UNIVERSIDAD DE ZAMBOANGA INSTITUTE OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION TOURISM, HOTEL AND RESTAURANT MANAGEMENT TOUR GUIDE MANUAL RHODORA R.PUASO 1 PERSONAL DATA Name: Rhodora R. Puaso Nickname: Dhang Age: 28 years old Address: Sampaloc Drive San Roque, Zamboanga City Contact Number: 639065045557 License Number: ____________ Driver’s License Number: ____________ SSS Number: 33-7730590-1 2 Health Certificate Number: ____________ Date Issued: ____________ 3 ITINERARY Time: __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ Where to: _________________________ _________________________ _________________________ _________________________ _________________________ _________________________ _________________________ _________________________ _________________________ _________________________ _________________________ _________________________ _________________________ 4 ITINERARY Time: __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ Where to: _________________________ 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_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ 18 TOUR MANUAL 19 LOCAL TOUR ZAMBOANGA CITY 20 Zamboanga City The City of Zamboanga (Chavacano/Spanish: Ciudad de Zamboanga) is a highlyurbanized city located on the island of Mindanao in the Philippines. It is one of the first chartered city, 6th most populated city and the 3rd largest city in the country in terms of land area. Zamboanga City is also one of several cities in the Philippines that are independent of any province. The word Zamboanga is an evolution of the original Subanon word - Bahasa Sug jambangan, which means garden. Philippine Commonwealth Act No. 39 of 1936 signed by President Manuel L. Quezon on October 12, 1936 in Malacañang Palace created and established Zamboanga as a chartered city. It has been known variously as "El Orgullo de Mindanao" (The Pride of Mindanao), nicknamed the "City of Flowers," and affectionately called by Zamboangueños as "Zamboanga Hermosa" - Chavacano/Spanish for "Beautiful Zamboanga." Today, the city is commercially branded for tourism by the city government as "Asia's Latin City," a clear reference to Zamboanga's identification with the Hispanized cultures of "Latin America" or the USA's "Latino" subculture. the City was formerly a part of the Commonwealth Era Moro Province of Mindanao. Its ancient inhabitants were vassals of the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo. Zamboanga is home of the four major universities: Ateneo de Zamboanga University, Western Mindanao State University, Universidad de Zamboanga and the proposed UPZamboanga the second UP campus in Mindanao Island. The city contains the first Catholic diocese in Mindanao, today's Archdiocese of Zamboanga which was created in 1910 and elevated to an archbishopric in 1958. History The early Malay settlers called the region “Jambangan”, which means Land of the Flowers. These Malays who built their settlements by the river banks were the Subanons, that is the “People of the River”. Their chief, Saragan, lived with his family atop the legendary Mount Pulumbato that today lords over Pasonanca and Climaco Freedom Park 21 (formerly Abong-Abong Park) then later on, the Samals and the Badjaos who came on their frail vintas also settled here, building their huts along the shorelines and confused “Jambangan” with “Samboangan” which comes from the word “Sabuan”, the wooden pole used to help push their vintas in shallow waters or to tie them for anchorage purposes. The Spanish colonizers found difficulty in pronouncing “Samboangan” and instead called the place “Zamboanga”. The city has rich and colorful history. It was the center of barter trading among Chinese, Malays and the native Tausugs, Samals, Subanons, and the Badjaos as early as the 13th and 14th centuries. It was in 1569 when the Spaniards made their presence felt with a small Catholic Mission established briefly at La Caldera, now known as Recodo. The city's patron saint is La Nuestra Senora del Pilar de Zaragoza Our Lady of the Pillar of Zaragoza, Spain. A statue honoring the saint is prominently embossed above the façade on the eastern wall of Fort Pilar. Much later on June 23, 1635, the cornerstone of what is now known as Fort Pilar was laid by Father Melchor de Vera, a Jesuit Priest-Engineer and the Spanish authorities. This date marked the change of the name of the place from Samboangan to Zamboanga. It is the city’s founding date. The meter-thick walled fort is officially called El Real Fuerza de Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Zaragoza (also called El Real Fuerza de San José in its early days). In 1899, after the Spanish-American War in the Philippines, the United States of America defeated the forces of the revolutionary government of the Republic of Zamboanga under popular President and Gen. Vicente Alvarez y Solis thereby establishing full authority in Zamboanga. The U.S. military then appointed Alvarez's political opponent and U.S. friendly, Isidor Midel, to finish the Presidential term of Alvarez. In March 1901, a municipal election was held with the help of the U.S. administration, wherein Mariano Arquiza was elected President of the new republic for two years ending in 1903. Then after, the Moro Province was established in Mindanao and Sulu, and the original ancient Zamboanga was made its capital. The first U.S. form of 22 military government was the Moro Province and during the 12 years of its existence, the American Military Government converted the original Zamboanga into a city in the Commission Form, the first U.S.-created province in Mindanao to become/revert to a city. Zamboanga was already a major city of government and military importance under the Spanish Administration. However, the U.S. military government of the Moro Province was abolished to give way to a new form of U.S. military/quasi local civilian government, called the Department of Mindanao and Sulu. This form of government entrusted to the Filipino residents of Zamboanga practically all positions in government. The Commonwealth of the Philippines in 1937 declared Zamboanga as a Charter City. Progress and development in Zamboanga continued and in 1983, the Minister Interior Jose Roño proclaimed Zamboanga City as a highly urbanized city. Geography Location The City of Zamboanga is located at the southernmost tip of the Zamboanga Peninsula. It is approximately 460 nautical miles south of Manila, 365 nautical miles northeast of Kota Kinabalu Malaysia, 345 nautical miles northeast of Menado (Indonesia), bounded to the west by Sulu Sea, on the east by the Moro Gulf, on the south by the Basilan Strait and Celebes Sea and on the north Zamboanga Del Norte and Zamboanga Sibugay. Its distance from Cebu City is about 372.57 nautical miles, and is 340.17 nautical miles from Davao City. The city is situated in Mindanao, the second giant of the archipelago of all the land mass of the Philippines. The city is situated at the southernmost tip of the Zamboanga Peninsula, in the island of Mindanao, Philippines. It is approximately within the 1210 53’ 50’’ and 1220 23’ 25’’ east longitude and 60 53’ 50’’ and 70 29’ 20’’ North. The city commands the sea lanes of southwestern Philippines, and is the nearest major urban center to the ASEAN neighbors: Malaysia, Brunei, Sarawak and Singapore; and through them, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and southern China. 23 Component Islands The main land territory of Zamboanga City, which encompasses 1,681 kilometers ( 645 square mile ), there are (officially) 11 islands that are part of its principality. The most popular of these islands is the Great Santa Cruz Island, Its tantalizingly beautiful scenery encompasses the rare "pink sand" ( a coloration effect of white sand mixed with red coral sand). almost 20- 30 minutes while riding a boat from the city to the Great Sta. Cruz Island. The 11 islands come under the city's jurisdiction. The biggest islands is the Sacol (about 12 km. long and 8 km. wide). Three of these islands (Vitali, Malanipa, and Sacol) are inhabited mostly by fishing residents and have their own barangays. The others are frequented only by fishermen and scuba divers. Eleven of these islands on the Moro Gulf coast form a cluster known as the Eleven Islands, the largest being Cabugan Island (approx. 11 hectares). Climate Zamboanga City enjoys a location free from the typhoon belt area. March to May is hot and dry, with temperature at 22 degrees Celsius. June to October is rainy. November to February is cool, with temperatures ranging from 22 degrees Celsius to 28 degrees Celsius. Average humidity year-round is 77%. According to the local PAGASA the highest temperature recorded in the city was 38.7°C recorded on August 15, 1999 and the lowest is 15.6°C on February 27, 1965 respectively. Demographics Population In 2007, the Census of Population and Housing of the government's National Statistics Office recorded the city population of 774,407 people with an annual growth rate of 3.56 percent. Compared to the national population, Zamboanga City's 774,407 is only 0.8 percent of the total Philippine population of 88.7 million people. Zamboanga City has 99 barangays 24 Religion The most dominant religion is Christianity with 75%-85% adhering to the faith. The majority of which are Roman Catholics. The remaining percentage belongs to other non-Christian faiths (Islam, Buddhism, etc). Muslim immigrants or visitors from the islands south of the Zamboanga Peninsula (Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Basilan) compose much of the Muslim population in the city. The Archdiocese of Zamboanga (Latin name: Archdiocesis Zamboangensis) is a Catholic archdiocese located within the Philippine Islands. Its present jurisdiction takes in mainland Zamboanga City, with suffragans in Basilan (Prelature of Isabela, Basilan), Sulu Archipelago (Apostolic Vicariate of Jolo) and Zamboanga Sibugay (Prelature of Ipil). Established in 1910 as Mindanao's first diocese, Zamboanga is elevated into the second archdiocese in Mindanao in 1958. The archdiocese today covers a land area of 1,648 square kilometers and a population of 442,345 of which 81 per cent are Catholics. The area covers 26 parishes, served by 49 diocesan and 18 religious priests. There are also 51 religious sisters working in related activities in the archdiocese Language The most common languages and dialects in the city are Zamboangueño, Cebuano, Filipino, English, Fookien (a Chinese dialect) and Tausug.The people of Zamboanga speak a Creole language called Chavacano - a Spanish-based creole language with Philippines' Malayo-Polynesian languages as its substrate language. The contemporary version of this colloquial patois language is strongly English as well. 25 Government Since its consolidation in 1983, Zamboanga City has been a Charted City with a "strong" mayor-council form of government. The government of the City is more centralized than that of most other Philippines cities: the central government is responsible for public education, correctional institutions, libraries, public safety, recreational facilities, sanitation, water supply and welfare services. The mayor and councilors are elected to four-year terms. The City received its own representation for the Philippine Congress beginning in 1984. The former lone congressional district is divided into two separate districts: the West District (I) from the City Proper to Labuan, and the East District from Tetuan to Limpapa(II). The government is composed of a mayor, vice mayor, two district representatives, and eight councilors in each district. The mayor and councilors are limited to two four-year terms. The city of Zamboanga is now proposing the new third legislative district. One of the advantages in having a third legislative district in the City of Zamboanga is additional representation in Congress, which will be proportional to the number of its current population base on the year 2007 Philippine Census. The creation of an additional legislative district will be consistent with the constitutional mandate of proportional representation. The additional representation will also result in the additional allocation of Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) which makes possible the implementation, in every congressional district, of small-scale but significant projects which can not be part of large-scale projects of national agencies.[11] Transportation Land Transportation and Government Projects The common mode of transportation in Zamboanga is by a Jeepney or a Tricycle; taxi service in the city is not well-established, although there are some independent taxis. There are two types of city buses: the green bus and the blue bus. A new bus terminal was planned for construction 26 at the MCLL highway between Divisoria-Boalan area and is seen to be one of the most modern bus terminals in Mindanao when completed. The City is connected through other provinces in Zamboanga Peninsula and the whole island of Mindanao by the Maria Clara L. Lobregat Highway. International Seaport The Port of Zamboanga, Zamboanga, Philippines, is located on the island of Mindanao, in one of the fastest growing zones in Mindanao, Zamboanga. The Port of Zamboanga consists of a number of ports, all contained by the Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone Authority (Zamboecozone), otherwise known by its corporate name as the Zamboanga Freeport Authority (ZFA).