When my mom asked me where I was going, I told her I was heading to Davao.
Yes, I lied. I dont want her to worry about me. Come on, I don't think I (or anybody) can convince her why I wanted to reach Basilan. Any reason can never be good enough specially with the over-hyped news of kidnapping, massacre, and terrorism all over the province. Basilan easily became one of the most dangerous provinces in the Philippines, a place where a lot of people would not dare go.
As for me, every place has its good and bad side. The simplest idea of seeing the soft side and charm of Basilan already convinced me to go. Surely there is.
For the record, I wouldn't dare go if I didn't know someone who's willing to show me around Basilan.
Good thing I met Dom. And the rest is history.
Good thing I met Dom. And the rest is history.
Our Manila-Zamboanga round trip tickets only cost us P1996- which was already good for the two of us. The 1-hour flight to Zamboanga City was nice and smooth.
Southern Eskapo | Zamboanga -Basilan - Tawi-Tawi
Since we arrived in Zambooanga City beyond schedule, we had our breakfast in one of the fastfood restaurants in town. That's where Dom taught me my first precaution lesson - never seat beside the glass windows. If the place would be bombed, then we'll have less impact of the explosion. Second lesson, be where the people are but dont stay long with the crowd. The usual targets are the crowded areas. Great lessons eh? ^_^
Moving on, it was a nice walk towards the port area. I had a first glimpse of Plaza Pershing, Lantaka Hotel, Paseo del Mar, City Hall, and etc. Btw, I didn't bother to look like a local, surely they'll know right away that Im a tourist. Locals speak Chavacano- a hardcore dialect. It feels like I was in China, I couldn't understand them and I bet only a few of them understand me either.
We bought tickets bound to Isabela for P150 each. It would be an hour of ferry ride to reach Basilan. And at that moment, I was just waiting for Dom's instructions whether I could use my camera or not. Anyway, it didn't matter much as this travel would be beyond pictures and souvenirs. It would really be plain experience.
we walked thru the gate, may shuttle naman pala. toinks!
The ferry ride was comfortable. I still didn't have any doubts as we're approaching the island. Dom shared a lot of wikipedia-level information but I cant absorb them all. What I remembered is that there's a place that serves as a military base camp on weekdays, but becomes a family resort on weekends. A 360-degrees transformation!
hello Basilan!
We arrived in Isabela and honestly it looked like a normal town. Thank goodness there weren't any sign of the slightest commotion to worry about. Dom's brother picked us up and drove us home. It was a short 15-ride from the port. I met his other brother who's celebrating his birthday that day (okay, special mention to Mervin for reminding me to send my regards to kuya Ludwig).
Hormigos' residence, instant home of the bloggers who visit Basilan. ^_^
thank you for the warm welcome
thank you for the warm welcome
After a quick rest, Dom together with his pamangkin (brother ni Faith), showed me around town. I was really uncomfortable to use my camera. But I wasn't shy to bring an umbrella as we stroll. Toinks.
Me: ano ba yung capitol?Dom: equivalent ng city hall, pero buong probinsya ang covered
Me: ah ok, sensha na wala kasi nyan samin.
Across the capitol is the town plaza. It looked more maintained that the ones we have here in Manila.
town plaza
I knew taking photographs of these school girls might bring me trouble so I immediately stopped. Im not a spy, Im just a tourist. Dom and his sister-in-law talked about an ice cream vendor who was mistakenly accused as a spy. The Abu Sayyaf beheaded the vendor. Third lesson from Dom: it's important to change our location from time to time.
i meant no harm and im not a spy. im just a turista.
Just across the plaza stands a glorified church. It's nice to know there are at least 20% Christian residents in Basilan.
Sta. Isabel Cathedral
Since 80% of the residents in Basilan are Muslims, this church has always been the most favorite target for a terrorist attack. Having been bombed a lot of times, military soldiers are right outside the church entrance.
Two soldiers in uniform approached me and asked what I was doing. Dom talked to them and explained that I came from Manila and I was just a tourist. I fully understand the security, mejo scary lang yung heavy duty firearms. Hehe
Nonetheless, it's such a great pleasure to see and touch this Last Supper mosaic which came all the way from Italy.
the Last Supper mosaic - upclose
We also strolled inside the market area, it's pretty much the same as we have here in Manila. What's really noticeable was the vendors were never pushy at all. Maybe they're not really used to see tourists around.
After the town tour, it's time to visit some natural wonders. Initially, I planned to visit the White Beach in Malamawi and the Lamitan Falls. Dom discouraged me with the latter. Lamitan is a bit far from the city center and the falls is not that grand at all. He said I should pick the White Beach instead. Knowing Dom who has high standards on beaches, I immediately agreed. White Beach it is!
badjao kids drive the passenger boats
White Beach can be reached by crossing the island of Isabela towards Malamawi Island. Fare is just P5. After that, we still need to travel by land for about 30mins or less. Dom negotiated with some habal-habal drivers who can take us to the beach. We paid P100 for the round trip ride.
arte lang, ayoko talaga magbilad sa arawan ^_^
Very rare that I catch the news on tv that's why I dont really have any idea that an ambush can happen here in Basilan. Sometimes the less you know, the less paranoid you become.
Dom shared, once you're kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf- they will torture you to death. If you beg to live, they'll make a bargain and ask you to join them. The first test would be an order to kill your own brother.
..ok, that's not hameeyzing.
Anyway... the road to the beach is a regular provincial sight. Unpaved road, high trees, fresh air, and a good number of houses can be seen along the way. And yep, nothing unexpected happened. We reached White Beach safe and sound.
almost there
I was in awe when I had my first glimpse of the beach. I felt very privilege to see this pristine wonder with my own eyes.
..and I bet it would still take a long time before outsiders would begin to visit this unspoiled beach.
it's just very ironic to see a serene spot in a terror town. this adds more beauty to this beach.
the beauty and charm of Basilan
Now I understand why Dom is continuously searching for the best white beaches in the country. Look at this beach where he used to go on weekends. No wonder he has set high standards.
im particular with the sand, and I can say this is one of the finest.
the water is very clear as well
Aside from us, there were only 2 girls who were at the beach that time.
Nevertheless, a lifeguard is on duty for our safety.
more fun in the Philippines! ^_^
For an outsider and a first timer, I didn't feel any tension or anything. A beach is a happy place, even if this one's located in Basilan. We had fun doing almost-candid shots of ourselves. Haha
Basilan, baby!
im more conscious of the sun than those men with shotguns ^_^
im more conscious of the sun than those men with shotguns ^_^
What's life without taking chances? Boredom kills, you know.
This Basilan trip may look risky but I didn't want to over-analyze things. For me it's just a plain matter of luck. As far as I know, there's not a red-alert advisory when we visited Basilan so it's safe to go. No one could really tell what will happen so just hope for the best and have fun at the same time.
After all - no guts, no glory.
This is surely one memorable summer escapade that I've experienced in my life. Thank you Dominic and your family for the warm hospitality. I will forever brag that I've met a good Christian family in Basilan.
Better to see something once than to hear about it a thousand times. - Chinese proverb
up next: Tawi-Tawi
for a very well written post of Basilan, please check Dom's blog
