Experience ZaNorte's Culture, Nature & Adventure

Monday, 21 July 2008 06:07

Written by Lilibet Amatong

Zamboanga del Norte is this year’s “Next Tourist Destination” according to the Department of Tourism. Frankly, I wondered why. Surely there is the Rizal Shrine and Dakak, but I thought these are not enough to get to the Honor’s List. I’m a true blooded Zamboangeña – was born in Dapitan and raised in Dipolog until I went to college, had my first job and then a series of others, became a mother of now three teenagers, and co-founded a company in Manila. I frequented Dipolog every summer and/or Christmas and had a couple of years’ stint helping out in the family business, but that was about it. I never had the chance to know ZaNorte, as we now fondly call our province, up close and personal; thus, had never gotten the chance to discover her hidden treasures, until October 2007.

ZaNorte is said to be the “Gateway of Zamboanga Peninsula.” I can see why. For one, it is accessible to the Visayas island especially via the seas – it is just about two hours boat ride to Dumaguete, Negros Occidental – the haven for students; four hours to Tagbilaran, Bohol – now a major destination for both local and foreign tourists; and about a couple of hours to Siquijor, an interesting island popular for its mystic stories and beliefs. It is also accessible to the rest of Mindanao. One can reach Davao from ZaNorte passing by Misamis, Lanao, Butuan, Bukidnon, and Cotabato. Or one can go to Malaysia via Zamboanga City passing through ZaNorte, Zamboanga del Sur, and then Zamboanga Sibugay. More importantly, ZaNorte has an excellent road system making road trips not only accessible, but also safe and comfortable.

Peace and quiet have never been issues here. Ever since, ZaNorte is a peaceful place in this part of Mindanao, but no thanks to some reckless media people and ill-informed, judgmental folks, it has been lumped among those areas said to be training grounds of the notorious Abu Sayafs. ZaNorte is a Christian dominated province, yet there is harmonious co-existence with other locals – the lumads (Subanens, meaning ‘People by the River’) and the Muslims. A couple of my Luzon friends who came by remarked that ZaNorte is even far more peaceful than Metro Manila.

ZaNorte earned its historical mark because of Rizal – the romance, the politics, the architecture, the artifacts. Then came Dakak that opened doors to commercial tourism. But what else can it offer?

Atty. Alan Michael Z. Ranillo, Chairman of the ZaNorte Tourism Council and concurrent Chairman of the Zamboanga Peninsula Regional Tourism Council, revealed more about ZaNorte. He said, other than the fact that ZaNorte is a melting pot of three cultures – Christians, Subanens, and Muslims, the province has also been strongly influenced by the colorful cultures of the Spanish and the Chinese as evidenced by the variety of foods it offers, the traditions it observes, and the physical features its people have.

History books revealed the important role that Zamboanga played even during the pre-Hispanic era. It was said to be a major trading post way back then maybe because for one it does not fall within the typhoon belt; thus, agricultural products abound. Until now, the Zamboanga Peninsula is blessed with a variety of tropical fruits and seafoods. ZaNorte for one is popular for its mangosteen and marang on top of the other tropical fruits produced in the province – lanzones, mango, banana, avocado, caimito, rambutan, watermelon, and of course coconut. It also offers a variety of seafoods – blue marlin, yellow fin, flying fish, crabs, prawns, and of course how can one miss the famous sardines. ZaNorte is in fact the sardines capital of the Philippines.

Equally inviting are the beauty spots that have remained untainted by commercialism – the breathtaking view of Maniway Park; the dozens of alluring island coves, like that of Aliguay Island now fast becoming popular for snorkeling and diving and frequently visited by playful dolphins; the towering Situbo Falls; the culture-rich Cogon Village where one finds the Subanens live by their tradition; the amazing Libuton Caves where rare cave pearls are found; the man-made island of Pinahon; the protected areas of Selinog; the powdery shores of Sicayab; and many more. All these on top of what the quaint Dapitan City can offer.

ZaNorte also owns very colorful festivities and celebrates two big fiestas every year – one in May and the other in October. Here, the best products and cultural performances of the province are showcased in trade fairs and cultural shows spearheaded by the local government. Likewise, adventure-packed activities are organized for big boys and girls – motocross, airsoft gun, mountain biking, trekking, cave exploration, scuba diving, and even games like soccer and golf.

ZaNorte hasn’t stopped surprising me since October 2007, but I’m not complaining. I’m a more than willing victim. And I will keep you posted.

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