[12] Zamboanga City has 19 seaports and wharves, twelve of which are privately-owned. The biggest and most modern is the governmentoperated main port which can accommodate 20 ships at any given time. There are 25 shipping lines whose vessels regularly call at the port of Zamboanga. A new international seaport will be open soon outside the city proper that can accommodate international ships and vessels. This port will be established at the Zamboecozone, which is under construction, it will be the one of the Biggest and Modern Private Sea Terminal in Mindanao even in the Philippines. Zamboanga City has also fastcraft services to Sandakan, Malaysia. One Shipping Cargo Company from Vietnam is also serving the route's from and to Zamboanga. The busy Port of Zamboanga handles inter-island and international fast ferries, and also occasional international cruise ships. In 2002, the Port of Zamboanga, inclusive of all area ports and Basilan, was ranked #1 in the entire Philippines and registered an astounding 5.57 million passengers, surpassing #2 Batangas by 1.3 million passengers, and #5 Manila by over 1.59 million passengers.[13] International Airport The local airport has been upgraded and has since been called the Zamboanga International Airport. It will be named after the late Mayor of Zamboanga city as Maria Clara L. Lobregat International Airport in 2008. Its 2,610-meter primary runway can serve international flights. 27 The government has earmarked more than 240 million pesos for 2008 to completely rehabilitate the existing facilities, including the air navigation equipment but the project has not started yet.[14] Plans call for a 3,440 meter long runway. It would be bigger airport and a modern terminal building with Six jet bridges. This planned airport is to be built within the City's east coast barangays Talabaan, Mercedes and Taluksangay. Upon completion, it will be Mindanao's largest Airport.The construction period is three years and the company plans to operate the airport for 15 years after the completion. Future of Zamboanga's Transportation • New International Airport The construction of the New Zamboanga International Airport is all set. The report given out in mid-2008 contradicts the report that a national news website showed in October. The site of the New Airport would be in Brgys. Mercedes, Talabaan and Taluksangay. The DOTC of the Philippines alloted 15 million Pesos for the study and preparations for this project. In November 2008, Asian Development Bank (ADB) Consultants as well as engineers from Davao City conducted an ocular inspection on an area of more than 100 hectares of idle land in the east coast of the city. This location is being eyed as the site of the new airport. Integrated Bus Terminal A Design and Construction Build of an Integrated Bus Terminal (IBT) project located at Maria Clara L. Lobregat Highway, Brgy. Divisoria, Zamboanga City, to include the construction of the departure and arrival stations with architectural design that is modern and contemporary with a touch of Philippine Architecture of the SpanishAmerican era in Zamboanga City, road network, drainage system, complete utilities and amenities, perimeter fence, frontage, expansion of the highway as well as a pedestrian over pass. 28 Economy and Industry The Zamboanga economy is largely agricultural and aquaculturalbased. Agriculture and fishing provide activity and income to 70 percent of the population in whole Mindanao even in the Philippines. Zamboanga is the Center of Trade, Business and Industry in Zamboanga Peninsula Region and even the island of mindanao.It is the seat of the Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone Authority (popularly known as Zamboecozone). Infrastructure It is believed that Zamboanga City's power surplus is set to grow. A Napocor contractor is currently building a power plant in the east coast that will produce 100 megawatts of electricity. City water is clean and sweet, and its supply is adequate. In 1994 only 48% of the total water production was consumed; in 1995 only 58%. The Zamboanga City Water District is expanding its reservoir and distribution system to meet the growing industrial demand for water. Zamboanga City is also the communications center of Western Mindanao. Local communications services include conventional and cellular telephone systems with direct distance dialing, paging services, telegraph and facsimile services, and the Internet. Banks More than 58 Banks are now serving the city and 2 more banks are going to rise in zamboanga soon by the year 2009. Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone Authority The Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone Authority (Zamboecozone), otherwise known by its corporate name as Zamboanga Freeport Authority (ZFA), was created by virtue of the Republic Acts of the Philippines 7903 of the Philippines, authored by then Congresswoman and late mayor of the city of Zamboanga, Maria Clara L. Lobregat. 29 The special economic zone was enacted into law on February 23, 1995 and made operational a year later with the appointment of a Chairman and Administrator and the members of the Board by former President Fidel V. Ramos. It is located about 20 km. from Zamboanga City. The Zamboanga Freeport Authority is managed as a separate customs territory and offers incentives for would-be investors like tax free importation of goods, and other tax incentives. Recognizing the vital role of promotions in attracting viable investments to the zone, an intensified promotional blitz was developed to make ZamboEcozone an investment haven in Southern Philippines.Creating awareness to the various business opportunities offered at the ZamboEcozone was one of the Authority’s marketing priorities for the year, thus a promotional blitz was established.[15] Shopping Centers and Malls As the center of commerce in Western Mindanao, Zamboanga is home to five shopping malls and numerous department stores, supermarkets and retail stores. Mindpro Citimall (opened in 1996, the second mall in the city *Alta mall being the first one which is currently closed already), Southway Square (opened in 2007) and Shoppers' Center, Zamboanga's newest mall are three of the major malls located in the city proper. Yubenco Star Mall, located in Barangay Putik, Zamboanga City, is a shopping complex. Other shopping arcades in the city are LimTown Center (at La Purisima St.) and Midtown Plaza Mall (at Nuñez Extension). Moreover, a new 10storey mall with hotel is underconstruction. Upon completion, it would be the tallest commercial building in Asia's Latin City and probably the tallest mall in the country. Shoppers' Mall, managed by Huylian Development Corporation, has been two years under construction, and the expected opening of this mall will be within four years time. Gaisano Group of Companies, Landco Pacific Corporation, SM Prime Holdings and Robinsosns Land Corporation are likewise slated to be built in the city. as of 2009 Gaisano Group and Landco Pacific 30 Corporation were express their interest to expand and invest their business in the city as soon as possible, the Pacific Mall and the Gaisano Mall. Seaweeds Industry The major species of seaweed grown and harvested in Zamboanga city is the Eucheuma Cottonii seaweed because of its numerous uses; it can be farmed commercially almost anywhere in the city’s coastal areas. Eucheuma seaweed has been commercially introduced in various method of propagation, after extensive experimentation. It was disclosed that eucheuma seaweeds grow faster on reefs than other areas which prove that seaweed farming is viable in this city. When the study of Eucheuma seaweeds propagation was initiated, its technical advancement was transferred to the private sectors, thus making the seaweed industry one of the leading ventures in the country today. [16] Canneries Industry Zamboanga is noted for sardine exports to the Philippine market. The sardines are also exported to the United States, Europe, Middle East, and the Far East. There are canning factories located in the west coast of Zamboanga producing popular sardine brands. Sardine fishing and processing account for about 70 percent of the city's economy or P3 billion, according to press reports. Situated at the western tip of the Mindanao mainland, Zamboanga City is a natural docking point for vessels traversing the rich fishing grounds of Zamboanga peninsula and Sulu archipelago. The city’s eight canneries, which employ around 15,000 workers, process 1,000 tons of sardines daily.[17] 31 Education The formal education in the Zamboanga City is patterned after the American system, with English as the medium of instruction. Schools are classified into public (government) or private (non-government). The general pattern of formal education follows five stages: • • • • • Pre-primary level - nursery and kindergarten offered in most private schools; Primary level - six years of basic education; Secondary level - four years of high school education; College level usually takes four, sometimes five and in some cases as in medical and law schools, as long as eight years; and, Graduate level - additional two or more years of schooling. Universities and Colleges One of the most historic cities in the Philippines, Zamboanga plays host to numerous first-rate colleges and universities. These educational institutions attract many students in the province, as well as from the other parts of the country. Many people love these schools because they offer high quality education and affordable tuition fees, particularly to all the skilled, competent, and responsible students out there. Because of their intensive research programs and globally recognized curriculums, even foreign students show great interest in studying in these wonderful educational institutions. The city of Zamboanga has a several prestigious private schools in Southern and Western Mindanao. Most of these private schools or institutions are administrated by Catholic and Jesuit schools. Private Schools The first private school in Zamboanga City is Pilar College was founded in 1894 as a Cartilla School by the Beaterio Sisters who 32 evacuated from Tamontaca, Cotabato. One of the two sisters who started the Cartilla School in 1894 was Mother Ma. Antera Cruz, RVM. The Ateneo de Zamboanga University (AdZU), founded in 1912, and became the latest Jesuit-run school to become a university in 2001. The Ateneo de Zamboanga University . It is also known by the acronym AdZU . Founded by the Society of Jesus in 1912, it is the second oldest Jesuit school in the Philippines. It initially catered to primary and secondary education for boys. It became a college in 1952, and a university in August 2001. The Ateneo de Zamboanga began in 1912 as Escuela Catolica, a parochial school run by Spanish Jesuits at the old site of the Immaculate Conception Church, right across the Sunken Garden. Fr. Manuel Sauras, S.J. was the first director.It operates two campuses. The main campus in La Purisima Street houses the Colleges and the Grade School, while the newly constructed campus, outside Zamboanga City proper holds the High School. Several facilities in the new campus will be constructed in the future such as transfer of the Grade School, an auditorium, an amphitheater, a chapel (the current chapel is housed inside the High Building) and newer sports facilities. [18] Universidad de Zamboanga(UZ) is a private university in Zamboanga City, Philippines, founded on October 12, 1948 by Arturo Eustaquio, Sr. It was formerly known as Zamboanga A.E. Colleges until it was changed to Universidad de Zamboanga in 2005, the year it was granted university status. UZ holds 25% of all college enrolment in region 9 Western Mindanao. It has 8 campuses spread out in an area of more than 130 hectares in and outside of the city. These campuses include the Main Campus in barangay Tetuan, City Campus, Cabatangan Campus, Pasonanca Campus, Veterans Campus, San Jose Campus, Canelar Campus and the Ipil Campus in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay. UZ has 2 Highschools namely Arturo Eustaquio Memorial Science Highschool and the UZ Technical Highschool.[19] Public Schools The Western Mindanao State University (formerly Zamboanga Normal College founded 1904) is the first to be granted as a university in 1978. It is the only state university in the city. Its campus is located in 33 Baliwasan and is offering college and vocational programs. The university is believed to be the oldest school in Mindanao. WMSU already brought numerous achievements in the academic field, it is the Center of Excellence in Teacher Education, Center of Development in Architecture, Best School in Social Work, Best School in Forestry and Number 1 in the Criminology Board Examinations.[20] Senate Bill No. 2662, A Bill to create new University of The Philippines Campus in Zamboanga City mandated by Senator. Rodolfo Biazon, to serve the whole Zamboanga Peninsula Region and ARMM Region. if this will be approved, UP-Zamboanga will be the second UP campus in Mindanao after UP-Mindanao in Davao City. Foreign Relations The City of Zamboanga jurisdictions often partner with foreign cities through Sister Cities International, an organization whose goal is to “promote peace through mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation.” Sister cities interact with each other across a broad range of activities, from health care and education to business, culture and arts. Zamboanga City is a member of BIMP-EAGA which stands for Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area. BIMP-EAGA is an agreement among the four Southeast Asian neighbor countries for economic cooperation. It has put Zamboanga City in touch with towns in Malaysia and Indonesia. As a result of contacts arising from BIMP-EAGA, an air and sea route has been opened between Zamboanga City and Sandakan in Malaysia. Sandakan and Zamboanga seen as sisters states or twin city have always managed to work well together. The strong relationship between Sandakan and Zamboanga has existed for many generations. As immediate neighbors, these two regions have a long history of interactions not only through trade relations but also through culture and social interactions. BIMP-EAGA which was formed in 1994 34 merely served to further strengthen the existing economic and social ties between these two regions formally. Hospitals and Health Centers The city is also home to medical centers and hospitals. These provide quality health care service for Zamboanguenos. Brent Hospital and Colleges, Inc. (Located at R.T.Lim Boulevard) was founded on February 2, 1914 by Charles Henry Brent, the first Protestant Episcopal missionary bishop in the Philippines. It also runs a school within the extensive Hospital Compound, offering nursing and allied health courses. Zamboanga City Medical Center is the largest medical facility in Region 9 in terms of bed capacity. The hospital was founded in 1918 as the Zamboanga General Hospital. ZCMC, better known simply as "General", is located in the corner of Veterans Avenue-Fort Pilar road. Zamboanga Doctors' Hospital, Veterans Avenue, is the first privately owned hospital established in 1964. Ciudad Medical Zamboanga, one of the most equipped and advance medical centers in Zamboanga, is a five-storey medical complex located at Nunez Avenue. It was formerly known as Zamboanga Polymedic Hospital. Simply called by locals as "Ciudad" is one of the newest hospitals in this city. Located at Maria Clara Lobregat Highway, formerly known as Nuñez Extension. Western Mindanao Medical Center, located at Veterans Avenue Extension, was established in 1990, with state-of-the-art facilities and newly reconstructed building. It is located near Tumaga. Universidad de Zamboanga Community Medical Center (formerly the Zamboanga Arturo Eustaquio Colleges Memorial Medical Center) along San Jose Road, is a university-owned hospital equipped with advanced medical facilities and has a 24-hour pharmacy located inside the Medical complex. 