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A la Patria y Servicio Público! Zamboanga City Hall and Rizal Monument

In “El Pueblo,” as the local Zamboangueños call their city center or downtown, is an edifice that is synonymous to the city and perhaps throughout the history of Mindanao. The Zamboanga City Hall stands majestic amidst the well-groomed parks of Plaza Pershing (named after the American general John “Black Jack” Pershing) and Plaza Rizal. The edifice itself became Mindanao and Sulu’s bastion of power (the capital city) for several years during the American colonial era, making Ciudad de Zamboanga the capital of the whole southern islands itself!

Escudo de Ciudad de Zamboanga (City Seal) hanging on city hall's wall

City Hall from Valderoza Street

A lot has thought that it has incorporated the Spanish architecture, probably perhaps due to the Hispanic traditions that abound the city. However, the City Hall of Zamboanga was built in 1905 by the American colonizers and it served as the provincial capitol of the military-ruled Moro Province. Then in 1914, it became the seat of government for the Department of Mindanao and Sulu when the civilian government was restored in the colony. By the time the Commonwealth came in, Zamboanga was elevated into a city and the capitol became the city hall we all know today.

Preparing for the flag ceremony

The civil officials of the city hall, preparing for the flag ceremony. Reflecting diversity of cultures in the city of Zamboanga

Today, Zamboanga City Hall still stands proud as a reminder of the Zamboangueño heritage, The architecture still reminisce the early days of American colonial era, and the tower itself made it unique among the neo-classical contemporaries. The tower now is where the siren is blared at certain times of the day. Currently, its a declared a national historical site by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (formerly NHI).

Zamboanga City Hall and Monumento de Rizal

Every Christmas, the city hall turns into a showcase of lights as the whole plaza complex becomes a mecca of families and friends who like to spend their cool Christmas nights.

The tower and the Philippine flag

True to its old title, "Ciudad de Las Flores" - Zamboanga City Hall

Zamboanga City Hall manifests Zamboanga’s keen interest in preserving its own unique Creole and cosmopolitan culture, that made it very unique all throughout the republic.

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The debekan/dadabuan carvings

A lot of people have been to Lanao Del Sur, but they are just either at MSU or Marawi City itself. They never dared explore the towns beside the placid Lake Lanao for so many concerns and reasons. However, I was allured by the town of Tugaya in some journals and websites I read. It is said to be the bastion of arts and craft of the Maranao people. Curiously, it is a town full of talented craftsmen that is famed all throughout Mindanao for its fine products, may it be brass ware to clothing and tapestry, which has been handed over from their ancestors for centuries. Because of it’s fame, it was even nominated by the National Center for Culture and the Arts for UNESCO World Heritage List in early 2000s. Now, it made me more curious—hence it became my primary goal in visiting Tugaya.

The "placid" Tugaya town in Lanao Lake's shore

Tugaya is a 30-45 minute drive from Marawi City, along the western side of the lake shore. Traversing the slopes and more Maranao communities, Lanao’s landscape is dotted with so many mosques, a highway that is as narrow as a barangay road in some of the provinces, and surreal captions. It is indeed a different world out here, yet so within the Republic of the Philippines. This is Lanao that most tourists wouldn’t even dare to travel.

Modern Torogan in Tugaya

Details of the relief of the torogan-inspired house

It was almost 12 noon when we reached Tugaya along with our Maranao guides. Our first visit was a house with ornate reliefs, okirs and the steep yet curving roof that resonate the traditional torogan. Modern as the house may be, but the owners of the said house have still incorporated the traditional Maranao craft. Kala ko sa Nayong Pilipino at sa mga airports sa Mindanao makikita mga yan.

Dilimbayan Central Mosque

Since it was noon time, the muezzin was calling the faithful for prayer at the town’s largest mosque—Dilimbayan Central Mosque.

Baul - A wooden box

Detail of baul with inlays of mother-of-pearl shells

Just beside the mosque, the family of our hosts was also involved in arts and craft, by creating baul or ornate wooden boxes with ornate carved designs and adorned with pieces of mother-of-pearl shells. These were made of hard wood—hence despite its simplicity, is still very expensive. Often, the Maranaos and the antique collectors from Davao or Manila buy these boxes.

Unfinished product of baul

Another treasure that was well hidden by the hosts’ family was the galleon boat models, carved out from wood. Done perfectly and kept as a treasure by the family.

