Zamboanga City

Search for any Chavacano, English words or names of places ↔ Type the in the “search window” below and press “ENTER“.

Zamboanga City, located in the southern part of the Philippines, is known for several notable aspects:

1. Cultural Diversity: Zamboanga City is recognized for its rich cultural heritage and diverse ethnic makeup. It is often referred to as the “Asia’s Latin City” due to its strong Hispanic influence. The city is home to various ethnic groups, including the indigenous Subanen, The religion of Islam coexists peacefully with Christianity.

2. Chavacano Language: Zamboanga City is renowned as the center of the Chavacano language, a Spanish-based Creole language. Chavacano is widely spoken by the locals and is considered one of the oldest creole languages in Asia.

3. Fort Pilar: The city is famous for Fort Pilar, a Spanish-era fortress and national shrine. Built in the 17th century, it served as a defensive structure against pirates and other threats. Today, it stands as a historical landmark and a symbol of Zamboanga’s colonial past.

4. Vinta Festival: Zamboanga City celebrates the Vinta Festival, a vibrant and colorful event showcasing traditional vintas, which are traditional sailboats adorned with colorful sails and ornaments. The festival highlights the city’s seafaring heritage and features parades, cultural performances, and competitions.

5. Pink Sand Beaches: The city is also known for its stunning pink sand beaches, particularly in the nearby Santa Cruz Islands. These unique beaches derive their pink hue from crushed red organ-pipe coral mixed with the white sand, creating a visually captivating natural phenomenon.

6. Yakan Weaving: The indigenous Yakan people of Zamboanga City are renowned for their intricate and vibrant handwoven textiles. Yakan weaving is highly regarded for its geometric patterns and bold colors, and their products, such as traditional garments and accessories, are sought after by locals and tourists alike.

Overall, Zamboanga City offers a blend of historical, cultural, and natural attractions that make it a distinctive and captivating destination in the Philippines.

Zamboanga City was known simply as Zamboanga before it became a chartered city in 1936. Now it is known as “Zamboanga hermosa, urgollo de Mindanao”, the “city of flowers”, and as “Asia’s latin City”.

Those who were born in Zamboanga or who are residents of  Zamboanga City are called Zamboangueños. The majority of the people who live in Zamboanga City speak the chavacano language. Of course several other languages are spoken in Zamboanga City but the local residents are really proud of their language and the name that they have coined for it, “chavacano”.

• The Official Language of Zamboanga City is Chavacano.
• The other major languages spoken in Zamboanga are:Filipino, English, Cebuano, Bisaya, Tausug, Subanon, Samal, Tagalog, Spanish, Chinese
• English is still the language used in all the school system to educate the public. Filipino or Tagalog is the second language used for education.

• • The 2020 Census has the Population of Zamboanga City at: 977,234
  • The 2015 Census has the Population of Zamboanga City at: 861,799
  • The 2010 Census has the Population of Zamboanga City at: Total 807,129
  • The 2007 Census has the Population of Zamboanga City at: Total 774,407

Of The 98 Barangays of Zamboanga City (21 are now Islamic)
Zamboanga City must never be a victim of religious governance. It must never fall into an Islamic rule. Government must never finance religions or make republic acts favoring religions. The separation of church and state must be maintained.

