Conference highlights unique Zambo culture

ZAMBOANGA CITY (ZNS) - The Conferencia sobre del Cultura Artes y Historia del Ciudad de Zamboanga, a conference and visual arts exhibit held October 2-3 at Centro Latino, served as the avenue for around 300 students, teachers, and professionals to learn more and appreciate the unique Zamboangueño culture.

Spearheaded by the City Government of Zamboanga, through the initiative of Dr. Jose Genaro Yap-Aizon, the conference officially kicked off its opening program Thursday, and for two days, tackled the rich and distinct heritage which helped shape the formation of Zamboanga City thru in-depth lectures and discussions on arts, culture, and history.

The lectures covered a wide-array of topics and were helmed by distinguished educators such as: Prof. Norma Conti (Musica na Zamboanga), Dr. Maria Socorro Ramos (Maga Comida na Zamboanga), Dr. Roberto Torres (El Evolucion y Diseno del Mascota), Prof. Sandra Jamiro (Escultura y Pintura na Zamboanga), Dr. Jose Genaro Yap-Aizon (Abucion y Rezo del maga Zamboangueño, and Lenguage – Estructura y Grammatica del Chavacano) Dr. Robert Panaguiton (Forjando el Historia de Zamboanga), Prof. Jerville Omaga (Maga Baile na Zamboanga), Prof. Claro Potenciano (Mitologias y Rituales del maga Zamboangueño), Prof. Julie Uy Cabato (Icons y Simbolos na Zamboanga), Dr. Jaime Jalon (Literatura – Maga Folclore), and Dr. Robert Panaguiton (El Devocion con la Virgen del Pilar)

In her message, City Mayor Beng Climaco enjoined all participants to take the opportunity to learn about the culture and story of Zamboanga, which the chief executive said has always been about unwavering faith.

“El istorya de fe del Ciudad de Zamboanga, maskin tiene kita ta enfrenta maga emergencia, destroso, deluvio,como siempre el fe del Zamboangueño Muslim, Zamboangueño Lumad, Zamboangueño Christiano, ta esta siempre con Dios Tata celestial,” said Climaco.

“Toma kita el oportunidad aprecia el deaton unico cultura Zamboangueño,” she added.

Aside from the learning sessions, the conference also featured a visual arts exhibit by renowned local artists as well as a special display of old religious statues, locally known as santos, shared by some of the pioneer families of Zamboanga City.

The conference is just one of the plethora of activities highlighting the grand 2014 Hermosa Festival celebrations. Upcoming activities include the Festival de Musica Chabacano (October 6), the Festival de Comida Zamboanga (October 8), the Balikbayan Night and Mascota de Zamboanga (October 10), the Regatta de Zamboanga, the Baile de Festival, the Fiesta Main Program, and the Danza la Vida (October 11), and the festival mass and procession at the Fort Pilar shrine (October 12). (Jasmine Mohammadsali) 100714)