The Good Life

I love the good life and I admit I know no shame in living it, not flaunting it, whenever and wherever I can afford it.

Back in Zamboanga City, the good life is pretty much accessible and affordable. A favorite spot by the river is just a 5-minute drive from my grandparents' house in Pasonanca. The city has more than 10 beaches to choose from, the most famous of which is the Great Sta. Cruz island with its rare pink sand. Food is affordable (mmm, curacha!) and night life is good enough for fun.

It is true that security is a problem which affects the inflow of investments in spite of the city's great potential. For example, the city's economic zone can accommodate BPO companies. After all, chavacanos are easily hired to support Spanish-speaking clients in most call centers in Manila. Also, Sta. Cruz island can be developed for tourism. These days, the city is thriving primarily from the enterprising spirit of Tsinoys and Muslims, who come from Jolo. Don't get me wrong- we, chavacanos, are very proud of our heritage but we have learned to live well with Muslims, Tsinoys, and Visayans.

On the other hand, I fear that too much development can bring about the end of the good rustic life. By then, will I still have that favorite spot by the river?

Sta. Cruz island below. I hate it that I do not have pictures I took of my own city. It's been quite a while since I have gone back home and when I was younger, unfortunately, I took a lot of things for granted. But I digress.

I had musings about mi ciudad de Zamboanga after visiting one of my favorite blog sites, My Castle in Spain by Lala Ema. Lala is French with Malagasy origins who now lives in Granada with her moncherie. The site is filled with pictures of her art (also her work), the terraces of Alhambra, her passions, the majestic views of Granada-- the good life!

I've been following her blog since early 2009 and I was excited about her new site, Un Mariage au Soleil (A Wedding Under the Sun). Her creativity is just all over the page. With Lala taking the helm as wedding planner, Granada could be a perfect wedding getaway.

Check out Lala Ema's blog sites:

http://www.mycastleinspain.blogspot.com/

http://mariageausoleil.blogspot.com/

** For more travels the backpacker way, check out www.ironwulf.net