Customs
Zamboanga always throbs with the colorful cultures, traditions, and lifestyles of people shaped by the confluence of native Subano,
Malay, Islamic (Yakan, Samal, Tausug and Badjao), Spanish and American cultures that spanned the course of centuries. Of all
these, the Spanish culture had the strongest impact about 50% of Zamboangueo culture is anchored on Espaa and its three
centuries of presence.
Love of ones heritage is typical value, which clearly manifests the extent of Hispanic culture, and influence among the
Zamboangueos.
Despite the authenticity and distinctiveness of the Zamboangueos as a cultural group in the Zamboanga Peninsula, there is not
much that can be identified as indigenous in terms of beliefs and practices.
All of these cultures, however, are fascinating and form the essence of Zamboangas cultural heritage, unique and the envy of many
less fortunate cities and provinces who cannot lay claim to such a colorful past and history. The diversity of Zamboanga flows
together in a single stream the Christians and Muslims living in harmony for centuries, the Chinese and the Spanish or American
mestizos transacting the daily business of life, and the women of all races giving Zamboanga the face of beauty the world has
known
for
many
years.
Zamboangueo customs and traditions are quaint and replete with old world courtesy. Modernity and western influences have
somewhat modified them through the years. Among them: the role of the father as the family model quite strict, specially with
daughters, and the mother as the light of the family whose kingdom was the home; or table manners that required a code of
courtesy; the respect for elders and visitors that saw children relegated to their rooms until guests had left; or the Zamboangueo
who
was
often
called
un
hombre
de
cojones.
On the other side, though, there are also traits such as misplaced or excessive pride, vanity, jealousy, boastfulness, and
snobbishness that detracted. But put them all together, this was the Zamboangueo package, like it or not.
The Zamboangueo courtship and traditions are elaborate and regulated by a long list of required social graces. An example is the
fact that a suitor could not sit unless permitted to do so by the ladys parents, or the heavy cross-examination of the suitor who had
to answer satisfactorily all questions as to his lineage, credentials, and occupation, or the courtship curfew, the need to cultivate the
goodwill of all the members of the ladys family.
Zamboangueo songs also show much of culture. The songs of love show the need for the harana or the coutship serenade as
well as the limits puts on the expression of love by the norms of culture and tradition. The Chabacano Song Festival, has produced
numerous Chabacano pieces. The Chabacano Song Festival is one of the events of the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival.
About a third of the Peninsulas population is made up of ethnic communities that give the region its
unique culture and color. These include the Tausugs, Samals, Yakans, Badjaos, and Subanens. The
Tausugs, Badjaos, and Samals were fishermen; some still roam the seas. The Maranaos and
Yakans were traders and artisans; theyve left their imprint on traditional weaves and fabric that are
still produced today.
Roughly half of the population speaks Chabacano, a dialect heavily influenced by Spanish settlers.
Spanish-speakers are sure to pick up on quite a few familiar words.
Each part of the Zamboanga Peninsula shines on its own, but there is a common heritage. This is a
region of beauty, history and culture. Its been blessed by nature. It is cherished by its people.
This is what the early Chinese and Malays saw when they came over and made Zamboanga the
cynosure of Southern Philippines centuries ago. Up to today, the Zamboanga Peninsula has an
undeniable allure.
