Effects of Zamboanga City’s Power Supply Shortage on the Tourism and Hospitality Industry

Imagine that you’re visiting Zamboanga City for the first time and are quite excited to be able to experience all that you’ve heard about the city for yourself. You have your itinerary all planned out. You’ve already made plans to taste the finger-licking curacha with the famous Alavar sauce, dive into the dessert called the knickerbocker glory, go shopping at the barter trade for imported goods and visit the famous pink sand shores of Sta. Cruz Island. You can’t wait, you can’t help it anymore, but annoying thoughts creep into your mind and your plans are halted slowly as you realize that there’s a problem: the blackout situation in the city. Bummer huh?

Cause and Effect 

During the Community Convergence Meeting: A Public-Private Dialogue held on March 25, 2019 organized by the City Investments Office, the Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative (ZAMCELCO) explained in the forum that the shortage is caused by the lack of power plants to complement the power distribution that results as systems loss.

Mismanagement of the local electric cooperative is also evident as the issue on non-payment of ZAMCELCO and Crown to their suppliers contribute to the fiasco. This contributes to the wide-scale suffering of the residents through rotational blackouts.

This is topped by the current state of drought also affecting the hydroplant resources as well as no identified means to establish a renewable energy source for the city has worsened the local power cooperative’s ability to keep up with the demand of the city.

As a result, the city has to endure rotating blackouts and fluctuation of electricity, damaging consumer appliances, not to mention inefficiency in operations.

The Tourism and Hospitality Industry 

So how does this affect mi ciudad’s tourism and hospitality industry?

One popular Korean grill restaurant and KTV in town said that at least their building has a generator that turns on every time there is a power interruption, but there is additional cost that is passed on to tenants every month. Also, because the generator is shared with various establishments and for different needs, like a membership gym and a beauty clinic, then sometimes their air conditioning is not enough to satisfy their customers and other facilities like their KTV rooms.

As for a bed and breakfast situated in a quiet village featuring a mini resort for families, the owner shared that he invested in a generator years ago, but because of the unpredictable power fluctuations, it eventually gave up and he had to uninstall it recently. The repair of the generator had to take time, and when it was re-installed, problems were reported during the time when there were bookings in the mini resort, and he had to apologize to the guests and explain the situation. 

The famous Barter Trade Center is a popular pit stop of visitors who want to enjoy shopping for goods like malong, bedsheets, snacks, batik clothing and even jewelry and many more. Compared to other shopping centers, the tenants can barely be comfortable while trying to sell their goods in the absence of air-conditioning, much more so with the rotational blackouts if all they can depend on are electric fans in their small stalls. I don’t think this is our best foot forward especially if we want to showcase the barter trade as a feature of the city.

One of the locally grown grocery stores that has two large branches and is a family-owned business says that management has resorted to generator sets to help with the blackouts. “This has been ongoing for almost a decade. Sadly, it’s becoming the norm for us. Due to the constant blackouts, we had to shell out a lot of money to replace appliances such as air conditioning, computers, even CPUS have been damaged. Generator sets and UPS have helped with the problem.”, a family member explained. 

“In this case, UPS are important especially for businesses that have transitioned all records and transactions to digital information. The programs need continuous flow of energy. But this also means that UPS are not immune to electricity fluctuations, just last month, we had to buy new ones because the one at the [grocery] counter was destroyed.”

There are boarding houses that are located in the proximity of the colleges and universities in the city. But it is on a sad note that boarding houses do not have the capacity to purchase generators and to shell out for fuel to sustain it, much to the ire of both landlords and tenants.

As for offices, mine is located in the West Coast. In the past years, management decided to purchase a generator that can power a four-story building which amounted to millions. However, despite having the resources of funds to purchase a generator, the fuel to operate it is a continuing expense, adding to the overhead expenses in terms of operations.

Source

Solutions

These establishments have decided to resolve the power problem on their own by purchasing a generator- but it can be so costly. On the other hand, inviting investors in the fields of renewable energy sources may take some time.

Despite the fact that the rotational blackouts have been ongoing for a decade now, the local government and electric cooperative have not introduced viable solutions to help address these problems. An obvious and quick solution is that ZAMCELCO and Crown also has to settle with their suppliers, as consumers have paid their (somewhat exorbitant) bills, why cannot they do the same? Where is accountability in all of this?

Personally, I have observed press conferences and fora being organized, but none have taken steps to invite investors to come to agreements and take action regarding the whole situation, nor pressure the local electric cooperative to exhaust all means to look for alternatives and to at least alleviate the condition, if they cannot do it for themselves, at least do it for the honest, paying consumers of the city.