The galleon, hidden from public view

Details of the galleon

The sails are made of coconut shells

Of course, another one of Tugaya’s products is the dadabuan or the tall wooden and carved drums. The dadabuan was used to summon the people of an impending danger or a meeting or celebrations. The top of the dadabuan uses animal skin (goat or cow skin) the rest of the drum is carved out with the intricate Maranao carvings. The wood they usually use are from the jackfruit or mango tree, giving it a yellowish colour.

Making dadabuan in a workshop at Tugaya

The intricate carvings of dadabuan

One of the small finished dadabuans

I’m not done yet for Tugaya. There are still a lot more from this placid town by the lake shore.

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Dilimbayan Tugaya Central Mosque

While Tugaya in Lanao del Sur Province is known for being the arts and crafts center of the Maranao world, at the heart of its town center is the Dilimbayan Central Mosque. Set in a sloping steep yet green landscape and a few meters away from the placid Lake Lanao, Dilimbayan Mosque is the largest religious structure in the entire town and can accommodate hundreds of worshipers in one instance.

The said mosque was built in the 15^th of January in 1962 (can be considered as a heritage structure if you asked me) and it is the main mosque of the town of Tugaya. Green and white are the dominating colours of the structure—the dominant colours of Islam. The massive structure is dominated by emerald green domes with off white accents along with its stainless steel crescents and ornate spires. The towering spire is where the muezzin calls the faithful for prayer. The windows and arches are reminiscent of its Arab influence.

Entering the mosque would require the ritual of abolition, or ritual cleansing. We didn’t get the chance to stay in longer but had a glimpse of the interior of the mosque. Carpeted and ornate, yet simple. The pupils and the faithful teach the words of Allah inside the said Masjid. I had a glimpse of Jawi script being thought to the pupils in reference to the teachings of Qur’an.

Inside Dilimbayan Mosque

Dilimbayan Central Mosque is a piece of Tugayanon craftsmanship in architecture and art. Thus only manifests the sheer raw talent that the people have in this bastion of Maranao art that is Tugaya.

Dilimbayan Central Mosque is located here:

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San Miguel de Iligan

On December 15-16, Tropical Storm “Sendong/Washi” gave Mindanao its first major typhoon in decades. The island and its residents were not used to such phenomena that usually devastates parts of Luzon and the Visayas. Sendong was one of a kind this year, and it has devastated lives in the cities of Iligan, Cagayan de Oro, the Province of Compostela Valley and other provinces. Iligan was caught by a surprise as flood and muck rushed towards the city, 200 missing and 100+ dead so far. In Cagayan de Oro, 20,000 families were affected–this major city in Northern Mindanao has tasted the worse flooding in its recent history.

Father loses daughter (Photo by Maria Irene/Mindanaoan.com)

As of the time of this writing, the dead is pegged at more than 400, hundreds still missing. Mostly in Northern Mindanao cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan. So many uncaught, so many people will spend their Christmas in muck and cold.

Iligan, Cagayan de Oro and the rest of NorMin needs help!

Tabanga nato ang Mindanao! This is the time that we help each other out, despite the distance! Our people needs help!

Our condolences to our kababayang taga-Mindanao who lost their loved ones a week before Christmas. Our prayers are for you folks for comfort, recovery and for the souls of the departed.

Here are some options that you may help:

Iligan Bloggers Society, Inc. is humbly requesting your generous help for the victims Bagyong Sendong of Iligan City. Iligan Bloggers Society, Inc. is accepting donations in kind for the victims of Typhoon Sendong in the city. We encourage the following items for donations: canned goods, noodles, bath and laundry soaps, toothpaste, rice, used clothings, slippers, and cash donations.

SENDONG DONATION DROP You can contact the following point persons for your donations and other inquiries.

