace so scenic and breathtaking that one can sit for hours watching a view incomparable to any view I’ve seen before in my numerous travels: the busy Port (pantalan) of Zamboanga and its numerous colorful boats that calls from the different islands come into full view, the pink sand twin Sta. Cruz Islands in the distance, and of course, the straits of Basilan with its Blue Mountains capped with clouds. Nearby are the sea-faring Badjaos and Samals selling corals, shells, and pearls – and mooring their Vintas for that afternoon rest.

Sitting at the Talisay Bar with a glass of white russian (a mix of vodka, Kahlua and milk) will set the mood for one relaxing afternoon with nature.  It is indeed a picturesque view, good enough to incite the artistic juices for an artist enough to inspire poets or any writer or any Don Juan to fall in love with "Charming Zamboanga".

The best times to be in Talisay Bar is in the morning, as the morning sun gives a soft glow of lambent light to the whole view, and of course, in the afternoon, when the sea breeze gets balmy as the setting sun softens into the twilight and sets the western sky into crimson.

Indeed, the best things in life are "free" – only if you take time to ponder and observe that nature is here for us to enjoy.