The city government is now undertaking preparations for the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival 2010, as it hopes to ensure the conduct of an all-encompassing and complete festival in honor of Nuestra Senora La Virgen del Pilar, the city’s most revered patron saint.

As this developed, the Zamboanga Hermosa Committee enjoins private groups and individuals who wish to incorporate activities in the 2010 Hermosa calendar of events to immediately get in touch with the committee through the City Tourism Office at Sunken Garden, telephone numbers 992-3007.

Mayor Celso Lobregat recently convened the committee to look into final details concerning the different activities lined up for the celebration. The meeting was attended by representatives from the military, police, city departments concerned, different divisions under the City Mayor’s Office and other concerned agencies.

Included in the agenda during the meeting were contingency plans for outdoor activities in case weather problems occur, the preparations of the different venues to be used, security details and coordination with the different agencies.

The festival starts on the first day of October and culminates on the 12th day, the feast day of Nuestra Senora la Virgen del Pilar.

October 12 is devoted to religious activities and is a non-working holiday in Zamboanga by virtue of a law authored by the late Congresswoman turned Mayor Maria Clara Lobregat, mother of incumbent Mayor Lobregat.

Initially, the city-sponsored activities are the WOW Zamboanga, a showcase  of the best of the best of the 98 barangays; trade fair and exhibit; art exhibit, 27th chabacano song festival; dance sport competition year 8; Wow Sardinas, Lifestyle Zamboanga; Mascota competition; Mayor Celso Lobregat Golf Tournament Year 6; Regatta de Zamboanga; floral float parade;  street dance competition and the main program.

Several other city-sponsored activities are expected to be included in the calendar of events in the coming days.

Mayor Lobregat has emphasized that the different events intend to give honor, pay our homage and extend our gratitude for the benevolence and generosity of Our Lady.
The Zamboanga Hermosa Festival is the grandest annual celebration that highlights the city’s unique blend of multi-cultural heritage. (Sheila Covarrubias)