ILIGAN BLOGGERS SOCIETY, Inc. SITE: http//:iliganbloggers.com EMAIL: iliganbloggers@gmail.com FB Fanpage: http://www.facebook.com/iliganbloggers

LISA (LAI) MARIE MIRASOL | Pinay Travelista, @pinaytravelista (IBS, Inc. Web Content Manager) http://www.pinaytravelista.com/ 09062558863; (+63) 222-2117

ALEXANDER SINGCOL | iligan Inquisitor, @lexuzinquisitor (IBS, Inc Board of Trustee Member) http://theiliganinquisitor.blogspot.com/ 09053117925, (+63) 8360272 REVILLA CARBONELL-NOEL | Adventures in Life (IBS, Inc Board of Trustee Member) 092193209944, 09427009788

For more Updates on Iligan City status after Typhoon Sendong: DXIC: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/rmn-dxic-iligan FB Fanpage: http://www.facebook.com/iliganbloggers

Your Donations will be shown at: www.iliganbloggers.com For donations on Paypal, your names and initials here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/pub?hl=en_US&key=0AufHi9Th0W7KdHhLVGNaY2VWaFdfUjBadVgxTXdOV1E&output=html

‎#HELPCDO Paypal Donations now accepted. Send to Paypal: francis.siason@gmail.com through Cagayan De Oro Bloggers. 340+ died .. 400+ are missing missing as typhoon Sendong ravaged Cagayan de Oro. Proceeds will be donated and delivered to Xavier University Cagayan de Oro where the members of CDOBloggers are planning to volunteer. Thank you and God Bless!

Xavier University is now accepting donations. You may contact:

Fr. Eric Garcia Velandria S.J.
Coordinator of Sendong Operation,
KKP Office, Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan, Corrales Ave.
9000 Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines.

You may also cash donations through SLB. CASH/ CHEQUE: Direct deposits may be made online from any BPI branches, pay to:

SIMBAHANG LINGKOD NG BAYAN (Account Name/Payee)
Bank of the Philippine Islands (Loyola-Katipunan Branch)
BPI Peso Checking Account Number: 3081-1111-61
BPI Dollar Savings Account Number: 3084-0420-12

For donations from Manila, you may pass by the National Resource Operations Center (NROC) 852-8081(24 hours),Chapel Road, Pasay City (back of Air Transportation Office).

Donate with the Philippine National Red Cross:

Cash or Check Donations:
Account Name: Philippine Red Cross
Bank Name: Banco De Oro
Peso Account: 453-0018647
Type of Account: Savings

SMS Donations: Text REDAMOUNT to 2899 (Globe) or 4143 (Smart)

Cebuana Lhuillier Pawnshops
Make a donation at any of the 1,500 Cebuana Lhuillier pawnshops nationwide.

Email us: fundgeneration@redcross.org.ph

Call Hotline 143
or (+632) 527.0000

NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS
Bonifacio Drive, Port Area
Manila 1018, Philippines
Email: prc@redcross.org.ph

—————-

For Iligan Victims Cash Donations, you may deposit in this account
Account name: Association of IIT Alumni Foundation Inc.
Bank: BDO – - Iligan Quezon Avenue Branch
Account No: 003120169026

They will be providing complete financial audit documents to ensure that your money will help the hundreds of displaced victims in Iligan City, especially the evacuees in MSU – IIT Gym. I’ve personally coordinated with the Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology Chancellor Sukarno Tanggol on this matter.

Please do not hesitate to contact Rei Maranda from the Presidential Management Office thru 09052665014 or at rei.maranda@pms.gov.ph/rei_lena@yahoo.com for questions and clarifications.

We need all the help we can get. Please tell your friends/contacts/company/orgs about this. Then you can coordinate with Rei or Jane Dumaug for convenience. Kindly repost/retweet/blog/announce/publish this. Thank you very much.

La Salle Academy (Iligan City) is accepting cash donations to help the victims of typhoon Sendong.

Development Bank of the Philippines
Account Name: La Salle Academy
Account Number: 0820-016221-030.

Notes:
1. Please make cheques payable to La Salle Academy.
2. Kindly make a digital copy (or digital photo) of the deposit slip and email this digital file to Br. Raffy Reyes FSC (President of LSA) raffyreyes1018@gmail.com AND Br Dennis Magbanua FSC (President of DLSZ) brodennis@gmail.com for proper documentation and accounting.

You may also leave your donations in kind at the LSA lobby anytime today and tomorrow. Daghang Salamat!

Volunteers Needed
From Sec. Dinky Soliman of DSWD – Volunteers are needed at DSWD Cagayan de Oro (Masterson Rd, Upper Carmen) to repack and deliver relief goods. Call +639066150095 and +63 8822 8588892

Please be at CU Gym today December 18, 2011… Our fellow Cagay-anons need our help in these desperate times… Please look for Ms. Armi Sobremisana.