35 Other specialized hospitals are: Zamboanga Children's Hospital (a special hospital for pediatrics, located at Pilar Street); Salvador A. Cabato Memorial Hospital (located at Tetuan Highway); Edwin Andrews Air Base Hospital (located within the vicinity of Edwin Andrews Air Base, the sole command of the Philippine Air Force in Mindanao); Camp Navarro General Hospital (located inside Camp Navarro, the Headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines' Western Mindanao Command); Zamboanga Puericulture Lying-in Maternity Hospital (located at Pura Brillantes Street); and the Mindanao Central Sanitarium (located at Pasabolong). Parks and Landmarks The Philippine Department of Tourism has selected Zamboanga City to highlight as a tourist destination to be promoted nationally and internationally. [24] Tourism to the Zamboanga Peninsula has trended upward in recent years. Domestic and foreign tourist arrivals increased 8 percent to 439,160 in 2005, according to data from the regional tourism office.The same report notes that Filipinos accounted for 80 percent of the tourist arrivals. Moreover, 50 percent of those tourists visited Zamboanga City.[25] • Fort Pilar - Founded in 1635 as a garrison during the Spanish period, the Fort Pilar serves as a present day openair shrine. Originally named as La Fuerza Real de San Jose, the fort is named after and dedicated to Our Lady of the Pillar, the patroness of the Archdiocese of Zamboanga. It image is embossed at the altar (which was then an entrance of the fort). Fort Pilar also houses a National Museum branch inside the fort. One can appreciate the glorious past of Zamboanga as a Spanish City in the Orient Skies here in the museum. It also has record of inhabitants and antique items of the early time. It also exhibits paintings, natural marine life and cultural memorabilia. Pettit Barracks site that US forces under Gen. C. Bates occupied after the capture of the city on November 15, 1899. It was named Pettit Barracks after Col. James S. Pettit, 31st Infantry, US Volunteer Commanding Officer of the Second • 36 Military District. He was later promoted to General, became the Inspector-General and later, the in-Charge of Civil Affairs of Zamboanga, Inspector-General's Department, US and Philippine Infantry. Occupied by Japanese forces in 19421945, the barracks were recaptured by United States and Philippine Commonwealth liberation forces on March 10, 1945, and turned over to the Philippines on July 4, 1946.[26] • Pasonanca Park - Traversed by a gently rippling stream, this park is the only one of its kind in the country. It abounds with trees, flowering plants, ferns, shrubs and 600 different species of orchids. Mindanao Governor John J. Pershing started the construction of Pasonanca Park in 1912. He sent for a parksman in the United States, once named Thomas Hanley, to prepare the plan and direct its execution. The park was completed under the administration of Governor Frank W. Carpenter. There is a treehouse nestling high in the branches of one big tree where guests could pass the night and hold communion with nature which, in the darkness, could still be perceived in the gentle rustling of the pine trees. Permission to use the treehouse, which is for free, can be obtained at the Office of the Mayor. Modern Metropolitan Cathedral of Immaculate Concepcion - Founded in 1810 as a parish located at the present day Universidad de Zamboanga campus, the Cathedral is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Zamboanga (created in 1910 as diocese and elevated in 1958 as an archdiocese). It is known as one of the most modern cathedrals in Mindanao, built in 1998-2001. The cathedral is located at La Purisima St. The cathedral's structure is cruciform, resembling a cross and its facade is patterned after a candle (which is connected to the Blessed Virgin Mary). The main church is located at the second floor, with stained glass portraying the life of Mary and Asian saints as well as the history of Mindanao's dioceses starting from 1910. At the lower level are the columbarium, the day chapel, the adoration chapel at the left wing, the conference hall at the right wing, and the baptistery fronting the day chapel. [27] • 37 • • Zamboanga City Hall - The construction of this building started in 1905 and was completed in 1907 by the Federal Government of the United States for the then American Governors of the area which included: Leonard 0. Wood, Tasker H. Bliss, Ralph W. Hoyt, and Gen. John Pershing of World War I fame. Today, this serves as the City Hall of Zamboanga City where the Mayor holds office. Plaza Pershing Plaza Pershing was established in Zamboanga City, Philippines to honor John Joseph "Black Jack" Pershing (September 13, 1860 – July 15, 1948) with his victory over Muslim insurgents. Cawa-Cawa Boulevard - You can visit the place early in the morning for brisk walking/jogging or in the afternoon for its famed sunset view. You can also spend some time at night eating Balut (a fertilized duck embryo that is boiled and eaten with vinegar and salt). Yakan Weaving Center - Host to the only Yakan commmunity in the City, the center is located just across the famed La Vista de Mar beach resort at the border of Barangay Upper Calarian and Sinunuc and along the National Highway. You can witness the local people weaving intricately handwoven clothes on giant looms as well as traditional brasswares. Zamboanga Golf and Country Club - Known to be the "oldest Golf Course" in the Philippines. It was established during the American Occupation and is overlooking the Basilan Strait. It also is host to a public swimming resort managed by the Philippine Tourism Authority. There were talks that a Korean Company will be building a 5 star hotel in the area. It was once used as a landing strip.[28] St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish Church, Tetuan - Records shows that at the start, there was a small chapel constructed on a lot. Owned by Don Balbino Natividad, a permanent resident of Tetuan. (The Natividad is one of the biggest clans in the Parish spread throughout the city up to the hinterlands and • • • • 38 reputed to be large property owners. Members held various positions in the government and parishes. At least one became a Jesuit priest). In January of 1863, apparently having reached the required number of Catholic would be parishioners and with the availability of the would-be parish priest, the St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish was created with a Jesuit, Rev. Fr. Ramon Barua, SJ as its first Parish Priest. • Serenity Falls - Zamboanga City's Serenity Falls bounded between La Paz and Pamucutan, at the foot of the EcoZone's south entrance. Sta. Cruz Island - The Great Santa Cruz island is known for its pink sand beach and sand bar, while the Little sta. cruz island is a typical white beach, with pulverizedlike sand. It is also a diving site and is host to a lagoon, a muslim burial site and a badjao/samal community. Old Normal School Building - Also known as the Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) Social Hall, the building was built during the American Era and was the center of education for most of Mindanao. Presently, this houses The College of Education of WMSU and is also the site where most cultural presentations are held. It also houses a Museum. Taluksangay Mosque - The famous Mosque in Barangay Taluksangay is considered as one of Zamboanga’s tourist spots. The inhabitants of Taluksangay, from past to present are 100% Muslims. They are the descendants of the Sama Banguingui who were branded by history as pirates of Southeast Asia, but never conquered. This colorful mosque is located in the barrio of Taluksangay outside the city center. Paseo del Mar na Zamboanga, a seafront parkway located adjacent to the walls of Fort Pilar. The Paseo encompasses 2.5 hectares in what was a former slum, which required relocating 300 families.[29] The walkway faces scenic Basilan Strait. • • • • 39 Culture Zamboanga City is home to a diverse culture. It is a melting pot of different kinds of people. It boasts a long and worth-knowing history. These diversity and duration are just two of the many reasons behind the City's numerous colorful and solemn festivities. These festivals dates are generally non-working holidays. A few of the major celebrations in the city are listed with some bits of must-know facts. Cutural Arts and Music Zamboanga City's Art history spans a period of over 500 years, with heavy influence coming from the Malay and Spanish culture early on, and the West more recently. Countless, and quite priceless, artifacts dating back to over a thousand years have been excavated in the early 1900s by American archaeologists during their occupation of the Philippines in the vicinities of Zamboanga and Mindanao. Many of these artifacts are currently housed in "vaults" of some major U.S. universities, inaccessible to the general public. The gong is a percussion instrument found in music throughout Southeast Asia. In Mindanao, the second largest island in the Philippines, and Zamboanga City particularly, the gong is used in many folk dance routines reflecting the international flavor of its ancestry. When played, it is suspended from the rim and struck on the center piece, called a "boss," with a wooden beater that has a cork head. Changes in pitch are achieved by shaving down either the boss or the rim of the instrument.[30] Media Zamboanga City is a center of communication, for television, advertising, music, newspaper and book publishing industries and is also the largest media market in Western Mindanao. Some of the city's daily newspapers conglomerates include the Mindanao Examiner Productions, Zamboanga Times, Zamboanga Today are based in the city. And the City of Zamboanga operates a Private Regional public broadcast service, like the ABS-CBN Network, GMA Network, TV5, 40 RPN Zamboanga, and GPBI-TV11, this media conglomerates that serve the Western Mindanao specially the City of Zamboanga. And many cable channels are being served the City. Zamboanga cuisine is like its exotic Chavacano: basically Spanish with an admixture of local tongues, thus endowing it with a delectable gastronomical flavor that provides a rich cultural experience as well. This was especially true in the old days when Castilian influence rubbed off quite thickly on the people of that little Spanish town, now revered in prose as "un glorioso pedaza del corazon de Castilla" (a glorious pice of the heart of Spain). Most Zamboanga dishes are Spanish in origin. Others, like bagon de gata, tamales, and those with heavy dependence on gata (coconut cream/milk) are distinctly indigenous. Yet, even the most native of local foods, namely the sinigang, Spanish influence is evident in the use of herbal spices, such as tanglad (lemon grass), and bambawing (a "weed" which seems to be peculiar to Zamboanga, and looks and smells like a "wild" member of the basil family). Olive oil is often used for some fish preparations.