The 9th Araw Ng Zamboanga-Sibugay Celebration

Last week brought me to a place  which is not only close to my heart but a place I must say is a must-visit paradise…Zamboanga Sibugay Province. I was personally invited by their beloved Congresswoman, Ann Kintanar Hofer, to witness the various activities highlighting their 9th “Araw ng Sibugay” celebration. 

It kicked-off with their annual basketball clinic conducted by the Ramon Fernandez Basketball Academy where hundreds of aspiring basketball players from the different municipalities participated. Prior to the main festivities was the launching of Provincial Administrator Jet K. Hofer’s coffee table book simply entitled Zamboanga Sibugay: Birth and Growth of a New Homeland. Jet’s book, a great masterpiece, is his tribute to his father, the Founding Father of the Province, Governor George T. Hofer, for the great sacrifice he has invested into the transformation of the province from its humble beginnings to a booming province that it has become. He also dedicated his book to all Sibugaynons who stood by his father through good times and bad times only to pursue their common dream of making Zamboanga Sibugay a peaceful place for families and an ideal hub for business. 

I surely did  not miss their “Longest Talaba Grill,” their “Miss Sibugay Coronation Night” graced by Miss Earth – Air, Sandra Siefert, their “Sibug-Sibug Festival,” their showcase of cultural dances, their “Congresswoman’s Night” featuring the talented and wacky performers, the Cebu Divas and the very popular Stagecrew Band. Capping the week-long celebration was the whole day birthday treat of Governor Hofer to all his constituents — sumptuous lunch and dinner for everybody, world-class fireworks display, and a night filled with glamour and laughter through a fashion show presenting the collection of Zamboanga’s fashion design icon Monching Fernandez and the legendary novelty artist Max Surban. 

Enjoy the photos and to all Sibugaynons, here’s looking forward to seeing you on my next visit. Lambo pa Sibugay!