CIRCLE PRODUCTIONS INC., is accepting donations in cash or in kind for the flood victims of Cagayan de Oro City…. The drop-off point is at Max’s Restaurant in Limketkai Mall… Look for Francis.

Click the image to get more info

JRS Express now delivers relief goods for free. Click the image for more info...

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Tinago Falls

While Maria Christina Falls wasn’t enough, there’s another cascade that was set to be as one of Iligan’s finest. True to its name, Tinago Falls is a turquoise gem hidden in the lush verdant greens of the highlands of Lanao del Norte. Getting here is an effort, but totally rewarding.

Tinago Falls is located more or less 15 kilometers south-east of downtown Iligan City, near the Timoga cold springs. The first time I saw it was somewhere in a television show, about a white curtain of water falling into a crystal blue pool beneath and surrounded by lush vegetation. It seems so tempting to go there.

Crystal Clear Pool of Tinago Falls

Together with Lai and Alex of Iligan Bloggers, we went on the Iligan side of the falls (since Tinago Falls itself lies at the border of the city and the town of Linamon). According to Lai, there was already a resort here back in the 1990s, however it was abandoned due to financial and legal issues. Today, you will still see the “ruins of the ancient resort” as you pass by going to the falls. It somehow gives a bit of “Indiana Jones” feeling as you go along.

The falls is well hidden in the forest.

Descending towards Tinago Falls may be easy, but be careful since its quite slippery—especially during the morning. The old steps of the old resort are still there but a bit unreliable. And it seems to be very daunting since it is really steep.

Taking a shower, anyone?

And after five minutes, you can hear the rush of the water. Then amidst the verdant vegetation comes the crystal blue pool with its white curtain of water. Tinago Falls at last!

The water droplets makes it refreshing down here!!

Since it is a weekday, only a few people with some locals were there. A bamboo raft for those who like to be pounded by the seemingly freezing waters of the Tinago Falls is available at the “Linamon Side.” But seeing it alone, with its crystal clear water and blue hue in its pool is almost as refreshing as being in an airconditioned room!

Rock and cascading water

The Tinago main falls

The water here comes from Agus River and some tributaries. There is a part in the river where it forks away from the main river (which is going to Maria Cristina) and leads its way towards Tinago Falls and end up at Iligan Bay. Yes folks, the same water that feeds the mighty Maria Cristina Falls herself!

Downstream

Too bad, I don’t have spare shorts or trunks—I was tempted to take a dive on this magical pool!

The bamboo raft and the great shower

Unlike Maria Cristina Falls’ thunderous power, Tinago Falls is as serene yet enigmatic in aura–as if you are somewhere in the enchanted forest. It was indeed a respite from the worries of the real world.

Rushing waters!

With time running out, I have to bade goodbye to her—but promised to be back, with a much healthier and leaner body…and you’ll get to find out why.

An ancient signpost says...anyway, this is Iligan, not Manila.

While going down was quick, returning to base was like carrying a cross to Calvary for me. My heavy weight and sedate lifestyle has taken its toll on my body. It was 400 to 500+ steps up with a steep ascent. While Lai doesn’t have problem for it (more with Alex who was there at the top in no time!), it took me more than 20 minutes to climb all the way back. Gasping for air and my legs seem to hurt as I get up. Sige lang, kaya yan! Exercise yan! Kelangan ko to!!! Then I realized, I need to change my lifestyle. Buti pa ang mga taga-probinsya, may oras sa pisikal na gawain! I envy them in a way as compared to my suburban-Manila lifestyle. Babalik ako’t magiging papable ang katawan ko, sa itsura at sa kalusugan!

In the middle of the forest

Reaching the top, I immediately sought water—but there’s way better quencher for that! Coconut water!!!

The ruins of the old resort--nice setting to create a fictional ancient lost city!

Seeking Tinago Falls was indeed arduous for me, especially going back to Iligan base. The white curtain of enchanted water with the deep blue crystal clear pool—I must come back here!

The best thirst quencher in the world! Coconut water!!!

And as for me, I still have several months to slim down!