[31][32] Entertainment and Recreation The city of Zamboanga is also one of the cities in the Philippines that cater Entertainment and Recreation area in the Philippines, Zamboanga City comprises a wide range of establishments that operate facilities or provide services to meet varied cultural, entertainment, and recreational interests of their patrons. This area comprises: Tourism Tourism is a big deal to boom the investment in the City. The Zamboanga City is considered by some as the most romantic place in the Philippines and a favourite hotels and resorts amongst tourists. The city is noted for its seashells, unspoiled tropical scenery and magnificent flowers. The city has a number of hotels, cars for hire, good public transport and vintas (small boats), often with colourful sails, available to take visitors round the city bay. The flea market sells Muslim pottery, clothes and brassware. About 2km (1.2 miles) from 41 Fort Pilar are the houses of the Badjaos, which are stilted constructions on the water. Water gypsies live in boats in this area, moving to wherever the fishing is best. Plaza Pershing and Pasonanca Park are worth visiting. Nearby Santa Cruz Island has a sand beach which turns pink when the corals from the sea are washed ashore, and is ideal for bathing, snorkelling and scuba diving. Major destinations include theFort Pilar, Pettit Barracks, old City Hall, Pasonanca Park, Metropolitan Cathedral of Immaculate Conception, Zamboanga Golf and Country Club, and the most modern park in the Western Mindanao is the Paseo del Mar. Sports The city of Zamboanga aims to make this city as the sports tourism capital of Mindanao. The Joaquin F. Enriquez Memorial Stadium also known as Zamboanga City Sports Complex reflect the image of zamboanga that this city can able to host national or even international sports event. And there are several Gymnasium and Mini Court that you can found in the City. There are notable players that who came from Zamboanga City. Such us Simeon Toribio, Jimar Aying, Harry Tañamor, Hidilyn Diaz, Anthony Pasion and Nolene delos Reyes. Few of many notable zamboangeno players. Festivals and Events • Dia de Zamboanga February 26, 1937- the date when Zamboanga was declared a chartered city under the Commonwealth Government. Charter Day of the City became a non-working holiday. A roster of special activities are lined up annually to mark the occasion. The signing of the City's Charter by Pres. Manuel L. Quezon was witnessed by Assemblyman Juan S. Alano, Representative of the Moro Province of Mindanao, then Zamboanga City Mayor Don Pablo Lorenzo, and a number of other public officials, as well as a young school girl, Maria Clara Lorenzo, 42 who eventually became a well-loved Representative and City Mayor of Zamboanga until her death in 2004. • Holy Week March/April (movable) A city procession known as the Santo Entierro (Holy Funeral) on Good Friday highlights the observance of the season of Lent. Celebrated in most parish churches in the city and in the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, the Santo Entierro is a procession of Christ's images, many of the Stations of the Cross, along the city's main streets, depicting his last hours before, during, and after the Crucifixion. • Flores de Mayo May 1 - 31 A religious feast celebrated in all Catholic churches in honor of the Virgin Mary. Little children in white gala dresses walk up the altar to offer flowers to the image of the Blessed Mother, as the Catholics call her. In some parts of the city, the traditional Santacruzan is also held. The Santa-cruzan is a procession of the Reyna Elena and other local beauties with their escorts, decked out in Maria Clara gowns and barong tagalog, along major streets. • Santacruzan Last day of Flores de Mayo A religious feast celebrated in many Catholic Parishes in honor of Reyna Elena (Queen Helen)and her son Constantine who went to the Holy Land to search for Jesus' Cross. • La Hermosa Festival Every October the scenic city of Zamboanga, as the "City of Flowers", and also known as Asia’s Latin City celebrates its grand annual Zamboanga Hermosa Festival or the popularly known as Fiesta Pilar with 12 days and nights of events and celebrations. The beautiful city of Zamboanga welcomes thousands to the region's biggest, most extravagant celebration of the year. The two day celebrations are mainly in honor of the miraculous image of Our Lady of the Pilar 43 Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Zaragosa, which is also commonly known as the Fiesta Pilar at the legendary Fort Pila who has a special fiesta in October. The people of Zamboanga passionately believe that the lady has served as their unifying cultural and historical symbol. In tribute of her feast day, Zamboanga displays its loyalty and enthusiasm with a nine-night procession, the event includes live music, cultural performances; street parades, fireworks displays and one of the most amazing aspects of the festivities include a wonderful Regatta de Festival with old sailing ships and yachts sporting red, yellow, other brightly colored sails, the Mascotta festival. There are also art exhibitions and colorful flower shows displaying the botanical wonders of Mindanao's tropical vegetations. (Watch out for the orchids, which are particularly striking). 'Hermosa', which means beautiful, is an appropriate term for this visually dazzling event.[33] • Pascua na Cuidad Every year, the local government of Zamboanga decorates one of the central landmark of the City, the City Hall. And every year, this place becomes an attraction to local folks and visitors of the city. This is a great initiative of the local government. Aside from inviting people to come to Zamboanga, the lights also brings the spirit of Christmas to everyone. People, young and old, rich and poor, gather around the area and watch the beauty of the lights. Celebration of Jesus Christ's Birth. City hall, churches, schools, streetlight post, houses, streets, commercial places, parks and most of the other places in the City are covered with lights, filled with joyous sounds and other Christmas Decorations. • Fonda de Barangay Week-long celebration in the Barangay/Barrios honoring their patron saints. The celebration usually starts with novena masses held every day for 9 straight days 44 DOMESTIC TOUR DUMAGUETE CITY 45 Dumaguete City The City of Dumaguete is a city in the Philippine province of Negros Oriental. It is the capital, principal seaport, and largest city of the province. According to the 2007 census, it has a population of 116,392 people. A person from Dumaguete is called a "Dumagueteño". The city is nicknamed The City of Gentle People. Dumaguete is referred to as a university town because of the presence of seven universities and colleges, where students of the province converge to enroll for tertiary education. The city is also a popular educational destination for students of surrounding provinces and cities in Visayas and Mindanao. The city is best known for Silliman University, the country's first Protestant university and the first American university in Asia. There are also 12 elementary schools and 9 high schools. The city's student population is estimated at 30,000. The city attracts a considerable number of foreign tourists, particularly Europeans, because of easy ferry access from Cebu City, the availability of beach resorts and dive sites, and the attraction of dolphin and whale watching in nearby Bais Bay. It is also becoming one of the country's retirement hubs because of its quiet, rustic and laid-back atmosphere, numerous medical facilities and other urban amenities which are comparable to, if not better than, those found in the metropolitan areas. The city has a domestic airport which provides daily flights to and from Manila and Cebu City through Cebu Pacific, Air Philippines, and Philippine Airlines. Dumaguete is considered one of the fastest developing cities in the Philippines. 46 History "Dumaguete" was coined from the Visayan word "daggit" which means "to snatch". Because of the frequent marauding attacks of the Muslim pirates on the coastal town, and the power to attract and keep her visitors for good, hence, the word "dumaguet", meaning "to swoop," was christened to the village of Dumaguete. However, Diego Lopez Povedano in 1572, indicated the place as "Dananguet." But in 1734, Murillo Velarde referred to it using its present name of Dumaguete. In 1890, the island-province of Negros was divided into two politicomilitary provinces, Occidental and Oriental. As earlier constituted, in 1898, Dumaguete was included in Negros Oriental. After the Philippine-American War, on May 1, 1901, a civil government was established by the Americans in the Province of Negros Oriental, including Dumaguete. When World War II broke out, the city was occupied by the Japanese Imperial Forces on May 26, 1942. It was liberated on April 26, 1945 by the combined forces of the United States, Filipino Soldiers and the Filipino guerrillas. On June 15, 1948 or three years later, Republic Act No. 327, created the City of Dumaguete. Later, on June 21, 1969, Republic Act No. 5797 was enacted, otherwise known as the Revised Charter of Dumaguete City. Geography and climate The City has a land area of 34.26 km², situated on the plains of the southeastern coast of Negros Island near the mouth of the Banica River. Of the province's 20 municipalities and 5 cities, Dumaguete is the smallest in terms of land area. It is bounded on the north by the municipality of Sibulan; on the south by the municipality of Bacong; and on the west by the municipality of Valencia. As a coastal city, it is bounded on the east by the Mindanao Sea and the Tañon Strait, serving as a natural border to the neighboring provinces of Cebu and Siquijor. 47 The city's topography is generally flat from two to six kilometers from the shoreline. It slopes gently upwards to the adjoining municipality of Valencia. The highest ground elevation is located at the boundary of the municipality of Valencia, about one hundred meters above mean sea level. About 93% of the land have slopes of less than 3%. The remaining areas have 3% to 5% slope. Dumaguete is politically subdivided into 30 barangays, all classified as urban. The eight barangays in the city's downtown area are known primarily by number. The smallest barangay is Barangay 4 with an area of only 5.11 hectares, while the biggest barangay is Barangay Banilad with 362.71 hectares. Dumaguete has two seasons, namely; the dry and the wet seasons. The wet season covers the period from June to November, and the dry season starts from December to May, the hottest being April and May. The average maximum temperature is 34.3 °C and the average minimum temperature is 22.9 °C for the past years. The relative humidity of the locality for the past years was 78¾% with the month of December registering the highest. Demographics As of the census of 2007, there are 116,392 people and 21,582 households residing in the city. It has also an average daylight population of 400,000 people, mostly shoppers and employees of establisments in the City coming from nearby municipalities and provinces such as Southern Cebu, Siquijor, Northern and Southern Negros. Dumaguete City is the most populous city in Negros Oriental, comprising 9.05% of the province's total population. Unlike the national profile, the male population dominates by 6% more than the female population. Dumaguete has one of the lowest crime rates among Philippine Cities its size. 48 Education Dumaguete has earned the distinction of being known as "the center of learning in the south," or a "university town" due to the presence of these universities that have made their mark nationally and abroad. The city has become a melting pot of students, professionals, artists, scholars and the literati coming from different parts of the country and the world. Silliman University is the dominant institution of higher learning in Dumaguete, providing the city with a distinct university town atmosphere. It is the oldest Protestant university in the country and the oldest American-established university in Asia. The 610,000 m² campus is adjacent to and intermixed with the city's downtown district. It is the 4th top performing school in the Philippines, and 2nd if the University of the Philippines System is taken as one, according to a survey conducted by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). Other universities located in the city are Foundation University, Negros Oriental State University (also known as NORSU campus 1 and 2), and the first Saint Paul University in the Philippines. Back in 1904, on invitation from Reverend Frederick Rooker of the Diocese of Iloilo, seven Sisters of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres (SPC) from France traveled to Dumaguete with the intent of taking over a boarding school which at the time housed 26 girls. There are also many colleges in the city, including a branch of AMA Computer College and AMA ACLC, a branch of the Asian College of Science and Technology (commonly known as ACSAT), a branch of STI College, the Maxino College, the Metro Dumaguete College and Colegio de Santa Catalina de Alejandria (popularly known as COSCA). Universities • • • Silliman University (SU) www.su.edu.ph Foundation University (FU) www.foundationu.com Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) www.norsu.edu.ph 49 • Colleges • • • • • • • • • • St. Paul University-Dumaguete (SPUD) www.spud.edu.ph Colegio College College College de Santa Catalina de Alejandria (COSCA) Metro Dumaguete College Maxino STI College Asian College of Science and Technology (ACSAT) AMA Computer Negros Maritime College Foundation Inc. (NMCFI) Presbyterian Theological Institute of Ogabang Polytechnic and Medical College Private Elementary & High Schools • • • • • • • • • St. Louis School-Don Bosco Catherina Cittadini (St. Louis) School Royal Oaks International School Holy Cross High School Chunghua High School SIMON (Negros Oriental Montessori International School) ABC Learning Center Little Village Foundation, Inc. SouthDale Integrated School Economy Dumaguete is becoming one of the most economically vibrant cities in the country in recent years, thanks to the influence of various anchor industries which drive the City's and neighboring areas' economies. These industries include the business process outsourcing, retirement, retail, and a host of other industries. TeleTech, one of the world's largest call center firms, and SPi, one of the world's leading BPO companies, are the two large ITES firms 50 operating in Dumaguete. The US-based StudentUniverse Corp. also operates its first overseas contact center in the city. Aside from these multinational BPO giants, there are other smaller BPO corporations and local outsourcing outfits operating in the city and nearby areas. Other giant multinational BPOs such as Convergys, as well as local corporations, are expected to establish their sites in Dumaguete soon. Robinsons Land Corporation, a major mall operator in the Philippines, will open 2010 a new mall located on a 6-hectare lot in Calindagan, south of downtown Dumaguete and inside the Dumaguete Business and IT Park. The latter is a 21 hectare complex being developed in Brgy. Calindagan, masterplanned by the Palafox Associates. Now becoming the new center of commerce in Dumaguete, it is expected to soon overtake the present downtown area in terms of economic activities and prominence. There is also an upsurge in the number of tourists arriving in the City of Dumaguete and nearby areas. The City Planning and Development Office estimates that Dumaguete City has an unemployment rate of 14.5%, significantly higher than the national unemployment rate of 11.7%. Of those that are employed, 40% are in private businesses or are self employed. The academe pumps in more than P2 billion of economic activity into the city annually. Transportation Land The most common type of transportation in Dumaguete is by tricycle, jeepneys, buses, and taxis. Ceres Liner of Vallacar Transit, Inc., is the most common Bus Liner in the province. 