Musica de Chabacano

The Asia’s Latin City: That is what Zamboanga is known for. The very basis of this is the Chavacano dialect spoken by the Zamboangueños which is derived from the Spanish language. It is a Spain-based Creole language spoken in the Philippines; particularly in Zamboanga and other places. On the other hand, we, Filipinos, are really engrossed in music. Nevertheless, Zamboangueños do not forget to acknowledge the importance of our own music. A proof of this is an event called Musica de Chabacano that is held during the festivity of the Hermosa Festival. In this event, Zamboangueños are able to showcase their God-given talents as well as their love for both music and their own dialect.

During the celebration of the Hermosa Festival, Musica de Chabacano is one of the most awaited events. This has been held annually since the year 1984; when it all started. In last year’s Music festival, 10 Zamboangueño singer-composer battled things out for the title. Though there was also the staged play, it was in a different genre;specifically pop music: A blend of rock ‘n roll rhythm and harmony that shows emphasis in romantic love.

The idea of the whole event came from the late mayor Maria Clara L. Lobregat; who once dreamt of filling the air with original Chabacano songs. From then, she conceptualized and created a project to preserve Chabacano; that then led to the birth of the 1st Chabacano Song Festival in 1984. The event had opened doors and gave the Zamboangueños tons of opportunities for their composing and singing careers: And so, with the benefit and and the joy it brings to the people of Zamboanga, the event had then become a principal event in the annual celebration of the Hermosa Festival for over 30 years now.

Last year's Fiesta Hermosa 2014 was themed “Levanta con Fuerza y Paz: Marcha con Devocion y Unidad”; affirming the people's strong faith towards the Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Pilar, the city’s patron saint. Last year's Musica de Chabacano was held on the 6th of October at Centro Latino in Paseo del Mar.

This festival has created hundreds of songs written in Chabacano language. Despite the death of Mayor Maria Clara Lobregat, the Chabacano Music Festival and its advocacy to preserve chabacano has been continued.