Everyone believes that Mindanao (Southern Philippines) is a dangerous place to go… it is stigma created by longtime armed conflict in that place, so a lot of friends will say, “why go there, it’s a Muslim region… it must be unsafe for Christians.”

I dismiss that thought. I am not afraid to travel. I love to travel. I can even go as far as remote places, chances are.

The airport in Cotabato City is located in Maguindanao area – the infamous place for political massacre way back in 2009, just few months before the National election in 2010.

We traveled just few kilometers away going to the hotel where we are going to stay.

Along the road, we basically see a lot of uniformed men – i.e. along the ‘check point’ areas. The road is a little bit rough, which is usually common to all the provinces; where industrialization is far beyond.

The weather is good when we get there. Quite hot but very tempting to sleep on “duyan” or a hammock, under the tree. I can say that the place seems to be living in peace! People are kind, but lips are sealed.

The venue is known in the area. It is near the market place… walking distance from the Catholic Church, few meters away from the Police Camp. A few steps away from our hotel was the Tantawan Park, where the famous Sultan Kudarat’s statue was erected.





YES, fine dining restaurants are also in the area. We must not forget that ‘Datuism’ still exist in Muslim Mindanao, i.e. where elite leaders are still in power. Elite society does exist.

Also, near the hotel, there were lots of grilled houses where you can enjoy chicken on the sticks, chicken intestines (ISAW) and the steamed rice wrapped on banana leaf with chicken strips inside (PASTIL) ….and pork barbeque!?!






Yes PORK is available in Muslim Region – who says we cannot eat pork in Muslim Mindanao?

The ‘Drooling Lechon’ is available in the place. This is of course to cater the tourists.




In my local travels, I can say …every place is unique. But generally speaking, all Pinoys are very much accommodating, jolly and kind-hearted. You can always find inspirations from the local vendors along the streets, which you can never hear so much complain what life can offer… maybe hard neither good.

It was Holy Week when we travelled. Then again, I was also amazed to see the old Roman Catholic Church nearby, which is packed with devotees. Two (2) masses were celebrated in the morning (in English dialect), one (1) mass in Visayan dialect and two (2) in the evening (also in English dialect). The earliest is 530am – and we were on time to hear the said mass.

Religious and Christian families were gathered in that special occasion (Palm Sunday) – despite the bombings a few weeks ago infront of the said church. Most people that I’ve seen there observed the Holy Week season. I bought the so-called “palaspas” (Palm) – for P10 only, from the young vendors outside the Church. The kids are too trusting – I was not able to pay because I have no coin inside my pocket. After the mass I looked everywhere – I couldn’t see the kid. At last! After an hour – I went back to give the payment, the kids were back. I am happy to see them again –to interview them but as I have said, they were timid and will not start the conversation… which I is maybe for security reason?



We were picked up in the hotel to dine out. Almost all the time – we go out on convoy, with flickering lights (wang-wang light) on our vehicle. I and my friend have the same thoughts – we are just attracting attentions to some groups.


During the whole duration of the conference, men in uniform are guarding the event’s place. High powered guns and arms are visible, scattered everywhere. The town’s Governors, other top government officials, international groups like UN Agencies, civil society organizations are just part of our delegates; which is also the reasons why we are so much attracting attention in the area.

Thanks GOD, we are still alive.

Nevertheless, it was just another great experience for me and my friend. I know we go there to work – but there were so many pleasures in between. The foods are great. I like the sea cucumber, the shrimp rolls, the fish… from the ‘fine dining resto’ is one of the best meals I had during our stay there.

There are a lot of social, cultural, political and economic problems maybe pressing the situation in the area, yet the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is amazing …so with Cotabato City, they were very rich in culture.



YES, sad to say some people are taking advantage of their lands… their culture... the poor people. The Indigenous Peoples (IPs) were mostly affected. The internally displaced persons (IDPs) due to war were also neglected. The fight between state actors and the non state armed group will continue – it has been in the history for so long.


The Muslims are fighting for the third generation of human right which is the so-called “the right for self determination.” It is now a big talk in the peace process now in Muslim Mindanao. This is also the major reason why Muslim Mindanao created a stigma over the world. A lot of people may find it at it as inhabitable; well in fact the attractiveness of the town has so much to admire. The simple life. The happy people around. These make the town says – there’s nothing to be afraid of, as long as you are taking extra precautions with you.

I can say something that the old saying in correct… but I see it on different context. “In every forest there’s snake.” To me, this means that in every place there are dangers that await us. Wherever we go – there’s always risk, and that is a fact. Some says… there’s no safe place in this world. I believe so.

Nevertheless, again, I say… I dismissed the thoughts about danger. I do not invite negative ideas. I always do ‘in vibe’ the positive atmosphere in all my travels.

Seeing the beauty of the forest – is the same as looking out on the beauty of the place to enjoy and to create great experiences.

 

Munting Nayon News Magazine