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Maria Cristina Falls in her full splendor

Iligan City was supposed to be just a brief stopover for me for my trip for Marawi. However, it became one of my destinations, thanks to the Iligan Bloggers who convinced me to stop and relax a while in the “City of Majestic Waterfalls,” before coming back to the crazy urban jungle. Well, when you are in Iligan, it’s literally “chasing waterfalls.” Who wouldn’t be? Ever since elementary days, when someone say Iligan, it’s that picture of twin powerful waterfalls cascading into the ravine—Maria Cristina Falls. Iligan is not complete with these mighty cascades that not only it is a tourist attraction, but it empowers almost all of Mindanao!

Maria trickles first--the first sight that I saw that morning

I’ve been to Iligan City several times but I haven’t been to Maria Cristina Falls. I only see it in postcards and text book pictures. But luckily, the Iligan Bloggers (c/o Sir Pat Noel, also a blogger) set me on a tour to the great cascades, not too far from downtown.

Agus River rapids

Maria Cristina Falls is Agus River’s most famous cataract. It is famed for being a “twin falls” with such raw power. The outcrop in the middle of the river gives an awe-inspiring “twinning” effect when Maria Cristina Falls is in full blast. Being the sole outlet of Philippines’ second largest lake (Lanao Lake), it’s not hard to imagine how many cubic tons of water passses by the river every day. Given also the fact that Lanao Lake is like a highland bowl and Iligan is at the sea level, you can see how water rushes itself to the city by gravity.

Maria Cristina Power Plant, also known as Agus VI Hydroelectric Power Plant

To harness its power, in the 1960s, the government constructed hydroelectric power plants along Agus River. However it is in the 6^th power plant that gives it a more “dramatic” effect on the rivers’ prowess—hence Maria Cristina Falls.

Maria nearly a trickle

It was a humid Monday morning when we went there. I was already expecting that only Maria will show up, since the power corporation controls the flow of water to prevent overcapacity which may lead to—well, blown fuses and transformers and that means—blackout all throughout Mindanao. NAPOCOR only opens the full Maria Cristina several times of the week, usually weekends, depending on the water level in Lake Lanao.

Then she poured in...

Indeed, it was only Maria when I first saw. I felt satisfied, since finally—after a long time, I saw Maria Cristina…Yet half-dismayed since it’s not the falls that I saw in the postcards.

Then Cristina finally awakens!

A view of the top

Then like magic, like a faucet, from just a narrow cascade, Cristina awakens gradually. The process was all too real. For visitors like I, it was a rare chance to see her gradually unravel her majestic beauty. I’m quite far from her, but I can hear her thunder—of water pounding the earth below it. And the mighty white rapids of Agus River applauded the sisters on their full splendor. Iba talaga pag nakita mong unting unting lumalakas ang waterfalls!

Unleashing their power

Maria Cristina Falls embodies majesty and power. A sight to behold as she demonstrates her sheer might as Mindanao’s provider of prosperity. All hail the Queens!

Going there:

Maria Cristina Falls is not too far away from downtown Iligan City. Just take a jeepney ride bound for “Timoga” and have the driver stop at Agus 6 gate.

View Maria Cristina Falls in a larger map

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It was a much unexpected weekend for me. I wasn’t expecting to go to back to Gensan that November—plane fares have gone up and we weren’t allowed to file a leave since it was a Thanksgiving (the busiest day in the US). However, with our bosses nodding for a vacation and the 13^th month pay coming, I was able to push through with my trip to Gensan to attend Blogfest Soccsksargen 2.0 (or Sox Blogfest). It was organized by the Manansala brothers, Avel and Orman, together with the rest of Soccsksargen Bloggers of south-central Mindanao which was held on 26^th of November, 2012 at Sun City Suites in the city of General Santos.

Avel Manansala, one of the conveners of Sox Blogfest

Most of the blogging conferences such as in Luzon and in the Visayas tackle about anything in social media, its implications in the society, a tool for business, trending, photography, and just about anything. However, Mindanao has a different advocacy to push on—improve Mindanao’s image from the unfairly tagged “war-torn and poverty-stricken” island into a destination for business and leisure. It is indeed a challenge since it is still an ongoing struggle between conventional stereotypes and new media that fights for fairness—and Sox Blogfest is one of the venues to promote with. Sox Blogfest goes beyond personal blogging—it went into different facets of social media and advocacy, something Mindanao needs. The theme of this year’s Sox Blogfest was, “The Emergence of Blogs and Social Media.” To me, it meant going beyond the conventional uses of these two tools.

