Lessons on the Road | Zamboanga-Basilan-TawiTawi

Can't be thankful enough as our Zamboanga-Basilan-TawiTawi trip went well. All flights were on time. The weather was very cooperative. There are no red alert or safety advisory whatsoever. We encountered interesting and memorable people along the way. We were humbled and overwhelmed with this experience. All glory is HIS for keeping us safe.

Aside from the scenic and unspoiled views, Im always fascinated with the culture and religion of a place. A trip to the country's southernmost provinces didn't disappoint. It was an overwhelming experience. I began to understand and appreciate the similarities and differences on our cultural heritage and religious beliefs - beyond books and online information can explain.

Sharing some of our memorable experiences and lessons learned on this heart-pounding southern eskapo.


Zamboanga

Worry not about security but be ready to swim with the military men in Sta.Cruz beach.

thank you Soler family for adopting us

Sta.Cruz is also called the Pink Beach because of these tiny red corals mixed in the white sand.

There's a nearby Muslim cemetery in the island, and you can tell whether the tomb belongs to a Yakan, a Tausug, or a Badjao.

Precious black corals are still for sale- legally!

A deep sea crab called curacha is a very expensive dish. It tastes like a regular crab though. Anyway, the word "curacha" in chavacano means roach. ipis!

The famous snack Knicker Bucker is basically a fruit salad with mango + watermelon + ice cream.

These badjao kids don't only have great diving skills, but they also have superior night vision! They can do deep diving for a precious coin- even without goggles. Hameezying!

All mosques are built facing the direction of Mecca. We hitchhiked and met a Hadji on our way back from Taluksangay.

The cross in Metropolitan Cathedral is exaggeratedly built to be huge to emphasize that Zamboanga is a Christian dominated city. 60% of the population here are Christians.

Basilan

Dont Tell my Mother I Spent Summer in Basilan

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.

Nonetheless, it's such a great pleasure to see and touch this Last Supper mosaic which came all the way from Italy.

The White Beach in Malamawi Island is one of the finest beaches I've been to.
photo credit: Dong Ho

..not to mention this beach has a very unique lifeguard ^_^

Tawi-Tawi
Tawi-Tawi | a Trip to the Philippine's Southernmost Province

Almost everyone in the Philippine's southernmost province is a Muslim. We even glanced a Muslim wedding when we're strolling Bongao.

○ residents speak Tausug, but most of them can understand Tagalog as well.
○ placing your hand in your chest right after a handshake is their form of respect.

Alhakim became our driver, tour guide, and younger brother when we're in Tawi-Tawi. This young man's words of wisdom made our trip more fun and memorable.
Alhakim - 0947.336.4393
tell him you got the number "from kuya na malakas kumain at kay ate na takot sa monkeys." haha!

...on our first glance on top of Bud Bongao
Dong Ho and I: ha-meey-zing!
Alhakim: kuya, ate, ano yung "amazing"?
---> insert matinding mental block here
Us: nakakamangha!

Stilt houses are very common in Tawi-Tawi. It's cute to see they have gates as well.

Muslims dont like dogs, they are afraid of them. Maybe this explains why there are lots of goats instead. They are everywhere!

The monkeys in Bud Bongao are not fierce. They also dont attack people. Im afraid of monkeys, but Im okay with feeding these gentle monkeys. See, this one's got a cute baby!

Bud Bongao is the highest peak in Tawi-Tawi. Located at the peak is a sacred shrine where locals can pray, pay respect, and ask forgiveness.

Tying up knots on tree branches as you say your wishes silently is a practice made in Bongao mountain. A little warning though, those who dare remove these "knot wishes" will experience bad luck and curse.

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Meet my Travel Buddy | Southern Mindanao edition

Dominic of Dong Ho's Eskapo

"This trip to the country's southernmost islands is one of the best experience. Despite being familiar with Basilan and Zamboanga our experience of visiting Taluksangay and Bongao still imposed the challenge of moving from one spot to another with the right precautions. But with all our efforts to interact with the locals, we were rewarded with unforgettable experience including hitchhiking with strangers, feeding the monkeys of bud bongao and having a Muslim brother." - Dom

is it safe to travel to basilan and tawi tawi?

"It is relatively safe. With a local guide and the goal of being one with the communities will optimize a trip to this part of the country. Some precautions are required specially on knowing the latest situation in the area before getting there. This is best done by coordinating with a local." - Dom

why I like traveling with Dom:

He's born, raised, and spent 17 years of his life in Basilan. Now you know why I never hesitated to pursue this trip, I know very well that Dom can manage. And of course, I only travel with adventurous, funny, and crazy people. We originally planned to be discreet, serious, and quiet while waiting for our flight to Tawi-Tawi. Ang hirap! Haha We ended up befriending and sharing laughter with a bunch of Muslims who were seated around us. That was more fun.

why I dont like traveling with Dom:

He speaks fluent Chavacano, Ilonggo, and Cebuano - and that makes me pity myself big time! I feel very unprivileged for only knowing Tagalog. Life is unfair. Toinks!


thank you for being a travel buddy, a tour guide, an interpreter, and photographer all at the same time. til next time, at sana pahiramin mo na ko ng headware mo. damot! ^_^