If I am told to be cautious about visiting a place, I want to visit it even more! With my mammoth city tour of Zamboanga completed, I headed into the city to see what was good? I had no plans for a boozy night but I was on my holidays, life is for living! Zamboanga's 'Paseo del Mar' was about to amaze me with a stellar sunset! Those cruise ships need to return to Zamboanga City!
I was done for the day, it was time to head into town because you know I wanted to catch the sunset from the 'Paseo del Mar'. Tricyle or not? You already knew that I took a tricycle down to the waterfront, the traffic was insane but I lived for every single moment of that Zamboangueño energy. I was dressed and fresh, sticking out like a sore thumb because I was the only foreigner for miles, I wasn't bothered. I was able to piece those rare Zamboanga YouTube videos together because you know I had done my pre-trip research. I really didn't know what I wanted to eat, I needed to consult the sea before the sun started to set. I was living a moment that I had dreamed of, I was one of the few foreigners that venture down to that corner of Western Mindanao! I couldn't explain how gorgeous the sky looked as dusk fast approached, it was magical. Who were those people in their small boats? They were asking for what? Being the only 'outsider' they obviously thought my pockets were lined with Pesos! The road to Mindanao had been hectic, Z!
Perched on the edge of the concrete wall that overlooked the glass-like ocean blue, I snapped away taking those after-glow selfies because Zamboanga had me acting different! Even though the sky had clouded over slightly, I saw that the sun started to bleed a rich yellow color. Oranges and blues were being served, painted onto the canvas that was the skies, pour those colours in my cup! Feeling every moment of that onetime wonder sunset, ripples in the water could be see so effortlessly, it was nothing like I had ever witnessed before! Mother Nature had sculpted one legendary send off in the skies, I wanted to bottle that moment because it felt special to me. I understood the procedure, Zamboanga knew that I was a fan, I'd need to return to Mindanao in the future to recapture something as beautiful as that wondrous sunset. Truth or dare? Was Zamboanga just playing with me? No! With night fallen, I headed for something to eat, that selfish photography session beside the sea had worked me up a hunger! Adobo? I did!
Once darkness had hit that promenade-like host of outdoor restaurants, I had a stroll to scour through those menus! I made my observations, many of the venues and menus I did verify because I wanted to make my decision. I even walked over to the far side of the 'Paseo del Mar' area without any luck, it really seemed that a white boy like me, they didn't usually see. Through the menu checking, I was able to take a few photos of the sign and it was then quite something to see yet more Spanish in such a causal way. It was such a warm evening, taking those steps around that oceanside area was such a treat. To close 2024 in that tropical location felt like a right treat, that hunger had built up and I knew that a choice needed to be made! I already knew that I wanted to eat something Filipino because I was in a really local feeling destination. A 'Knickerbocker?' I hadn't even had my main meal but I couldn't help but think about what my tour guide had suggested for pudding. Zamboanga knew that I was hungry! Hambriento? Yes!
Halal or nah? Zamboanga City's 'Paseo del Mar' welcomed a cross-section of local people who hailed from both serious and secular stages of faith. Would getting a beer be problematic in that Halal-friendly environment? Not at all, it wasn't an issue for me to acquire a beverage or two! I actually didn't care that I had a days program the following day, it had been a really full-on day and I wanted to kick back with some food and drinks! Did I speak Tagalog? I was so shocked that the waitress asked me seriously, I was like really? I was like 'a few words' but nothing more because English is an official language in the Philippines. Ordering the 'Adobo Chicken' with rice was a no-brainer! On the side, I welcomed a portion of freshly prepared 'Lumpia!' To wash everything down, I ordered one of several 'Red Horse' beers. Every part of my meal was delicious, from the chicken to the side options and the beer went down a treat! Did I have a sweet treat afterwards? No, I wanted to have a few more beverages closer to my hotel instead.
Catching another tricycle took me through those streets after dark, it was an experience but I had to trust the process. Grab Taxi wasn't an option during that Zamboanga City evening out, I embraced being out of my 'comfort zone!' Process trusted, I was able to see my hotel as that tricycle pulled up on the requested street. A strip club? I almost walked into some fruity establishments but those venues didn't sound like the right choice, not for me babes! I found an open kitchen space with a stage area, it looked as if a bit of singing would be taking place? I wasn't wrong because people had already taken their seats with a drink in hand. You know I had ordered a beer! I ordered a 'Litro' of Red Horse because I was feeling dangerous, the alarm call the next day felt faraway! I sat with a curiosity, what would happen regarding the entertainment? You should know by now that 'Litro' is Spanish for 'Litre', the Philippines is a linguistic icon! December? I knew that my China home wasn't experiencing the same warmth!
Those extra beers were being poured up, bed called me but I was ignoring that sensible choice! I was tiring of the programs intensity, rebelling felt like the right thing for me to do! Yes, the lady in the photo above started to sign several songs, she had a great voice! I wasn't the only person who was watching and listening, the tables and chairs around me were all occupied within a very short space of time. Looking back on that choice to see that kind of live entertainment had been the right choice, you already know that I didn't wish to see any risqué first choice! I made it to bed after drinking some more, it was a relief for my head to hit the pillow but the alarm the next time took no mercy on me! I really didn't need to feel bad about those evening choices because Zamboanga del Sur will always be secret safe with me. From the sunset to the scran, no mistakes were made! I didn't feel unsafe, I knew my limits! The night ended in the right place, it was all good! I'll be forever chasing another sunset like that and the rest, Z! The Pink Beach beckoned!
Litro Or Litre?
Desperately Seeking Adventure