Conference Room

Delegates from different parts of Mindanao, even as far away as Iligan, were present on the venue. I was the sole delegate from the Visayas.

Bob Martin and History of Internet in Mindanao

Starting off with Bob Martin’s history of internet in Mindanao, in which we may see him as one of the first prime movers of promoting the whole island on the internet. The American shares the same passion for the island, that he has created several websites, Mindanao Magazine (www.mindanao.com) in particular.

Manolo Quezon on the stage

Following Bob is the undersecretary for Malacañang’s communications group and columnist Manuel “Manolo” Quezon III–talking about how the state of social media influences the Filipino society. The locomotion sets in for the rest of the day.

Jack Madrid of Multiply Philippines

Jack Madrid of Multiply Philippines provided insights on how is online marketing doing in the Philippines, with Multiply as an example of online entrepreneurship.

Mayor Darlene Antonino Custodio of Gensan

One of the guests was Honorable Mayor Darlene Custodio of the host city. She featured how the local government utilizes new technology and social media in their works. In the conference, she was particular about getting all of the public schools online and how it may be used for ease of information flow in this vast city.

The sun was up high and the heat outside was somehow unbearable. People have listened as more speakers, along with that sumptuous lunch (I simply love their eggplant parmigniana, kudos to Sun City!)

Raffy Tima of GMA for Think Before You Click

Raffy Tima of GMA gives an insight on how we as individuals should be responsible for what we post in our social media accounts such as in Twitter, Facebook or others, and its implication to moving the society, influencing or even cyber-bullying—“Think Before You Click!”

Mae Paner aka Juana Change

Perking up the afternoon was Mae Paner, also known as “Juana Change.” She used her talent as a director and theater actress and the power of online video (yes, she is a vlogger, video blogger) in order to move people to change on how the government and the society of this country. Her videos are satirical—comedic yet laced heavily with social issues that affects us all. In the end, she said that “change of the society starts from us individuals.”

Abe Olandres of Yugatech

Abe Olandres of Yugatech comes in as he talks about the latest tech gadgets and trends that may soon affect on how the Philippine society treats social media. This is the technical part of the conference, as Abe explains the trend in the Philippines–the latest that may become effective tools that Pinoys may use and change the society by technology.

US Embassy Depute Atache Cynthia Cook

The US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas Jr., sent a message to the Gensan people through Deputy Atache Cynthia Cook about the works in US Embassy Manila and how it embraced social media as part of communicating to the people (especially to those who are asking about the US Visa).

Aileen Apolo-de Jesus of Google Asia Pacific

Aileen Apolo-De Jesús of Google Asia Pacific introduces Google Plus to this southern city, and its difference that is set from other social media. She also introduced Youtube Philippines.

Flow Galindez of Ang Sa Wari Ko

Wrapping things for this loaded day was Flow Galindez of Ang Sa Wari Ko, a partner for Red Whistle, World Food Programme and World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in encouraging every Mindanaoan in partaking to any social-inclined advocacies in aiding their fellow citizens away from poverty and ignorance.

Sox Bloggers and the Speakers

The participants. Sorry po, di magkasya ang lahat

In this year’s Sox Blogfest, social media trends and beyond personal blogging has been the unifying topic for most. As the conference ended, it hopes that it would lead more Mindanaoans to blog not just about themselves, but on how they can help Mindanao overcome its negative tag that has belittled its full potential and better understanding of the three people’s of Mindanao.

Kuya Avel and Orman together with Nanardz, Alexis, Marz, Arzie of Sox Bloggers

To Sox Bloggers and most especially to Kuya Avel and Orman Manansala, congratulations for having a successful, full-house event dedicated to the Mindanaoan cause and for the rest of the nation through new technology!

More photos of Sox Blogfest 2.0, click here.

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Downtown Marawi City from Mindanao State University

“Even most MSU students don’t dare to go to ‘town,’” a Maranao friend of mine once said.

Marawi City has been hampered with so much negative publicity in the Philippine mainstream that for the people of the lowlands, the only thing that makes them go there would be enrolling or visiting at Mindanao State University—never mind the rest of the city! People are too scared to venture out to the streets of the Maranao city.

Mindanao Islamic Center from Downtown Marawi

Not minding the “scare tactics,” I went on exploring the urban core of Marawi City. My first taste was, finding my Maranao friend in the middle of Banggolo district, the commercial center of the city, by tricycle.