98 Barangays of Zamboanga City within Region 9 – Mindanao in the Republic of The Philippines
Arena Blanco-D2 ● Ayala-D1 ● Baliwasan-D1 ● Baluno-D1 ● Boalan-D2 ● Bolong-D2 ● Buenavista-D2 ● Bunguiao-D2 ● Busay-D2 ● Cabaluay-D2 ● Cabatangan-D1 ● Cacao-D2 ● Calabasa-D2 ● Calarian-D1 ● Camino Nuevo-D1 ● Campo Islam-D1 ● Canelar-D1 ● Capisan-D1 ● Cawit-D1 ● Culianan-D2 ● Curuan-D2 ● Daap ● Dita-D2 ● Divisoria-D2 ● Dulian Bunguiao-D2 ● Dulian Pasonanca-D1 ● Guisao-D2 ● Guiwan-D2 ● Kasanyangan-D2 ● La Paz-D1 ● Labuan-D1 ● Lamisahan-D2 ● Landang Gua-D2 ● Landang Laum-D2 ● Lanzones-D2 ● Lapakan-D2 ● Latuan Curuan-D2 ● Licomo-D2 ● Limaong ● Limpapa-D1 ● Lubigan-D2 ● Lumayang-D2 ● Lumbangan-D2 ● Lunzuran-D2 ● Maasin-D1 ● Malagutay-D1 ● Mampang-D2 ● Manalipa-D2 ● Mangusu-D2 ● Manicahan-D2 ● Mariki-D1 ● Mercedes-D2 ● Muti-D2 ● Pamucutan-D1 ● Pangapuyan-D2 ● Panubigan-D2 ● Pasilmanta-D2 ● Pasobolong-D2 ● Pasonanca-D1 ● Patalon-D1 ● Putik-D2 ● Quiniput-D2 ● Recodo-D1 ● Rio Hondo-D1 ● Salaan-D2 ● San Jose Cawa-Cawa-D1 ● San Jose Gusu-D1 ● San Ramon-D1 ● San Roque-D1 ● Sangali-D2 ● Sibulao Curuan-D2 ● Sinubong-D1 ● Sinunuc-D1 ● Sta. Barbara-D1 ● Sta. Catalina-D2 ● Sta. Maria-D1 ● Sto. Niño-D1 ● Tagasilay-D2 ● Taguiti-D2 ● Talabaan-D2 ● Talisayan-D1 ● Talon-Talon-D2 ● Taluksangay-D2 ● Tetuan-D2 ● Tictabon-D2 ● Tictapul-D2 ● Tigbalabag-D2 ● Tolosa-D2 ● Tugbungan-D2 ● Tulungatung-D1 ● Tumaga-D1 ● Tumalutab-D2 ● Tumitus-D2 ● Victoria-D2 ● Vitali-D2 ● Zambowood-D2 ● Zone I-D1 ● Zone II-D1 ● Zone III-D1 ● Zone IV-D1

Some English to Chavacano Words:

• This month’s Barangay highlight: Tetuan

If you are traveling to Zamboanga City, (Philippines) you can’t help but notice the remarkable mountain to the north side of the city. The mountain is called Columbato which translates to “column of stone”. The tagalogs erroneously (early 90’s) called columbato as “pulong-bato”. Pulong in tagalog means “meeting”. Columbato became a meeting place in the 80’s during Holy week because of the station of the cross at the base of Mt. Columbato. Tagalog government employees of the department of tourism picked up on this error. It is Columbato and should never be referred to as pulong bato.

A brief history of Zamboanga City

The entire Zamboanga peninsula was once the Zamboanga province. Zamboanga city was the capital of the Zamboanga province. In October 12, 1936 Zamboanga city became a chartered city and was carved out from the province but remained as the capital of the province. In September 17, 1952, via Republic Act No. 711 Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga del Norte was carved out from the Zamboanga province and from then on, the Zamboanga province no longer existed.

• June 23, 1635 should be symbolically known as “Dia del Chavacano de Zamboanga.” Why you might ask? This was the day that a permanent foothold was laid on Zamboanga by the Spanish government with the construction of the San José Fort (Fort Pilar), and the subsequent evolution and proliferation of a unique dialect/language based on ancient Creole Spanish that is called Chavacano de Zamboanga. Zamboanga City celebrates Fiesta Pilar on the 12th of October every year.
• The Republic of Zamboanga – Republic of Zamboanga (Revolutionary Government of Zamboanga): May 18, 1899 – Nov 16, 1899 (de facto) – This was the timeline when the new republic was independent and free of any foreign influence. It was short lived. But the Chavacanos tried.
  • Here is an idea to Reboot the Republic of Zamboanga should the Philippines become a Federal form of Government just to give the Muslims an Islamic federal state in Mindanao: “Constitution of the Republic of Zamboanga“.