in tongue & IN PALATE

The ports of ZAMBOANGA have shaped its people for centuries. In both FOOD and LANGUAGE, traces of culture from faraway islands can be felt until today.

- PATRICIA VILLORIA

LOCAL TOUR GUIDES SAY THAT IF YOU TAKE A SATELLITE IMAGE OF SOUTHERN MINDANAO AT NIGHT, YOU'LL SPOT THE ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA, the coast of Basilan further down south, and in between, an island made up of lights.

Scattered across the port of Varadero de Cawit, a fleet of large ships and smaller trawlers switch on their lights to guide their path in the dark sea. For many of these fishing vessels, the day begins just when the sun is about to set as it's easier to catch fish when they're not under the sweltering sun.

Fisheries is the lifeblood of the seaside city, naturally. The ports have shaped Zamboanga's culture and people across centuries. These hotspots for commerce have brought home a colorful cuisine that marries seafood, spices, and coconut products abundant from the land with Malaysian and Indonesian influences taken during the city's history of trade with those foreign countries.

HAND TO MOUTH

Having a feast of fresh seafood by the beach is always part of the agenda for tourists visiting. In this kamayan-style meal, tour guides advise people to eat and slurp their food like no one is watching.