Bangolo Commercial District

My first taste of Marawi’s air—it was cool. Actually a bit chilly since it was raining at that time. Blogger friend Doc Wends and I took the tricycle that took us all the way to Banggolo on an Eid Ul’Adha holiday. Marawi was really a different world. Streets that wind the slopes of the rolling hills, it reminds me of either Baguio’s congested back-door commercial districts or Tagaytay’s Mendez Junction, although bigger.

Maranao Youth On Parade at Marawi

The city itself is—a bit disorganized and unplanned. The Americans, who occupied Marawi, didn’t made effort to lay out plans for the old Dansalan, so the roads grew out of traditional and ancient roads that radiate to almost everywhere.

Downtown Dansalan (Marawi) From Afar

Yet unlike the rest of the Philippine cities, Marawi’s skyline is dominated with so much minarets and domes of big mosques—almost everywhere in the city!

Anda saya so? Where is…?

“Anda saya so Pacasum Square yo?” (Where’s Pacasum Square?)

Gomisa Avenue - The Main Commercial Road of Marawi City (in Latin and Jawi)

In the relentless search of Pacasum Square, I had a taste of downtown Marawi City that is known to locals as Banggolo.

To Padian, Marawi's Public Market

The area is like a one big Quiapo, although lesser people and less dense. A bit rundown yet vibrant, Banggolo serves as the commercial hub of Marawi City. Its main road, Gomisa Avenue or Quezon Avenue, is where most of the commercial establishments are located here, especially Marawi’s Public Market called Padian.

Mindanao Islamic Center from Downtown Marawi

Mindanao Islamic Center and the Incomplete Minaret

The dome and the loudspeaker

Over the horizon, the Ma’ahad Jamio Mindanao Al-Islamie or Mindanao Islamic Center mosque dominates its skylines, along with other minarets and masjids of the city. Within the area, several madrassahs (Islamic religious schools), toril (Koran reading center) and yes, mosques, live side to side with shops that goes from food to merchandise, to DVDs and all the way to the expensive antiquities that the Maranao people produce.

Arab Influence

Finally, we found Ate Karimah, our guide in our stay in Lanao! And that morning, we’ve tasted the first of the Maranao delicacies!

The Night is Young…and there was silence

Minarets dominate the skyline of downtown Marawi

Instead of sleeping in Mindandao State University, I spent my night at the only lodging house within downtown Marawi City, since it was a relative of our guide. Most of the visitors wouldn’t even think of sleeping here “since you are a stranger in a different world” as what they say. Well, I was given the biggest room although the comfort room is a common one—but I was the only visitor in the house.

One of Marawi's Minarets

That night was the first time that I saw Marawi City fall asleep very early. Just after the isha’a or the evening prayer, commercial establishments close. A bit of vehicular traffic but not too buzzing. The call for prayer dominates the atmosphere.

The usual traffic at Marawi's Downtown

“La Ilalah…” the muezzin called.

And an hour later, there was silence—you can virtually hear a pin drop! The downtown was asleep. Marawi was asleep.

One of the several religious schools in Marawi

Forms of “night entertainment” and alcoholic beverages are not allowed here. And so, I sleep early. Good thing though I was tired with the whole day trip.

Healthy living!

It wasn’t the church bells or my phone that became my alarm. It was the early morning call for prayer or fajr. It was still dark, around 5AM. The people woke up early. After that, something very interesting happened.

Gomisa Avenue Early in the Morning

All of a sudden, Gomisa Avenue turned into a joggers’ paradise! After the prayer, people in either Western or Muslim attire jog the main avenue of the city. Instead of vehicles, it was full of joggers. A good way to start your cool mornings in Marawi!

Gomisa Avenue

I still got a lot to write about Marawi. I only spent overnight but the place itself exudes stories.

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Greetings from the City of Banners and Streamers - Marawi

From Iligan to Marawi, it usually takes an hour by van or FX (Asian utility vehicle). Passing by the towns of Balo-i, Pantar and Saguiran, you can’t help but notice banners everywhere. Politicians for early campaigning? Nope. Mostly congratulatory coming from the families of the achievers. Yes folks, banners and steamers are not an election campaign exclusive in Marawi and the rest of Lanao del Sur. It’s an everyday part of life, just like urbanites in Manila see the billboards at SLEX and EDSA. Manila-based outdoor and billboard advertisers may think of setting up a branch here, market demand here is high!