51 Air Sibulan Airport also known as Dumaguete Airport, is an airport serving the general area of Dumaguete City, located in the province of Negros Oriental in the Philippines. The airport is located in the municipality of Sibulan, near the border with Dumaguete City, and as such takes its name from its location. The airport is classified as a trunkline airport, or a major commercial domestic airport, by the Air Transportation Office, a body of the Department of Transportation and Communications that is responsible for the operations of not only this airport but also of all other airports in the Philippines except the major international airports. It has daily flights to and from Manila and Cebu through Air Philippines, Cebu Pacific, and Philippine Airlines. Sea The Dumaguete Pier, located in Barangay Looc, is the second largest port in Central Visayas. It is the main port of trade for the city and the whole province of Negros Oriental. It is currently under a expansion project that reclaims a few hectares of sea to accommodate more container ships. A new Passenger terminal is also currently under construction. 52 Dumaguete City Tourist Spots and Landmarks Since sightseers and tourists pass through Dumaguete City when going to the lures and attractions of the province, the local government maintains a cooperative relationship with hotel operators, restaurant and resort owners in providing wholesome, clean and adequate service to visitors. Travel agencies in the city also provide special travel packages to those who go to Dumaguete from Manila or Cebu and back. Special side trips are also available which take enthusiasts to whale and dolphin watching in Bais Bay, scuba diving in either Siquijor or Apo islands, mountain trekking in Mt. Talinis, spelunking in Mabinay, or just plain sightseeing in Valencia town. The City Tourism Office also provides tourist assistance at the Dumaguete City airport and free tour-guide service to those who ask for it. The Rizal Boulevard Rizal Boulevard stretching right by the seacoast is the converging place in the city for people of all walks of life. Either jogging or simply strolling in the early morning watching the sun rise in the sea horizon; or at sun down enjoying the sea breeze as the color of the sky changes to pale orange until the string of lights lining the baywalk takes over. When in Dumaguete City, one cannot simply miss this 780-meter strip of wide beachfront promenade. It runs almost entirely along the city’s commercial district and provides quite a refreshing and calming view when dining or having a drink at one of the many restaurants or bars lining the street. It is a popular spot for family picnics and other outdoor activities. On Sundays, you can usually find revelers seated cross legged on the grass around their spread of food. Children have their time of day running around or clam digging on the seashore during low tides. On many occasions it becomes a venue for celebrating city festivals. During the day, the streets hold parades and dances while banca (sailboat) racing goes on at the beach. In the evening, it becomes a 53 native food market. The wonderful aroma of grilled seafood and barbecue permeates the sea air. A band performs nearby while the beer continues to flow. A quiet night outside on full moons calls for a romantic stroll after a taste of the boulevard’s action-packed night life. It is just a perfect way to end a pleasant evening soiree. The Rizal Boulevard is undoubtedly one of the most visited places in the city. It was named after the famous Philippine national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, who actually made a stopover here on his way to Dapitan where he was put in exile. The Dumaguete Belfry The bell tower of St. Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral was constructed in 1811. Other than informing townsfolk of daily mass schedules, it also served as a watchtower for forthcoming attacks by aggressors. An old landmark of the city and mute witness to the city's history when pirates from the Mindanao used to come and kidnap beautiful local maidens in the late 18th century. Built between 1774 and 1776, the belfry stood and served as a watchtower, alerting village people of marauding pirates when its bell was rung. Improvements were made on the belfry in 1885 together with the renovation of the church and convent. The Dumaguete Belfry was restored in 1985 and since then has become a very popular landmark. A garden now surrounds the tower and a grotto of the Virgin Mary stands erect near the base. Devotees flock daily to light a candle for their prayer requests or for confirmation of their faith. Silliman University The pride of Dumaguete, Silliman University is a vast 61-hectare land located at the very heart of the city. Built in 1901, it first started with less than 10 students and a makeshift classroom. Today it is one of the best and biggest universities in the Philippines. 54 The Silliman Hall The Silliman Hall is the oldest known building in the campus. It was erected in 1903 when the need for additional classrooms arose. Today, it serves as a museum and a venue for university dinner conferences and the like. The Silliman University Library In the year 1978, construction began for this 3 storey building using funds donated by the USAID foundation or the United States of America through the office of American International Development. It was finished within one year, and formally inaugurated on August 28, 1979. It still remains to be one of the biggest libraries in the Philippines. Katipunan Hall (Mission Hospital) Once the City Mission Hospital, Katipunan Hall is now converted into classrooms and educational departments. Interestingly enough, much of the hospital’s original structure has been retained. The Mission Hospital was established in December, 1915 by Dr. Langheim and his wife who was also a nurse. They were the pioneers of medical missionary work in Negros Oriental, and both of them were also educators at the school. The Dumaguete City Public Market In the bustling downtown area is the city market filled with tiny stalls and rows of tables stacked with local fresh produce. Meat and vegetables are usually freshest in the early morning hours. Fishermen from neighboring towns also bring in their catch during this time. Dumaguete's Fish and Vegetable-market is even famous as the cleanest in the area. Next to fish, meat and vegetables they also sell fruits, flowers, rice and the lot of accessories. Even service as beauty salons can be found. 55 The public market can be a bit noisy and a tad cluttered because of so many people coming in and out of the building. Other products that could be sourced from there include pots and pans, baskets, brooms and other cleaning agents, plastic products, livestock feeds, even freshwater pearls, watches and gold jewelry. Every Sunday morning between 5 and 7 there is a pre-market, where farmers coming from the far areas of the island try to sell their vegetables and fruits. You have to get up early but it is nice and colorful. Angtay Golf Club, Bantayan, Dumaguete City The proximity of Angtay Golf Club makes it convenient for all golf enthusiasts in the city to practice their swings after work at the office. In the late afternoons, it is a common sight to find junior golfers lining up for training sessions as well. With the 9-hole course, Angtay Golf Club has a function room and a restaurant serving good food. It is also a perfect setting for wedding receptions and children’s parties. It has a spacious parking area with security guard. The Christmas House, Amigo Subdivision, Dumaguete City The Christmas House is a one-of-a-kind legacy initiated by Dr. Rico Absin, an anesthesiologist in the city. For the past 18 years, visiting the Christmas House has become a tradition for all Dumagueteños. Each year for the past 18 years all the young and the youngat-heart flock to the bedecked Spanish mansion of one Dr. Rico Absin, a practicing anesthesiologist in his early 50s, who has successfully created an institution out of a genuine passion for art and decoration. Gateway to the Best Philippine Dive Sites The Area have some of the best dive sites in the world namely Apo Island and Sumilon Island. Having one of most diverse marine ecosystem in the World, divers converge in Apo Island to see the beautiful corals and marine life in this Marine Preserve managed by 56 Silliman University. Dolphin and whale watching in nearby Bais Bay, spelunking in Mabinay Cave System, and hiking to the three lakes on top of Mt Talinis are just some of the sights one can visit to make your visit in Dumaguete complete. Festivals Sandurot Festival is a joyful celebration of the people of Dumaguete, their innate hospitality, friendliness, and their propensity to live harmoniously with people of different race, religion, and cultural beliefs. Through the course of history and to the present time, the people of Dumaguete have always been known to welcome strangers from different shores and countries, and to live with them in complete peace and understanding. This is the innate trait of Dumagueteños celebrated by the Sandurot Festival.Held during the city fiesta in Novemeber at the Rizal Boulevard, the festival reenacts the coming of these foreigners and how, with dance and song, they were welcomed by the natives. It is participated in by city barangays and/or schools, with each contingent representing a foreign culture. The group, wearing the chosen country's native costume, will then perform an intricately choreographed dance, interpreting the meaning of "Sandurot", which means genuine unity and sharing. Santacruzan in Dumaguete is always a star-studded affair. The Santacruzan in May is celebrated in such a unique way that it is not merely a parade of beautiful sagalas, but a re-enactment of religious and historical events. Schools and universities in Dumaguete also have their own festivities that are crowd-drawers and eagerly waited by the Dumagueteños. Silliman University, during its Founder's Day, is famous for its booths which are put up by the different student organizations in campus. Thousands flock to the SU grounds to see the displays during the weeklong celebration. SU is also famous for its prestigious Miss Silliman Beauty Pageant. Foundation University also has its Kasadyaan Festival held in December. The mardi gras parade is very colorful, the music and beat 57 pulsating, and the dances heady and exciting. Getting There Philippine Airlines and other domestic carriers fly regularly from Manila to Dumaguete City, and vice versa. Travel time is one hour and a half. One can also travel by ship from Manila to Dumaguete. Travel time is 36 hours. From Tagbilaran City, Bohol, you can reach the city through Supercat [fast craft] in an hour and a half. Fast ferry trips are daily. 58 INTERNATIONAL TOUR HONG KONG 59 Hong Kong Hong Kong (Chinese: 香港), officially the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region,[6] is a territory located in Southern China in East Asia, bordering the province of Guangdong to the north and facing the South China Sea to the east, west and south. It has a population of 7 million people but only 1,108 km2 (428 sq mi) of land, making it one of the most densely populated areas in the world.[7] Beginning as a trading port, Hong Kong became a dependent territory of the United Kingdom in 1842, and remained so until transfer of sovereignty of Hong Kong to the People's Republic of China in 1997.[8] [9] Along with Macau, Hong Kong is one of the two special administrative regions under the "one country, two systems" policy.[10] As a result, Hong Kong is largely self-governing, has its own currency, legal and political systems, a high degree of autonomy in all areas except foreign affairs and defence,[11] and is generally not considered part of mainland China.[12][13][14][15] Renowned for its expansive skyline and natural setting, Hong Kong is one of the world's leading financial capitals, a major business and cultural hub, and maintains a highly developed capitalist economy. Its identity as a cosmopolitan centre where east meets west is reflected in its cuisine, cinema, music and traditions,[16] and although the population is predominantly Chinese, residents and expatriates of other ethnicities form a small but significant segment of society.[17] History Human settlement in the area now known as Hong Kong dates back to the late Paleolithic and early Neolithic era,[20] but the name Hong Kong (香港) did not appear on written record until the Treaty of Nanking of 60 1842.[21] The area's earliest recorded European visitor was Jorge Álvares, a Portuguese mariner who arrived in 1513.[22][23] In 1839 the refusal by Qing Dynasty authorities to import opium resulted in the First Opium War between China and Britain. Hong Kong Island became occupied by British forces in 1841, and was formally ceded to Britain under the Treaty of Nanking at the end of the war. The British established a Crown Colony with the founding of Victoria City the following year. In 1860, after China's defeat in the Second Opium War, Kowloon Peninsula south of Boundary Street and Stonecutter's Island were ceded to Britain under the Convention of Peking. In 1898 Britain obtained a 99-year lease of Lantau Island and the adjacent northern lands, which became known as the New Territories. [24] During the first half of the 20th century, Hong Kong was a free port, serving as an entrepôt of the British Empire. The British introduced an education system based on their own model, while the local Chinese population had little contact with the European community of wealthy tai-pans settled near Victoria Peak.