Destination Diary: Bacolod

After that tiresome but enjoyable road trip with the gang, we woke up the next day rested and recharged. The last time I was in Sugarlandia was in 1999, and my memories of the place were rather faded spare for a park which I can’t quite point out, and summer memories spent with my cousins and uncles. Naturally, it was time for the locals to show us around.

Like it’s monicker Sugarland, the city is associated with sugarcanes, and of course, an endless array of popular desserts, pasalubong and the famous chicken inasal which C and I don’t mind getting heaps of servings of. Here’s my quick guide to exploring this beautiful city and my advice is to savor the food, enjoy the sights and make friends for keeps. Because as they say, life is definitely sweeter in Bacolod.

Visit The Ruins at Talisay 

Look at the details of the Italian-style architecture. The Ruins is an ancestral home mansion of the wealthy sugar baron Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson. The home was built in the early 1900s for his Portuguese wife. She passed away during the birth of their eleventh child. The home is situated in a 440-hectare plantation in Talisay, Negros Occidental. It was burned down by the guerillas during the Second World War to prevent the Japanese forces from using it as a headquarters. It burnt down to its current state for three days.

Popularly called the Taj Mahal of Negros, it is a tourist attraction today and is a popular event place for pre-nuptial shoots and weddings. It is said that egg whites were mixed with the cement so that it can withstand the tests of time.

Today there is a café and lemonade stand nearby, as well as a fountain and wishing well. A souvenir shop operates downstairs, and portraits of the family is still in display.

Taste Authentic Chicken Inasal in Manukan Country But Approach the Talaba With Caution 

In Manukan Country, we got a taste of the authentic Chicken Inasal which originated in Bacolod. And as they say, for a taste of the real thing, one has to go to the source. There’s a long queue outside, as tables are easily filled by regular patrons, moreso if it’s the weekend because families populate the area. Luckily, our companions knew where to reserve and whom to talk to. There were other dishes on the table but of coure, the most star of the show is none other than the Chicken Inasal.

I always go for the thigh, I like my chicken like that. I have to say that getting a taste of the authentic version is mouth-watering and a cross off the bucket list already.  The best way to enjoy Chicken Inasal is by pouring the oil on the garlic-adorned hot, white rice and then slowly peeling off a piece of the chicken thigh. Then, use one’s hands to top it on the rice and finally deposit in wide mouth and enjoy the festival that’s going on in the tastebuds.

Here, I learned the words “namit gid” which means, so delicious. Not bad for a late lunch and our first day exploring Bacolod.

Well, what I didn’t enjoy is the talaba. It gave me an embarrassing scenario and I threw up shortly after we arrived in the gates of P’s home. It’s been a while since I ate talaba and I think after that, I’m not going to go near it again. 

Take A Dip in Mambukal Hot Springs

I have to admit that this was a gem and a valid reason to go back to Bacolod when the opportunity presents itself. This is one of the highlights of the trip because of nature and a priceless experience of dipping in hot sulfur springs and with fruit bats flying overhead.

Mambukal is a resort in Murcia, the town where P’s mom grew up. We even passed by the street where her home was in. it’s a charming old town which shows off the leisurely, simple life. But the main attraction is the sulfur hot springs in the mountain resort that constantly attract nature lovers at a steady pace.

Visitors can picnic around the springs and buy plants of different varieties that are for sale right at the parking lot.

Go early where it’s not so crowded and if you can, go to the Japanese Ofaru to experience the sulfuric hot springs that’s great for the skin. From a distance, you can easily see the steam from the springs. And take lots of photos too. Changing rooms are clean and well-maintained, food and drinks are allowed as long as you leave the place the same way you found it. 

Try Your Luck in Casino Filipino

If you’re of legal age and are feeling lucky, you can enter Casino Filipino and see where your chips take you. As long as you are dressed appropriately, you can easily take your chances.

Although small, the casino already has digitized slot machines that are easy to manipulate, taking bills and automating increments, and also churning out electronic tickets precisely. Of course, when it comes to gambling, it takes a lot of self-control to know when to stop and when to go on. Someone was lucky on the first night and won a small fortune, which led us to an island visit. As for me, I wasn’t lucky in that department, but I did pick up a few inspirations for short stories to write.  

Here’s a mild warning, the drinks are free but the juices and coffee are sugar loaded lol. Take a break from the slot machines and grab a bite outside the hotel, there’s a café there and it’s better to have a snack al fresco by the avenue. 

Feed the Fishes in Front of the Provincial Hall

One time we woke up late and thought of going to the mall, do a little walking around. B thought that we could try feeding the tilapias in front of the Provincial Hall, which according to P, was actually being harvested and fed to inmates in the local prison. The management thought that it was a good strategy to sell the fish pellets at Php 10 per pack and let visitors feed the fishes anytime they felt like it. We thought it was a pretty valid mindless thing to do before heading on to the mall. A few pointing out here and there about what life in Bacolod really is like, and we went on our way.

