Must-visit spots for a trip down south in Zamboanga City

Have you ever been to Asia's Latin City?

Krissa Dapitan of GMA Regional TV One Mindanao on "24 Oras," Tuesday, showed why this beautiful city down south is worth the trip.

Zamboanga City is known for its language, Chavacano, which is considered a Spanish creole language. According to Dr. Ryan Biong, the head of the history department of Western Mindanao State University, around 60-70% of the words used in Chavacano come from Spanish — a manifestation of the good relations between the Spaniards and the people of Zamboanga during colonial times.

Fort Pilar Shrine

One of the places one should visit in Zamboanga City is the historical Fort Pilar Shrine, which was originally built to serve as an outpost for the Spanish forces against pirates in 1635.

Today, the roofless fort serves as a place of worship by the Roman Catholics.

"The devotional history ng shrine is because also of the apparition some time during the Spanish colonial period wherein one of the military watchmen would have seen the Blessed Mother and then the Blessed Mother woke him up to warn him of incoming pirate attacks," said Fr. Gilbert Quiqui, rector of Pastor Bonus Seminary.

Great Santa Cruz Island

For those who love the beach, the Great Santa Cruz Island is not to be missed. The beach is characterized by its clear waters and fine, pink sand and is considered as one of the world's best beach destinations in the world by the National Geographic in 2017.

Aside from swimming and diving, beachgoers can also ride the colorful vintas gliding across the waters.

Rainbow Mosque

The Rainbow Mosque is a sight to behold. Known as the lone rainbow mosque in the country, the mosque was repainted in rainbow colors by the Maranao people after the Marawi siege in 2017 as a symbol of peace and unity among Filipinos.

To beat the heat, travelers must also try the city's famous knickerbocker. The iced dessert, considered as the city's local version of halo-halo, teems with fresh fruits like watermelon, mango, and apple.

— CDC, GMA Integrated News