[24] In conjunction with its military campaign in World War II, the Empire of Japan invaded Hong Kong on 8 December 1941. The Battle of Hong Kong ended with British and Canadian defenders surrendering control of the colony to Japan on 25 December. During the Japanese occupation, civilians suffered widespread food shortages, rationing, and hyper-inflation due to forced exchange of currency for military notes. Hong Kong lost more than half of its population in the period between the invasion and Japan's surrender in 1945, when the United Kingdom resumed control of the colony. [25] Hong Kong's population recovered quickly as a wave of mainland migrants arrived for refuge from the ongoing Chinese Civil War. With the proclamation of the People's Republic of China in 1949, more migrants fled to Hong Kong in fear of persecution by the Communist 61 Party.[24] Many corporations in Shanghai and Guangzhou also shifted their operations to Hong Kong.[24] The colony became the sole place of contact between mainland China and the Western world, as the Chinese communist government increasingly isolated itself from outside influence. As textile and manufacturing industries grew with the help of population growth and low cost of labour, Hong Kong rapidly industrialised, with its economy becoming driven by exports, and living standards rising steadily. The construction of Shek Kip Mei Estate in 1953 marked the beginning of the public housing estate program, designed to cope with the huge influx of immigrants. Trade in Hong Kong accelerated even further when Shenzhen, immediately north of Hong Kong, became a Special Economic Zone of the PRC, and established Hong Kong as the main source of foreign investment to the mainland. The later decades of the 20th century saw the economy shift from textiles and manufacturing to mainly services-based, as the financial and banking sectors became increasingly dominant. With the lease of the New Territories due to expire within two decades the governments of the United Kingdom and the People's Republic of China discussed the issue of Hong Kong's sovereignty in the 1980s. In 1984 the two countries signed the Sino-British Joint Declaration, agreeing to transfer sovereignty to the People's Republic of China in 1997,[24] and stipulating that Hong Kong would be governed as a special administrative region, retaining its laws and a high degree of autonomy for at least fifty years after the transfer. The Hong Kong Basic Law, which would serve as the constitutional document after the transfer, was ratified in 1990, and the transfer of sovereignty occurred at midnight on 1 July 1997, marked by a handover ceremony at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.[24] Hong Kong's economy was affected by the Asian financial crisis of 1997 that hit many East Asian markets, and the lethal H5N1 avian influenza also surfaced that year. After a gradual recovery, Hong Kong suffered again due to an outbreak of SARS in 2003.[26] Today, Hong Kong continues to serve as an important global financial centre, but faces uncertainty over its future role with a growing mainland China 62 economy, and its relationship with the PRC government in areas such as democratic reform and universal suffrage. Government and Politics In accordance with the Sino-British Joint Declaration, and reflecting the policy known as "one country, two systems" by the People's Republic of China, Hong Kong enjoys a high degree of autonomy as a special administrative region in all areas except defence and foreign affairs.[27] The declaration stipulates that the region maintain its capitalist economic system and guarantees the rights and freedoms of its people for at least 50 years beyond the 1997 handover.[28] The Basic Law is the constitutional document that outlines executive, legislative and judicial authorities of government, although final authority for interpreting the Basic Law rests with the PRC government.[29] The primary institutions of government are: • The executive: The Executive Council, headed by the Chief Executive who is elected by the Election Committee and then approved and appointed by the Central People's Government; [30] • The legislature: The Legislative Council with 60 members, half of which are directly elected by universal suffrage, and headed by the President of the Legislative Council who serves as the Speaker of the Council;[30] The Hong Kong Civil Service: A politically neutral body that implements policies and provides government services, where public servants are appointed based on qualifications, experience and ability;[30] The judiciary: Comprising the Court of Final Appeal, the High Court (which includes the Court of Appeal and the Court of First Instance), the District Courts, et cetera.[31] • • 63 The Basic Law and universal suffrage have been major issues of political debate since the transfer of sovereignty. In 2002, the government's proposed Article 23 of the Basic Law, which required the enactment of laws prohibiting acts of treason and subversion against the Chinese government, was met with fierce opposition, and eventually shelved.[30][32][33] Debate between pro-Beijing groups and prodemocracy groups characterises Hong Kong's political scene, with the latter supporting a faster pace of democratisation.[ Legal System and Judiciary In contrast to mainland China's civil law system, Hong Kong continues to follow the English Common Law tradition established during British rule.[35] Hong Kong's courts are permitted to refer to decisions (precedents) rendered by courts of other common law jurisdictions,[36] and judges from other common law jurisdictions are allowed to participate in proceedings of Hong Kong's Court of Final Appeal and sit as Hong Kong judges.[37] Structurally, Hong Kong's court system consists of the Court of Final Appeal, the High Court, which is made up of the Court of Appeal and the Court of First Instance, and the District Court, which includes the Family Court. [31] Other adjudicative bodies include the Lands Tribunal, the Magistrates' Courts, the Juvenile Court, the Coroner's Court, the Labour Tribunal, the Small Claims Tribunal, and the Obscene Articles Tribunal, which is responsible for classifying non-video pornography to be circulated in Hong Kong.[31] Justices of the Court of Final Appeal are appointed by Hong Kong's Chief Executive.[38] The Department of Justice is the largest legal institution in Hong Kong, and its responsibilities involve legislation, judicial administration, prosecution, civil representation, legal and policy drafting and reform, and the legal profession. [35] Aside from prosecuting criminal cases, officials of the Department of Justice also appear in court on behalf of the government in all civil and administrative lawsuits against the government.[35] As protector of the public interest, it may apply for judicial reviews and assign legal representation on behalf of the public to take part in such a trial.[39] The Basic Law protects the Department of Justice from any interference. 64 Administrative Districts Hong Kong is subdivided into 18 geographic districts for administrative purposes, each represented by a district council that advises the government on local matters such as public facilities, community programmes, cultural activities and environmental improvements. There are a total of 534 district councils seats, 405 of which are elected, while the rest are appointed by the Chief Executive and 27 ex officio chairmen of rural committees.[43] The government's Home Affairs Department communicates government policies and plans to the public through the district offices. The 18 districts can be split into three areas, often used for statistical purposes. Hong Kong Island is the original 1842 colony, and contains Hong Kong's financial core on its northern coast. Kowloon is to the north across Victoria Harbour, the southern part of which was ceded in 1860. The much larger New Territories was the final addition to Hong Kong's territory in 1898. As a special administrative region, Hong Kong is governed as a unitary authority, and as such there are no formal definitions for its cities and towns. One such example is Victoria City, which was one of the first urban settlements in Hong Kong after it became a colony, and was considered Hong Kong's capital city during British rule.[44] Its historic boundary, along with that of Kowloon and New Kowloon, remain stated in law, but has not had any legal or administrative status since 1982. Geography and Climate Hong Kong is located on China's south coast, 60 km (37 mi) east of Macau on the opposite side of the Pearl River Delta. It is surrounded by the South China Sea on the east, south, and west, and borders the city of Shenzhen in Guangdong Province to the north over the Sham Chun River. The territory's 1,104 km2 (426 sq mi) land area consists primarily of Hong Kong Island, Lantau Island, Kowloon Peninsula and the New Territories as well as some 260 other islands.[45] 65 As much of Hong Kong's terrain is hilly to mountainous with steep slopes, less than 25% of the territory's landmass is developed, and about 40% of the remaining land area is reserved as country parks and nature reserves.[46] Most of the territory's urban development exists on Kowloon peninsula, along the northern edge of Hong Kong Island and in scattered settlements throughout the New Territories. The highest elevation in the territory is at Tai Mo Shan, at a height of 958 metres (3,140 ft) above sea level. Hong Kong's long, irregular and curvaceous coastline also affords the territory with many bays, rivers and beaches. Despite Hong Kong's reputation of being intensely urbanised, the territory has made much effort to promote a green environment,[47] and recent growing public concern has prompted the severe restriction of further land reclamation from Victoria Harbour. Awareness of the environment is growing as Hong Kong suffers from increasing pollution compounded by its geography and tall buildings. Approximately 80% of the city's smog originates from other parts of the Pearl River Delta.[48] Situated just south of the Tropic of Cancer, Hong Kong's climate is humid subtropical climate (Köppen climate classification Cwa). Summer is hot and humid with occasional showers and thunderstorms, and warm air coming from the southwest. It is also the time when typhoons are most likely, sometimes resulting in flooding or landslides. Winter weather usually starts sunny and becomes cloudier towards February, with the occasional cold front bringing strong, cooling winds from the north. The most pleasant seasons are spring, although changeable, and autumn, which is generally sunny and dry.[49] Hong Kong averages 1,948 hours of sunshine per year,[50] while the highest and lowest ever recorded temperatures at the Hong Kong Observatory are 36.1 °C (97.0 °F) and 0.0 °C (32.0 °F), respectively. Economy 66 Hong Kong is one of the world's leading financial centres.[53] Its highly capitalist economy has been ranked the freest in the world by the Index of Economic Freedom for 15 consecutive years. [54][55][56] It is an important centre for international finance and trade, with one of the greatest concentration of corporate headquarters in the Asia-Pacific region, and is known as one of the Four Asian Tigers for its high growth rates and rapid industrialisation between the 1960s and 1990s. [57] The Hong Kong Stock Exchange is the sixth largest in the world, with a market capitalisation of US$2.97 trillion as of October 2007, and the second highest value of initial public offerings, after London.[58] The currency used in Hong Kong is the Hong Kong dollar, which has been pegged to the U.S. dollar since 1983. The Government of Hong Kong plays a passive role in the financial industry, mostly leaving the direction of the economy to market forces and the private sector. Under the official policy of positive noninterventionism, Hong Kong is often cited as an example of laissezfaire capitalism. Following World War II, Hong Kong industrialised rapidly as a manufacturing centre driven by exports, and then underwent a rapid transition to a service-based economy in the 1980s. Hong Kong matured to become a financial centre in the 1990s, but was greatly affected by the Asian financial crisis in 1998, and again in 2003 by the SARS outbreak. A revival of external and domestic demand has led to a strong recovery, as cost decreases strengthened the competitiveness of Hong Kong exports and a long deflationary period ended. The territory has little arable land and few natural resources, so it must import most of its food and raw materials. Hong Kong is the world's eleventh largest trading entity,[59] with the total value of imports and exports exceeding its gross domestic product. Much of Hong Kong's exports consist of re-exports, which are products made outside of the territory, especially in mainland China, and distributed via Hong Kong. Even before the 1997 handover, Hong Kong had established extensive trade and investment ties with mainland China, and its autonomous status now enables it to serve as a point of entry for investment flowing into the mainland. At the end of 2007, there were 3.46 million people employed full-time, with the unemployment rate averaging 4.1%, the fourth straight year of decline.[60] Hong Kong's economy is dominated by the service sector, which accounts for over 90% of its GDP, while 67 industry now constitutes just 9%. Inflation was at 2% in 2007, and Hong Kong's largest export markets are mainland China, the United States, and Japan.