Mindanao Archives • langyaw

Tausug wedding in Sitangkai, a colorful and beautiful affair

I visited Sitangkai for a book assignment and for the five days I was there, my host toured me around. Two days in a row, I attended a Tausug wedding and a Sama circumcision ritual. These community events are quite colorful with most women, other than the bride and groom dressed in multihued outfits. In both instances, we started at the groomâ€™s house where the whole family and kin were busy preparing the food. At the bride’s abode, will be the ceremony. When all was…Continue Reading “Tausug wedding in Sitangkai, a colorful and beautiful affair” →

Rachel’s Place in Bongao Tawitawi gets a make over

hotels

Whenever one searches or asks where to stay in Bongao, Tawitawi, Rachel’s Place Restaurant and Hotel is surely one of the recommendations. Bongao is the provincial capital and where most visitors make their base. Despite its status, its just a small town with a handful of hotels and resorts. Although that is changing now as I’ve seen several expansions and constructions at the resort areas in my last visit last week. Renovated faÃ§ade and new rooms I’ve stayed at this hotel twice and the last…Continue Reading “Rachel’s Place in Bongao Tawitawi gets a make over” →

A journey to Sebucal, Oroquieta’s farthest and remote barangay

Places

The invitation from Councilor Ruvy Alay was tempting. Visit the village of Sebucal, the last barangay of Oroquieta City, during their patronâ€™s feast day with clergymen, lay ministers and city officers. There will be a mass, distribution of food and supplies and activities done by locals. Although I was a bit concerned about the initial brief: 8 hours walk to the village, being more concerned about my knee, Councilor Alayâ€™s assurance that there are seniors who will also be doing the trip assuaged me a…Continue Reading “A journey to Sebucal, Oroquieta’s farthest and remote barangay” →

Museyo Kutawato, a modern museum rises in the south

Places

It is perhaps Mindanaoâ€™s most modern museum but unlike its counterparts in the region, Museyo Kutawato takes charge not only of its own identity but owning its narrative and telling its tri-peoplesâ€™s stories in the form of their shared histories, struggles, and aspirations. Tri people is a buzzword in these parts and refer to the Lumads, the Muslims and Christians living together in this region. When I lived in Davao City in 2000-2004, I only had a limited amount of travels to North Cotabato, often…Continue Reading “Museyo Kutawato, a modern museum rises in the south” →

Roadside waterfalls around Mindanao for the lazy traveler

special

Ah, waterfalls and Mindanao has lots and lots of it! But did you know that there are a few very accessible waterfalls around the island and it’s island provinces? So accessible that you can just drive, park by the roadside and already see this wonder of nature. This is perfect for the lazy traveler who doesn’t want the steep ascent and descent just to see one! 1 Aliwagwag Falls It’s considered the longest waterfall in the country and with the most number of levels! Aliwagwag…Continue Reading “Roadside waterfalls around Mindanao for the lazy traveler” →