Breakfast at D'Horizon on the way to San Carlos City and A View of  Malatan-og Falls

Here’s what I also didn’t know about going on a road trip to San Carlos City. The highlights of this side trip are a hearty breakfast, buying succulents as well as getting a peak of Malatan-og Falls.

D’Horizon is a small, humble café at the side of the road that offers barako coffee and the popular “silog” meals for breakfast. There’s also suman to choose from. But what’s not to miss is the view that’s just great for early morning, fresh air breakfast.

There’s also a lot of healthy honey-fried banana chips along the way, and who would have thought that there will also be mini rice terraces to spot. We didn’t get to stay long though because it started to drizzle. 

There is a viewing deck that happens to give a good view of Malatan-og Falls, but is also the pit stop for those who want to buy plants. With a quick survey, I was able to purchase some Graptoveria Debbie and flowering sedum. I now proudly call them my Bacolod Tribe lol.

Stay Overnight in Lakawon Island

If you can, pay a visit to Lakawon Island.  Go aboard Tawhai, the floating bar that’s anchored in the middle of the ocean and try to sit on the sand along the beach while the sun sets. This is how I started my New Year’s Day. Even if my mind was full of questions, at least I got to immerse myself in the beauty of this modern island paradise.

It’s one of the well-kept secrets of Negros and I honestly won’t get tired of it. It’s more of a family island rather than a party island escape, and I found out that being surrounded by cerulean waters is a good form of therapy by itself. 

The island operates on a cashless scheme, meaning each group will be issued a preloaded card and it can be used for accommodations, meals and drinks in the island. It’s pretty convenient and saves the hassle of bringing a wallet around when your hands are wet. In the meantime, watch out for a full feature on our experience in Lakawon Island. 

The Anatomy of a Road Trip

The Anatomy Of A Road Trip

The evening of our office audit, I left Zamboanga as the vehicle sped towards Dapitan. With my cousin B taking up the driver’s wheel, C by my side and friends, I experienced a twenty-hour trip from one island to the next, and making it through a mountain range finally arriving in Bacolod.

In general I was just really grateful to experience Bacolod and see what it’s like to ply the route that my cousin frequently takes and got to note the stories of the sugarcane plantations that can be seen at the side of the road. It has a sinister tone to it but I’d like to write a short story about it someday.

 As for what makes a memorable road trip in my opinion, here’s the breakdown of one for the books. 

We took B's Nissan Terra for a drive

A comfortable and spacious vehicle

It was a perfect time to go for a test drive. My cousin B went on this route many times and with different vehicles, but I think it’s the first time for the Nissan Terra. It was absolutely a breeze to be cruising along the beauty of the island of Negros and with a spacious and smooth drive like the Terra, there was a lot of space for our bags and for six people all in all. The back had foldable seats for reclining to make space for our luggage, because C and I both agreed ahead of time to bring luggage, and I always bring an extra backpack, then our friends also brought their respective duffel bags.

To illustrate, our route was to leave from Zamboanga by 8:00 in the evening then arrive by 3:00 AM in Dapitan to catch the boat that will cross all the way to Dumaguete, arriving at around 8:00 AM for breakfast and then resume, passing by Mabinay, Bago City and then arrive in Bacolod by 5:00 PM. Do take note that there are security checks before boarding the barge and that passengers are required to submit their baggage through x-rays and also wait at the terminal before boarding.

With a continuous playlist of acoustic tracks, we made it, with occasional stops for food, especially for breakfast and lunch of course. 

Enjoying the scenery on the way: Church at the Municipality of Hinigaran

A capable driver and a spare driver

We were quite confident with our company in case B couldn’t continue driving because the trip alone was about 20 hours long. But at least we had two more spare drivers who were experienced on highway drives and long-haul trips. C knows the route to Dapitan by heart and R also knew Negros because of countless times visiting. Thankfully nothing happened that required us to switch drivers during our journey on the road.

Another plus with this arrangement is that our designated, capable driver also had a few stories to share about the sugarcane plantations (read: blood sacrifice for a bountiful harvest) but that’s just some eerie bedtime story, (or so at least I think).

Snacks and water

Nobody gets hungry in Negros especially if there are a lot of street side vendors selling fruits and all sorts of snacks on the way. Of course, I brought water and snacks on hand to endure the trip. Dried fruit and mixed trail with nuts sometimes does the job.

Necessary pitstops

Here’s where breakfast, lunch and dinner come in, as well as bathroom breaks. Luckily we had no issues with any of these. Dumaguete alone has a handful of places offering affordable meals and to freshen up before resuming the trip.

