Zamboanga safety for American tourist??

I would like to visit Zamboanga to meet the family of my fianc茅. I have several questions about the area.
1) How safe is it for foreign tourists (Mexican/American)??
2)Are westerners a common sight there or will I stick out like a sore thumb?
3)I'm also an avid photographer, should I be concerned about bringing expensive $$$ camera equipment?
4)How do the locals perceive inter-racial relationships with westerners? Can I express my affection for her ie..holding hands, hugs..etc with out offending the locals?

First off, Zamboanga is really a good place. I live in Zamboanga and I can say that Manila is far more dangerous than this city because there are a lot of people there and crimes are almost everywhere (pickpockets, hold-ups, rape). You'll surely enjoy Zamboanga because the people here are really hospitable.

1.) Again, it's safe even for Bill Gates himself. There are a lot of tourists (Americans, Europeans) here and all of them just love the place. Just don't start for trouble as people here (especially the Muslims) are silent lions, if you know what I mean.

2.) You'll enjoy the company of people here. As I've said, people here are very hospitable and they enjoy it when foreigners visit the place.

3.) No, people here don't pay attention to those things, as people here are not materialistic. Just avoid going to some places where black markets are all around.

4.) Of course you can, there are a LOT of interracial relationships here, and I mean a LOT! It's kinda common even among us. Just don't have sex in public, as it's not accepted here... yet! Haha! Kidding!

Zamboanga is a very safe and good place. Don't mind the people who say that Zamboanga is dangerous because that is their usual perception UNLESS they visit the city. Mind you, when you visit here, you might not want to leave the place again.

If you need more information, just e-mail me. I'll be more than glad to help!

EDIT: And yeah, Zamboanga is Asia's Latin City because our culture is somehow related to the culture of the Spanish and the Latins. Our official language here is Chavacano. It is a Spanish Creole. If you are a Mexican, then I can assume that you'll somehow, though not entirely, understand some of the words being spoken here as it's a mixture of Traditional Spanish and Filipino (Philippines' official language).

Good luck!!

|<rypton

You should be ok man, I was in the Philippines 3 times for 6 weeks and over and it was the best experience ever.

Just don't make any trouble, everyone will be nice to you.

About your equipment do as you wish , I can't give you guarantee that you wont get it stolen if is expensive, and that 's normal.

1. It is very dangerous for americans. There are many terrorist organizations set up over there.
2. You will stick out. Travel with your fiance only.
3. Do not bring anything expensive. It will be stolen as fast as you can snap a picture.
4. You can express your affection any way you wish but they look at it like rednecks in the south view black/white marriage.

Well its not the safest place in the world nor the most dangerous. Just be mindful of your surroundings and you should be okay. Westerners are not the most common site but it should not be a huge problem for you as the rebel groups there have recently quieted down. Personally I wouldnt bring the most expensive cameras because no matter where you are there are thieves so thats your own choice. I think holding hands would be okay most people are polite to you as long as you make a effort to respect them. Overall its a nice exotic place to travel. Hope you and the in laws hit it of goodluck

yes, it is as safe as L.A.

So far, Zamboanga is peaceful. The place has however Muslim travellers from Jolo and Basilan. There are americans in the area, but, because of the transient muslims, American visitors has to exercise restraint in travelling to Zamboanga City. Travel only in places frequented by your fiancee's family.There are americans and westerners, but, they are few. You can hold hands but, not kiss in public places. Taxis parked inside the airport terminal charge you fixed rates three times taxis with meter which are outside the terminal building.

be free and respect others
don't provoke others
go out when everyone does
go to bed when everyone does

Some travel tips from previous visits.

1. Be prepared to pay to use toilets with no running water and no toilet paper
2. Always take the airport taxi in Manila. It's cheaper and safer. They have an office inside the terminal just near the baggage claim
3. Be prepared by knowing that the Manila terminals close at night and you can't stay inside. This is important to know when planning flights. Also, you don't get near an airport unless you have a current ticket

Good Luck

I frequently go to Zamboanga City (at least twice a month) and see a lot of foreigners there. They are a common sight.

Yes, you can bring your camera equipment. The people there are honest that they would be willing to snap the pictures for you.

Inter-racial relationship is welcome there.

You can only express affection in public by holding hands. Just plain holding hands and not her hands clinging around your arm as if her arms were like an anchor.

Hugging and kissing could be vulgar and earn the stares of the public as the place is very conservative due to the presence of Muslim people. Confine these affections in private then.

If you are a Mexican, bienvenido amigo! The place is the Latin City of Asia as we speak Creole Spanish similar to Mexican Spanish.

Good luck!

you must be desperate to go meet the parents of someone from that place..