A dazzling burst of colors, devotion and fireworks lit up the city Saturday evening, as the Parade of Lights signaled the grand opening salvo of the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival 2025.
Themed “Fiesta Hermosa: Celebracion de Fe y Esperanza Para de Todo,” this year’s festival underscores Zamboanga’s rich culture, heritage and traditions, while reaffirming the Zamboangueños enduring devotion to their beloved patroness, Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Pilar.
In his message, Mayor Khymer Olaso expressed elation to city officials, government agencies, non-government organizations and all participants for their united effort in bringing the festival to life. He also noted that the kickoff coincided with the global observance of World Tourism Day which celebrates annually every September 27, underscoring the city’s role as a vibrant cultural and faith destination in Asia.
Mayor Olaso then officially declared the opening of the festival, marking the start of a month-long celebration of faith, hope and community spirit.
Adding splendor to the grand kickoff was the Parade of Lights Float Competition 2025, which illuminated both land and sea with creativity and devotion. The event featured presenters from diverse organizations and communities, including representatives of cultural groups, the LGBTQIA+ sector and indigenous peoples such as the Tausug and Subanen, emphasizing the festival’s spirit of inclusivity and unity.
On land, the parade began at City Hall and culminated at R.T Lim Boulevard, where Talon-Talon National High School emerged champion, bagging P250,000. Arena Blanco National High School secured second place with P200,000, while the Barangay Government of San Roque placed third with P150,000.
Meanwhile, the sea-based competition that cruised from Paseo del Mar to R.T Lim Boulevard showcased equally breathtaking displays. Sophil Fishing Incorporated shone brightest, clinching the top prize of P300,000, followed by Aleson Shipping Lines with P250,000 and Kappa Rho Kappa International Council Zamboanga City with P200,000. All non-winning participants from both categories received P50,000 each and certificates of ackowledgement of their participation.
The awarding ceremonies were led by Mayor Olaso and Vice Mayor Beng Climaco, who presented plaques and prizes to the winners amid loud cheers from the crowd.
Moreover, the night also marked the grand debut of the Mister and Miss Zamboanga Hermosa 2025 candidates, who graced the stage with a lively performance, while participants of other upcoming competitions introduced themselves, adding anticipation to the festival’s vibrant calendar of events.
The event was spearheaded by the City Government of Zamboanga through the City Tourism Office, in partnership with various agencies. The festival will run until October 30, 2025, showcasing parades, cultural presentations, music, dance and religious activities that continue to make Asia’s Latin City a beacon of faith and celebration.
Gracing the event were First and Second District Councilors, SSS-GSIS Pensyonado Partylist Representative Rolando Macasaet,
Akbayan Partylist Representative Dadah Kiram Ismula, Police Regional Director PBGen Eleazar Mata, Department of Tourism (DOT-9) Regional Director Dara May Cataluña, Chief of Staff and Secretary to the Mayor Celso Lobregat, City Administrator Percival Ramos, city department heads, key officials of city’s 98 barangays, as well as representatives from the national government agencies, non-government organizations, the military and security sector, and private institutions. (Arvin Midel) (photo credits: Kathy Wee Sit)