Mayor John Dalipe appeals to Zamboangueños to proudly promote Hermosa Festival 2023 and invite people from here and around the globe to witness the celebration that depicts the city’s rich and colorful history and culture along with the impressive tourist sites.

The mayor made this appeal as he led the unveiling of this year’s Festival celebration and the calendar of activities – all themed “Celebracion de Colores,” at the Royce Convention at Astoria Hotel, Thursday night, September 21.

“There is no other festival in the region that comes close to Zamboanga Hermosa. Since olden times, it has been the grandest in Mindanao. While it is the signature celebration of Zamboangueños, it belongs to everyone, it is our solid testament of unity and diversity,” Mayor Dalipe said in his message.

Organized by the City Tourism Office, the formal launch was attended by local officials, and guests and stakeholders from different sectors. The launching program was a prelude to the Opening Salvo set on October 1 at the Joaquin Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex in Baliwasan.

Touted as the grandest festival in the region, the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival is celebrated with a myriad of activities and highlighted by vibrant parades and colorful costumes and the religious activities that culminate with the Oct. 12 grand procession in honor of Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Pilar, the city’s patron saint.

“Como alcalde ta hace yo acorda con ustedes que el Hermosa Festival ta celebra na Zamboanga por amor que tiene kita con el Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Pilar, el patrona del ciudad,” the mayor said adding: “mas de setenta maga actividades el sucede durante el Zamboanga Hermosa Festival y el direccion del maga actividades amo para puede goza todo.”

The mayor, meanwhile, took the opportunity to thank the private sector for supporting the local government as sponsors for various activities during the Festival October 1 – 15. Among those present during the launching program were Vice Mayor Josephine Pareja, District II Representative and Majority Leader Mannix Dalipe represented by former mayor Manuel Dalipe, Archbishop Most. Rev. Julius Tonel, Fr. Filmore Calibo, Fr. Joel Malcampo, members of the City Council, Wesmincom Chief LTGen. Steve Crespillo, Coast Guard Southwestern Mindanao Regional Head Commodore Marco Antonio Gines, Philippine Air Force TOW Commander BGen. Dennis Estrella, Navforwem Commander Rear Admiral Anthony MIraflor, Task Force Zamboanga Chief Col. Randolph Rojas, Air Combat Command Chief MGen. Aurus Robert Musico, City Police Director Col. Alex Lorenzo and numerous others. (Sheila Covarrubias)