On the way to Bacolod as we were nearing, we had a taste of the famous KBL, a spicy stew that’s best paired with white rice. It’s also known as Kansi, Baboy at Langka, and is a good comfort food during rainy days. 

A destination that makes it all worthwhile

There’s supposed to be a storm coming in, but we made it all in perfect timing. I received a call from my father shortly after we arrived in Bacolod where we were staying in P’s home, asking where we were because my parents were worried about the storm coming in, which would mean that we were going to be stranded if we didn’t get to cross Dapitan to Dumaguete.

However, we made it in good time and it was a good experience for us to be able to make that trip and to end 2018 in  P’s hometown. The plan was to immerse ourselves in Bacolod as we took a break from work and greeted 2019 energized and full of hope.

The next day would be another day in Sugarlandia with plans to visit its attractions. It was one of the long but rewarding road trips that will be catalogued in my memory and taught me that the best that a road trip can be is spontaneous and made with good company.

Disclaimer: This post is in no way sponsored by Nissan Philippines, Inc. or its affiliates. All inputs are based on my experiences during the travel described. 

Destination Diary: Sta. Cruz Island

Being Zamboangueno, I can’t help feeling a bit proud to say that we live next to one of National Geographic’s 21 Best Beaches in the World.

Of all the beaches in the Philippines as well as the planet, our very own Sta. Cruz Island made it to the shortlist of the Top 21. It landed a sweet spot in the 15^th, not bad for being there with the other gorgeous beaches from England, Seychelles, Cambodia and even North Carolina.

Because of the crushed red corals mixed in with the fine, powder white sand, the beach from afar reflects a pink tint and is widely dramatic come sunset. It’s only one of a handful pink, sand beaches in the country, and for someone living in Zamboanga, I can’t express how lucky we were to be invited to spend the night there summer of this year. I invited Michelle to come along and on such short notice, she agreed.

Overnight Stay in the Village

We’ve always talked about coming over for a while now. I’ve visited before, but my day trips were always limited to the swimming area. Spending the night meant seeing the village and cruising through the lagoon. On a long weekend, we finally met up with our former boss who is enjoying retirement life and then hopped on a short boat ride and headed straight to the village.

One advantage is that our former division chief has a home in the village, which she generously allowed us to stay in. together with her family and friends from work, we occupied their house and had a hearty lunch right in front of the beautiful shores of the island.

After lunch, we went on a visit to the lagoon where we rode on yellow boats and experienced leisurely rowing around, looking at lazy jellyfish, standing on sandbars and spotting blue starfish, bats and sea grapes which I reminiscingly called “small grapes” when I was younger. Locally, they are known as latu.

No starfish were harmed in the capture of this photo

Sandbar in the lagoon on a low tide

Sea grapes from the lagoon are a rich source of iodine

After our lagoon cruise, we went on a stroll to the only village school for a short while amidst the white sand all over the island. The locals were surprised to see a group of “mainlanders” walking about, but we were told that most of the villagers are related, so that makes them one big family in a way.

Michelle's New Career

 

After dinner that night, we were sitting on the shore, looking at the city with its lights. We could hear the sounds from Paseo del Mar and the gentle breeze from the ocean was slightly humid. Some of our companions brought a tent and camped outside right there on the shore, while we occupied the floor of the house’s living room.

View of Zamboanga City from Sta. Cruz's Shores 

While on the island, we got to experience the unplugged life, although there was cellular signal for communication, we got to see that most villagers relied on solar powered lamps and drinking water was a scarcity. With the help of motorboats, almost anything from the city can be delivered to the villagers at any time of the day.

The Swimming Area

The next morning, we headed on to the swimming area after breakfast, which was swarming with tourists and visitors because it was summer. Here’s where we played the board game that I brought, Monopoly Ultimate Baking, where I eventually lost to my friends.

Accessories for sale are somewhat a cottage industry on the island

Swimming Area features the I Love Zamboanga standee

Monopoly Ultimate Banking

After our quick and simple lunch, we paid a quick visit to the sandbar (which only shows up during low tide) and then finally docked back in the boulevard as we concluded our overnight stay.

Clarifications

To answer a few questions, the swimming area is the only portion where tourists are allowed to spend the day and is managed by the City Tourism Office. Only a limited number of visitors is allowed to regulate the ecosystem of the island.

We were invited by the family already living on the island for an overnight stay so arrangements were made months before we departed for the island.

To be honest, I consider myself lucky to have this story to share, because not a lot of visitors get to spend the night on the island unless they were born there or have stayed as a local all their life. But what makes this experience special is that it’s spent with good friends on one of National Geographic’s 21 Best Beaches in the World.