During the kickoff celebration of this year’s Zamboanga Hermosa Festival, a fluvial parade (sea-based) parade was staged in honor of Zamboangueños’ patroness, Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Pilar on Saturday evening, September 27, 2025.

For the first time in the festival’s history, three colorful and illuminated boats joined the spectacle, represented by Sophil Fishing Incorporated, Aleson Fishing Lines and Kappa Rho Kappa International Council Zamboanga City, as they sailed from Paseo del Mar to R.T Lim Boulevard, drawing cheers and devotion from the crowded spectators who lined up the coast.

Adding excitement to the devotion-filled event, Sophil Fishing Incorporated emerged as champion, winning P300K, followed by Aleson Shipping Lines in second place with P250K and Kappa Rho Kappa International Council in third place with P200K.

This initiative was spearheaded by the City Government of Zamboanga, under the leadership of Mayor Khymer Olaso, together with partner stakeholders, who brought faith and festivity to life for the Zamboangueños.

A fluvial parade is a religious and cultural procession held on water, where devotees aboard decorated boats to carry religious icons, banners or images, while offering prayers and hymns. Widely observed in coastal and river-rich areas of the Philippines, the tradition reflects both faith and festivity.

In this year’s competition, the participating vessels board the revered image of Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Pilar [Our Lady of the Pillar], the city’s patroness. (Arvin Midel) (photo credits: Jen Casido)