[ Military As it has never been a sovereign state, Hong Kong never has any entirely independent military forces. As a British colony and later territory, defence was provided by the British military under the command of the Governor of Hong Kong who was ex officio Commander-in-chief.[62] When the People's Republic of China assumed sovereignty in 1997, the British barracks were replaced by a garrison of the People's Liberation Army, comprising ground, naval, and air forces, and under the command of the Chinese Central Military Commission.[9] The Basic Law protects local civil affairs against interference by resident military forces, and the Hong Kong Government remains responsible for the maintenance of public order. Demographics Residents of Hong Kong are sometimes referred to as Hongkongers. The territory's population increased sharply throughout the 1990s, reaching 6.99 million in 2006.[64] Hong Kong has a fertility rate of 0.95 children per woman, [65] one of the lowest in the world and far below the 2.1 children per woman required to sustain the current population. However, the population in Hong Kong continues to grow due to the influx of immigrants from mainland China, approximating 45,000 per year. Life expectancy in Hong Kong is 81.6 years as of 2006, the sixth highest in the world. About 95% of Hong Kong's population is of Chinese descent, the majority of which is Cantonese or from linguistic groups such as Hakka and Teochew. The remaining 5% of the population is composed of nonethnic Chinese forming a highly visible group despite their smaller numbers. A South Asian population of Sindhis, Indians, Pakistanis and Nepalese are found. Vietnamese refugees have become permanent residents of Hong Kong. There are also a number of Europeans, 68 Americans, Australians, Canadians, Japanese, and Koreans working in Hong Kong's commercial and financial sector. Hong Kong's de-facto official dialect is Cantonese, a Chinese language originating from Guangdong province to the north of Hong Kong, and is spoken by 95% of the population as a first language. English is also an official language, and according to a 1996 by-census is spoken by 3.1% of the population as an everyday language and by 34.9% of the population as a second language.[66] Signs displaying both Chinese and English are common throughout the territory. Since the 1997 handover, an increase in immigrants from mainland China and greater integration with the mainland economy have brought an increasing amount of Mandarin speakers to Hong Kong. Religion in Hong Kong enjoys a high degree of freedom, guaranteed by the Basic Law. 90% of Hong Kong's population practises a mix of local religions,[67] most prominently Buddhism (mainly Chinese Mahayana) and Taoism.[68][69][70] A Christian community of around 600,000 exists, [71][72] forming about 8% of the total population, and is equally divided between Catholics and Protestants. There are also Muslim, Latter-Day Saint,[73] Jewish, Jehovah's Witness,[74] Hindu, Sikh and Bahá'í communities.[71] Concerns over a lack of religious freedom after the 1997 handover have subsided, with Falun Gong adherents free to practice in Hong Kong, and the Anglican Church and Roman Catholic Church each freely appointing its own bishops, unlike in mainland China. Education Hong Kong's education system roughly follows the system in England, although at the higher education levels, both English and American systems exist. The medium of instruction is mainly spoken Cantonese, written Chinese and English, but Mandarin language education has been increasing. The Programme for International Student Assessment, has ranked Hong Kong's education system as the second best in the world.[75] Hong Kong's public schools are operated by the Education Bureau. The system features a non-compulsory three-year kindergarten, followed by 69 a compulsory six-year primary education, a three-year junior secondary education, a non-compulsory two-year senior secondary education leading to the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examinations, and a two-year matriculation course leading to the Hong Kong Advanced Level Examinations.[76] Most comprehensive schools in Hong Kong fall under three categories: the rarer public schools; the more common subsidised schools, including government aids and grant schools; and private schools, often run by Christian organisations and having admissions based on academic merit rather than on financial resources. Outside this system are the schools under the Direct Subsidy Scheme and private international schools. There are nine public universities in Hong Kong, and a number of private higher institutions, offering various bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, other higher diplomas and associate degree courses. The University of Hong Kong, the oldest institution of tertiary education in territory, was referred by Quacquarelli Symonds as a "world-class comprehensive research university" [77] and was ranked 26th on the 2008 THES - QS World University Rankings [78] , making it 3rd in Asia (after only to University of Tokyo and Kyoto University). The Hong Kong University of Science & Technology and Chinese University of Hong Kong are ranked 39 and 42 respectively, making them ranked 5th and 6th respectively in Asia. Culture Hong Kong is frequently described as a place where East meets West, reflecting the culture's mix of the territory's Chinese roots with the culture brought to it during its time as a British colony/territory. Although over a decade has passed since the handover, Western cultural practices remain, and coexist seamlessly with the traditional philosophy and practices of Chinese culture. Hong Kong still has a Welsh male voice choir and a traditional English morris dancing team, for example. One of the more noticeable contradictions is Hong Kong's balancing of a modernised way of life with traditional superstitious Chinese 70 practices. Concepts like Fung shui are taken very seriously, with expensive construction projects often hiring expert consultants, and are often believed to make or break a business. Other objects like bagua mirrors are still regularly used to deflect evil spirits, and buildings often lack any floor number that has a 4 in it, due to its similarity to the word for "die" in the Chinese language. The fusion of east and west also characterises Hong Kong's cuisine, where dim sum or da been lo restaurants can be found next to fast food joints. While Hong Kong is a recognised global centre of trade, its most famous export is its entertainment industry, particularly in the martial arts genre which gained a high level of popularity in the late 1960s and 1970s. Several Hollywood performers have originated from Hong Kong cinema, notably Bruce Lee, Chow Yun-Fat, and Jackie Chan. A number of Hong Kong film-makers have also achieved widespread fame in Hollywood, such as John Woo, Wong Kar-wai and Tsui Hark. Homegrown films such as Chungking Express, Infernal Affairs, Shaolin Soccer, Rumble in the Bronx, and In the Mood for Love have gained international recognition. Hong Kong is also the world's main centre for Cantopop music, which draws its influence from other forms of Chinese music, and more international styles including jazz, rock and roll, rhythm and blues, electronic music, western pop music and others, and has a multinational fanbase. The Hong Kong government supports cultural institutions such as the Hong Kong Heritage Museum, the Hong Kong Museum of Art, the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, and the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. Also, the government's Leisure and Cultural Services Department subsidises and sponsors international performers brought to Hong Kong. Many international cultural activities are organised by the government, consulates, and privately. Hong Kong has two broadcast television stations, ATV and TVB. Cable and satellite services are also widespread. The production of Hong Kong's soap dramas, comedy series and variety shows have reached mass audiences throughout the Chinese-speaking world. Magazine and newspaper publishers in Hong Kong distribute and print in both Chinese and English, with a focus on sensationalism and celebrity gossip. The media is relatively free from government 71 interference compared to that of mainland China, and newspapers are often divided along political lines of support or show skepticism towards the Chinese government in Beijing.[citation needed] Hong Kong is also one of three CNN International headquarters. Hong Kong offers wide recreational and competitive sport opportunities despite its limited land area. Internationally, Hong Kong participates in the Olympic Games, and numerous other Asian Games events, and hosted the equestrian events for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. There are major multipurpose venues like Hong Kong Coliseum and MacPherson Stadium. Hong Kong's steep terrain make it ideal for hiking, with expansive views over the territory, and its rugged coastline provides many beaches for swimming. Architecture Hong Kong has the world's greatest number of skyscrapers, at 6,439. [80] The high density and tall skyline of Hong Kong's urban area is due to a lack of available sprawl space, with the average distance from the harbourfront to the steep hills of Hong Kong Island at 1.3 km (0.8 mi). [81] This lack of space causing demand for dense, high-rise offices and housing, has resulted in 38 of the world's 100 tallest residential buildings being in Hong Kong,[82] and more people living or working above the 14th floor than anywhere else on Earth, making it the world's most vertical city.[83] A downside to the lack of space and demand for construction is that few older buildings remain, the city instead becoming a centre for modern architecture. The tallest building in Hong Kong is Two International Finance Centre, at 415 m (1,360 ft) high.[84] Other recognisable skyline features include the HSBC Headquarters Building, said to be easily dismantled and rebuilt elsewhere, the triangular Central Plaza with its pyramidshaped spire, The Center with its nighttime multi-coloured neon light show, and I M Pei's Bank of China Tower with its sharp, angular façade. The city has been rated as having 72 the best skyline in the world.[85] Notable remaining historical assets include the Tsim Sha Tsui Clock Tower, the Central Police Station, and the remains of Kowloon Walled City. There are many development plans in place, including the construction of new government buildings,[86] waterfront redevelopment in Central, [87] and a series of projects in West Kowloon.[88] More high-rise development is set to take place on the other side of Victoria Harbour in Kowloon, as the 1998 closure of the nearby Kai Tak Airport lifted strict height restrictions,[89] including the soonto-be tallest tower, the International Commerce Centre, which will open in 2010. [ Transportation Hong Kong has a highly developed transportation network, encompassing both public and private transport. Over 90% of daily travels (11 million) are on public transport,[91] making it the highest percentage in the world.[92] The Octopus card, a stored value smart card payment system, can be used to pay for fares on almost all railways, buses and ferries, and also for parking and purchases at convenience stores and fastfood restaurants.[93] The city's rapid transit system, MTR, has 150 stations and serves 3.4 million people a day.[94] A tramway system, serving the city since 1904, covers the northern parts of Hong Kong Island and is the only tram system in the world run exclusively with double deckers.[95] Doubledecker buses were introduced to Hong Kong in 1949, and are now almost exclusively used, with single-decker buses remaining in use for routes with lower demand or roads with lower carrying capacity. Most normal franchised bus routes in Hong Kong operate until 1 am. Public light buses run the length and breadth of Hong Kong, through areas where standard bus lines cannot reach or do not reach as frequently, quickly, or directly. The Star Ferry service operates four lines across Victoria Harbour and has been in operation for over 120 years, providing a panoramic view of Hong Kong's skyline for its 53,000 daily passengers. [96] It is considered one of the city's most treasured cultural icons and has been rated as one of the most picturesque ferry crossings in the world.[97] 73 Other ferry services are provided by operators serving outlying islands, new towns, Macau, and cities in mainland China. Hong Kong is also famous for its junks traversing the harbour, and small kai-to ferries which serve remote coastal settlements. Hong Kong's steep, hilly terrain calls for some unusual ways of getting up and down the slopes. The Peak Tram, the first public transport system in Hong Kong, has provided vertical rail transport between Central and Victoria Peak since 1888 by steeply ascending the side of a mountain. In Central and Western district, there is an extensive system of escalators and moving pavements, including the longest outdoor covered escalator system in the world, the MidLevels escalator. Hong Kong International Airport is a leading air passenger gateway and logistics hub in Asia and one of the world's busiest airports in terms of international passenger and cargo movement, serving more than 47 million passengers and handling 3.74 million tonnes of cargo in 2007.[98] It replaced Kai Tak Airport in Kowloon in 1998, and has been rated as the world's best airport in a number of surveys.