The article I wrote about our family vacation to Zamboanga City was the cover story in the June 2024 issue of Cebu Pacific’s Smile Magazine.
The feature Local Color was based on a family trip I took with my senior parents and my sister’s family, including two kids (under 5 years old and a tween) to Zamboanga City flying via the Philippines low-cost airline.
For the 9-page article spread, the magazine used images taken by photographer Zach Aldave with models showcasing the landmarks and tourist spots around Zamboanga. I love the issue’s cover taken outside the Rainbow Mosque!
Zamboanga is one of my favorite destinations in Mindanao because of its vibrant culture, unique attractions and delicious food. I’ve had the chance to travel here multiple times in the past decade to cover festivals like the Regatta de Zamboanga, La Hermosa Festival and island-hopping tours. Zamboanga is also the jump-off point to Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, a chain of islands in the southwestern Philippines geographically close to Borneo.
Choosing a destination that the whole family can enjoy can be a tricky affair. Zamboanga isn’t your typical top-of-mind destination for a family-friendly holiday. But my mom wanted to visit a new local destination she hadn’t been to and Zamboanga’s mix of culture, history, a bit of the beach, outdoor attractions, food and shopping, offered something for everyone.
This was the first time my mom and sister traveled to Zamboanga City and the first time my nephews got to visit Mindanao. I got to plan our itinerary, recommend activities and pick the best restaurants in Zamboanga I thought they’d enjoy the most.
In the feature article, I recounted some of the memorable moments from our holiday and shared other top tips for family travel in Zamboanga City.
I was also asked to answer “What’s your best tip for making sure family vacations are fun?” in the featured contributor’s section. What I shared can apply to family travel in any destination since different members have varied interests, travel styles and energy levels.
“Be flexible. Don’t pack in too many activities and allot downtime for seniors to rest. Family travel shouldn’t revolve around visiting every single landmark. Agree to split up for some activities depending on your interests, but meet up for shared meals and leisure activities for quality bonding time.”
You can read the full article Local Color in the online version of Smile Magazine’s June 2024 issue.