“Alhamdulillah (It’s the Arab equivalent of “Hallelujah!”) and Congratulations!” everywhere—from board passers, bar passers, Hajj delegates, weddings, birthdays, and even to coronation of the sultans–you name it and Marawi has a multitude of these banners and streamers. Before the advent of those giant billboards at EDSA, Marawi has all of these fill up Iligan-Marawi Road and most especially every nook within the city. They may even compete with Guinness Record as “The city with most number of congratulatory streamers and banners per square kilometer!” Unlike EDSA though, they are not monstrous in size, but the number of banners can easily overwhelm people who are not used to these.

Greetings can be almost anywhere in Marawi

All throughout my travels in the Bangsamoro homeland in mainland Mindanao, Marawi and Lanao del Sur are the only ones that display such culture of advertising—yet not commercial, but mostly personal greetings that emphasizes its tightly-knitted clannish culture.

Dayawan Torogan and Greetings!

Our Maranao guide explained that it is their way to exalt a status of a person or proclaim throughout the rest of the public about the person and their family or clan’s achievement. It is also noticeable that the name doesn’t stop at just the father’s family name too, but also it goes a long line of its near and distant relatives. It somehow seals their position and status in the Maranao society—something that is important or part of their culture.

For the Maranaos, expressing such way of greetings is part of their culture—a practice that has been going on, since the times of the Fourteen Sultanates of Lanao. Their penchant for art has even made it to mainstream outdoor advertising.

Greetings and Bolos Kano Lanao del Sur!

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Marawi City from Agus River

I have been curious about Marawi City in Mindanao. I’ve been hearing a lot of stories about it. Wild, violent and seemingly dangerous place—these were my perceptions of the capital of Lanao Del Sur Province in Mindanao Island. A lot of people told me not to go there or don’t even bother to think about it or else you might get killed, robbed or kidnapped. And yet curiosity has fueled me to go there—and I got a chance.

Against the wishes of my mother (who went ballistic when she knew my plan and I was already in Cagayan de Oro), I went to Marawi City, which is just about three to four hours away from Cagayan de Oro City.

The rolling hills of Marawi

Marawi City is located in the northernmost shore of Lake Lanao and on the mouth of the mighty Agus River.. Nestled among the hills, it is the bustling center of the Maranao world–different from the rest of the country because approximately 90% of its almost 200,000 residents are Muslims. Indeed, its official name is even called “Islamic City of Marawi,” since locals believe that it may attract funding from Middle East countries. The city synchronizes its beat with the daily rituals of Islam. All throughout the day, the hypnotizing call for prayer dominates the sound of Marawi.

Mindanao State Universirty - Main Campus (Marawi)

Marawi is also the host city of one of the largest state universities in the Philippines, Mindanao State University.

Welcome to Marawi!

Downtown Dansalan (Marawi) from Afar

Marawi City was once called Dansalan, already a settlement during the Spanish times. While Visayan towns were marauded by Moros, Marawi was conquered several times by the Spanish colonial forces in order to subjugate the Maranaos and have them converted to Christianity—yet failed. It was only in the American colonial era that it was successfully integrated within the Philippine borders—a move that would later result to the sporadic rebellion that marred the rest of Mindanao for decades.

Mindanao's Kilometer Zero is in Marawi City - This is the Original Reference Point of all Mindanao Roads, much like Luneta is for Luzon

Mindanao Islamic Center dominates the downtown skyline

Dansalan got its charter in 1940 and then later it became Marawi City in June 1956 which was authored by then Senator Domocao Alonto. Today, it is the commercial, educational and political center of the vastly Muslim Maranao world..

Marawi City Hall

Lanao del Sur Provincial Capitol

For the next few days, along with my other Mindanao and Visayas blogposts, we’ll explore this vibrant city that was called Dansalan and would have to seemingly rival Baguio as “Summer Capital.” It’s going beyond the borders, going beyond the stereotypes and into the colorful world of Sarimanok and the Maranao people.

Saduc Masjid in Marawi City

Dayawan Torogan (Royal House) in Marawi City

Bolos Kano Marawi City and Lanao del Sur! Welcome to Marawi City and Lanao del Sur!

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