[99] Over 85 airlines operate at the two-terminal airport and it is the primary hub of Cathay Pacific, Dragonair, Air Hong Kong, Hong Kong Airlines and Hong Kong Express. Landmarks and Tourist Spots Victoria Peak Victoria Peak (traditional Chinese: 太平山, or previously- 扯旗山) is a mountain in Hong Kong. It is also known as Mount Austin, and locally as The Peak. The mountain is located in the western half of Hong Kong Island. With an altitude of 552 m (1,810 ft), it is the highest mountain on the island proper, but not in the entirety of Hong Kong, an honour which belongs to Tai Mo Shan. 74 The actual summit of Victoria Peak is occupied by a radio telecommunications facility and is closed to the public. However, the surrounding area of public parks and high-value residential land is the area that is normally meant by the name The Peak. It is a major tourist attraction which offers spectacular views over central Hong Kong, Victoria Harbour, and the surrounding islands. Stanley Stanley is a town and a tourist attraction in Hong Kong. It is a peninsula on the southeastern part of Hong Kong Island. It is east of Repulse Bay and west of Shek O, adjacent to Chung Hom Kok. Administratively, it is part of the Southern District. The proper Chek Chue refers to the village town but Stanley generally refers to all the surrounding areas of the peninsula after the beginning of British rule and native Cantonese name Chek Chue became synonym to Stanley. Repulse Bay Repulse Bay is an area in the southern part of Hong Kong Island, located in the Southern District, Hong Kong. International Finance Center The International Finance Centre (abbr. IFC, branded as "ifc") is an integrated commercial development on the waterfront of Hong Kong's Central District. A prominent landmark on Hong Kong Island, IFC consists of two skyscrapers, the IFC Mall, and the 55-story Four Seasons Hotel Hong 75 Kong. Tower 2 is the tallest building in Hong Kong, a title formerly held by Central Plaza. It is the third-tallest building in the Greater China region and the seventh-tallest office building in the world, based on structural heights; by roof height, only the Taipei 101, Shanghai World Financial Center, and Sears Tower exceed it. It is the exact height of the former World Trade Center. The International Commerce Centre, currently under construction above the MTR Kowloon station and scheduled for completion in 2010, will surpass 2IFC in each of these categories. IFC was constructed and is owned by IFC Development, a consortium of Sun Hung Kai Properties, Henderson Land and Towngas. Victoria Harbor Victoria Harbour is a natural landform harbour situated between Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula in Hong Kong. The harbour's deep, sheltered waters and strategic location on the South China Sea was instrumental in Hong Kong's establishment as a British colony and its subsequent development as a trading centre. Throughout its history, the harbour has seen numerous reclamation projects undertaken on both shores, but still retains its founding role as a port for thousands of international vessels each year. Long famous for its spectacular views, the harbour is a major tourist attraction of Hong Kong. Lying in the middle of the territory's dense urban region, the harbour is the site of annual fireworks displays and its promenades are popular gathering places for tourists and residents. Aberdeen Harbor 76 Aberdeen is an area at the south shore of the Hong Kong Island of Hong Kong. It is part of the Southern District. Aberdeen Harbour is a harbour between Aberdeen and Ap Lei Chau. Aberdeen traditionally includes the town of Aberdeen, Wong Chuk Hang and Ap Lei Chau, but it sometimes referred to the town only. Lan Kwai Fong Lan Kwai Fong (Traditional Chinese: 蘭桂坊, Pinyin: Lánguì Fāng Cantonese Yale: laáhn gwai fòng) is a small square of streets in Central, Central and Western district, Hong Kong. The area was dedicated to hawkers before the Second World War, but underwent a renaissance in the mid 1980s. It is now a popular expatriate haunt in Hong Kong for drinking, clubbing and dining. The street Lan Kwai Fong is an L-shape with two ends joining with D'Aguilar Street. Soho The Soho (Chinese: 蘇豪; also 荷南) district in Hong Kong is an entertainment zone located in Mid-levels and bordering Sheung Wan, within the Central and Western district. The name is derived from its location: South of Hollywood Road, and it arguably extends up to and including Robinson Road. One of the easiest ways of getting to Soho is through the Central-MidLevels escalator, which was built in 1993. It is said that the very existence of now vibrant Soho is attributed to the creation of the escalator system, which at the time was the longest escalator system in the world, and in fact prior to the escalator the area was populated by many elderley locals, old go-downs and porcelain shops. The area now consists of restaurants, bars, nightclubs, art galleries and antique stores of Staunton Street and Elgin Street. Soho also is home to the first fulltime comedy club in Asia, The TakeOut Comedy Club Hong Kong.[1] Hong Kong taxi drivers usually regard "Soho" to mean either Staunton Street or Elgin Street. It's easier to say "Soho" than "Standon gai", or "Elay gan gai." However just be sure you mention 77 "Central", or driver might take you to SOGO, a department store in a different district. Buildings in the Soho area are a mix of commercial/residential, with the commercial businesses on the lower floors, and residential above the First Floors. Around the same time the Mid Levels Escalator was built, a few foreigners started to move into the area, taking up both commercial premises and renting flats. At the time the flats were cheaper than other expat areas in Hong Kong, and only a few minutes walk from the business district. The name Soho was first mentioned in a 1996 article in the South China Morning Post newspaper attributed to Elgin Street restaurant owner, Thomas Goetz, who came up with the acronym. Goetz was also instrumental in forming Soho's first business group, and The Soho Association Limited (TSAL) was established in 1998 to represent it's members in relation to difficulties they were experiencing with the local government departments in relation to licencing, and to collectively promote the area. The first Chairman was Jean-Paul Gauci, who had opened many businesses in the area. However, in 2000, Democratic Party member Kam Nai-wai wanted to see Soho formally re-named the "Elgin/Staunton Street Themed Dining Area", and Kam and some Long-term residents associated the name Soho with being a place of disrepute, with red light district associations. The irony is Elgin Street was known in the 1860s as "Hung Mo Giu Gai," or "Foreign Girls Street," due to the vast number of European-staffed brothels. It was renamed after Lord Elgin, British envoy to China, during the Second Opium War (1857-1860).For several years the Democratic Party fought an ongoing battle against the new bars and restaurants in the area, and also against formal adoption of the name "Soho", preferring instead the descriptive "Staunton/Elgin Street Themd Dinning Area", despite the fact that there were more non restaurants businesses than restaurants! The apprehension is that use of the name "Soho" will cause association with the London area of the same name. Ocean Park 78 Ocean Park Hong Kong (traditional Chinese: 香港海洋公園; simplified Chinese: 香港海洋 公园; pinyin: Xiānggǎng Hǎiyáng Gōngyuán; Cantonese Yale: heung1 gong2 hoi2 yeung4 gung1 yuen4) is a Recreation Park in the Southern District of Hong Kong Island. The marine-themed amusement park covers the area of Wong Chuk Hang and Nam Long Shan, and is located in Hong Kong. Public can go to Ocean Park by taxi or Citybus. The park, ranked 7th in 'The World’s Most Popular Amusement Parks’ by Forbes in June 2006[1], had 4.38 million visitors in the fiscal year 2005/2006.[2] Ocean Park also ranked 16th in the TEA/ERA Theme Park Attendance Report 2007 with approximately 4.9 million visitors, higher than Hong Kong Disneyland at 21st place with 4.1 million visitors.[3] It covers an area of 870,000 square metres.[4] The different parts of the park are connected by a gondola lift system (or cable car system), as well as the world's second longest outdoor escalator. The theme park currently has over 14 rides and other attractions such as aquariums.[4] Besides housing two roller coasters, Ocean Park also features a Giant panda exhibit, a jelly fish and Chinese sturgeon aquarium, as well as a four-story aquarium displaying more than 2000 fish. The official mascot of Ocean Park is "Whiskers"—a waving sealion. Besides being an amusement park, Ocean Park Hong Kong also operates observatories, well developed laboratories, an education department and a Whales And Dolphins Fund. Ocean Park Hong Kong was the first institution in the world to have success in artificial insemination of bottle nose dolphins, and developed numerous new breeds of goldfish. In September 2007, Ocean Park Hong Kong increased its ticket prices by 12% and 14% to take advantage of the Golden Week Holidays. Kowloon Including New Kowloon • Hong Kong Art • Hong Kong Museum Cultural Centre •Kowloon Park •Nathan Road • Hong Kong Science 79 • Avenue of Stars • Chungking Mansions • Clock Tower • Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre • Hong Kong History Museum • Hong Kong Observatory •Ocean Terminal •The Peninsula Hotel Museum • Hong Kong Space Museum • Star Ferry • Wong Tai Sin Temple New Territories Including the Outlying Islands • Che Kung Temple • Hong Kong Railway Museum • Cheung Chau • Hong Kong • Hong Kong Wetland Park Disneyland Resort • Ngong Ping 360 • Hong Kong Heritage Museum Festivals • • • • • • • Chinese New Year Tin Hau Festival Cheung Chau Bun Festival Buddha's Birthday celebrations at Po Lin Monastery. Dragon boat Festival Halloween Christmas • Ping Shan • Tai O • Tian Tan Buddha • Ting Kau Bridge • Tsing Ma Bridge • Tung Chung Fort Accessing Hong Kong To facilitate entry of visitors, various measures were introduced in 2002. The quota of the Hong Kong Tour Group Scheme of Mainland visitors has been abolished since January 2002. The number of Mainland travel agents authorised to organize such tours has also 80 increased significantly. Nationals from some 170 countries can visit Hong Kong visa free for period from seven days to 180 days. The Individual Visit Scheme (IVS) was introduced on 28 July 2003. The Scheme has been gradually extended and now covers Guangdong province, Shanghai, Beijing, Chongqing, Tianjian and nine cities in Fujian, Jiangsu and Zhejiang. In 2006, over 6.6 million Mainland citizens travelled to Hong Kong under the IVS, which is 20.2% more than 2005.mmm CONTACT NUMBERS Hotels Name of Hotel Garden Orchid Hotel Lantaka Hotel by the Sea Marcian Garden Hotel Royal Azenith Hotel Blue Shark Hotel Hacienda de Palmeras Hotel & Restaurant Grand AstoriaHotel Hotel Paradise Hotel Perlita Hotel Preciosa Hotel Salwa Imperial Hotel Jardin de Ia Vina Hotel Skypark Hotel Yang's Hotel Zamboanga Hermosa Hotel Address Gov. Camins Avenue NS. Valderrosa Street Gov. Camins Avenue Gov. Camins Ave Canelar Sta. Maria Mayor Jaldon Street P. Reyes Street Mayor Jaldon Street Mayor Jaldon Street Gov. Camins Avenue Campaner Street Gov. Alvarez Street Tomas Claudio St. Tomas Claudjo St.. Mayor Jaldon Street Telephone Number 991-0031 9912033 991-2519 991-2023 991-0676 991-3284 991-2510 991-2026 993-0990 991-2020 9919849 991-1648 991-7808 992-0959 991-0138 991-2040 81 Restaurants Name of Restaurant Alavar Seafood Restaurant Hai San Sea Food Market & Restaurant Hanasono Japanese Restaurant Mano-Mano Greenfiled Restaurant Antonio’s Steak House Chinito’s Patio Palmeras Kintaro 10th High La Vista Seaside Restaurant Lotus Restaurant ATOA (A Taste of Asia) Park 88 Papito’s Grille Country Chicken Mi Abuela Tsokolate Location Don Alfaro Street, Tetuan San Jose Road Garden Orchid Hotel Gov. Ramos Ave. Sta. Maria Pasonanca Downtown Pasonanca Downtown Upper Calarian Grand Astoria Hotel Unichan Bldg. Veterans Ave. Pasonanca Park Lunzuran Rd. Tumaga Pasonanca Road La Purisima Valderosa Street Telephone Number 9912483 9915506 9910040 9922417 9914631 9933970 9913284 9911208 9912510 9924600 9919180 9851889 9911852 9920898 82 Alejandra’s Harry’s Grill Bar and Restaurant Aristocrat Luncheonette Jardin de la Vina Restaurant Nunez Extension Guiwan Canelar Gov. Alvares St. 9926714 9927518 9919988 9917808 Bus Companies D’Biel La Virgen Milagrosa Transportation Company 9910138 Rural Bus Transit 9915098 NAME OF ESTABLISHMENT Biel Transportation Rural Bus Transit LOCATION San Jose Road Guiwan TEL. NO. 991-3080 991-1931 Sightseeing and Tours NAME OF ESTABLISHMENT Jasper Travel & Tour La Bella Travel & Tours, Inc. Royal Achievers’ Travel Services Jambangan Tour & Travel Agency R. Air Services Ticketing Office Turismo Insular Ticketing Office ADDRESS TEL. NO. Rizal Street 991-3080 1F, Garden Orchid Hotel, 991-1931 Gov. Camins Avenue NS Valderossa St., Zone 991-0904 IV NS Valderossa St., Zone 993-0345 IV 9912225/992ZIA, Baliwasan 7797 La Purisima Street 992-4486 83 Lantaka Hotel, NS 991-2033 Valderrosa Street 2F Yang’s Hotel Tomas Chiong Ticketing Office 992-5658 Claudio St, Pink Sand General Services Canelar 993-1422 Pan-Asia World Holidays, Gov. Camins 991-9067 Inc. Terre-ne’ Travel & Tours ZIA, Baliwasan 993-0680/991 Great Vacations Travel & 1F, Grand Astoria Hotel, 9920937/992Tours Climaco Avenue 3915 Z. New Globe Ticket Sales Climaco Avenue 9926716 Agency 2F, Yang’s Hotel, Tomas Benelie Travel & Tours 991-0138 Claudio Street 888 Distribution Marketing 3F, Sunflower Bldg 991-7488 Skyteam Zamboanga S Valderrosa Street 991-5098 Services, Inc. Maxi Travel Services 2F, Mindpro CitiMall 991-6294 2500 Business Center 2F Mindpro Citimall 991-2500 JP Airlines & Shipping MCLL Highway, 992-7781 Ticketing Office Guiwan Peach Travel & Tours, Inc. F, Marcian Garden Hotel 991-9067 RVJ Travel & Tour Baliwasan Moret 990-2734 9930488/993Philippine Airlines , Inc. ZIA, Baliwasan 2598 (fax) Aboitiz Transport System Jasmin Tower 993-1130 Corporation Pilman Travel & Tour Rizal Street 9922338 Cebu Pacific Airlines Mr. John S. Alvarez 993-1145 Zamboanga Travel & Tour 84 RHODORA R. PUASO In case of emergency, please contact _______________ at xxxxxxxx 85