THINGS I MISS SO BADLY-DEEPLY IN MARAWI

In a blink, Islamic City of Marawi is on the world stage of media mileage. Yes, not because of the cultural heritage or new wonders and spectacles being spotted but because of the war that under siege the city. Thirty (30) days plus and still counting but hostilities and terror continues… and while the combats and fighting remain unrest, I could not go back to visit my old home. Martial Law (pa)… SAD

But here are some few things I missed so badly about Marawi

The Landscape and the Climate

Just travelling going to Marawi is like no other. It is well enclosed within hilltop areas chained with plateaus, plains, basins and rolling hills. The mountain ranges are ornate with thick and lush green forest moderates the climate. That warmth and cold weather that embraces your body and skin felt good. It feels like it’s almost all-year around. I have never been to Baguio but Marawi. As capital summer of the south, is often compared unto by its climate. So wearing jackets and long-sleeve is nothing new to me. For newbies and first timers, securing any of them is a must. 

The FOG. You might surprise that heavens came down from the sky as the place envelops with thick fog. That condensed mists felt like you can almost kiss it with your lips and taste it with the tip of your tongue. That murky phenomenon is natural and normal. Oh, by the way, make sure to bring umbrella. Kuya Kim’s weather forecast is often times off the chart. Rainfalls (sometimes heavy) come so unpredictable. Just as when you thought the sun is high, you’ll noticed later, torrential rain unexpectedly ravaging the highlands. And it will wreck your prior-plans in hanging out with friends. Oh, that old times - running towards the Frat’s sheds while behind your back you were frantically chased by the grain-like rains. (Iba ang ulan sa Marawi, kasing laki at kasing tigas ng malalaking mongo. Medyo maramdam pala ang konting hapdi ng bawat patak ng ulan pag natamaan ka...) 

   The Ranao (Lake Lanao)

ranao

to Ranao pier...

The infamous Lake Lanao, lifeline of Meranaws speaks a lot. But in one word? “WOW!” Marawi is blessed with crystal-blue deep water. Because it is so abysmal, no human being has ever reach the trench of the lake. It remained a mystery. It is below unreachable, thus immeasurable that adds the intriguing secret of the Ranao. No such lake I’ve seen as still as Lanao yet it sometimes waves. Adding to its clandestine, many also believe that a sleeping volcano lies beneath the waters which anytime will erupt and explode. I may born and raised in Marawi but never in my whole life have had the opportunity to swim in the lake. Not that I’m afraid of but Ma’ and Pa’ told me not to do so (such obedient child I was, naks!) But rather touching it was the farthest thing I ever did. And yeah, the water is too cold to resist. This lake drains into the Agus River and flows northward unto Illana Bay. And so i'm no longer surprised that the swimming pool goers of Timoga, Iligan city enjoys the ice-cold waters.

  Sleeping Lady Mountain

Sunrise overlooking the Sleeping Lady Mountain from MSU Golf Course

the mist...

One of the loveliest sights. Spending chilly early morning or windy late afternoon while sitting under the tree at the glorious natural green carpet of MSU Golf course, be it sunrise or sunset spell, is ecstasy. I forever love the panoramic vista of Sleeping Lady. There’s no end to her beauty. It’s timeless. Sometimes, the white cotton candy-like clouds hugs the silence of her sleeps.  Sometimes, a radiant clouds tiered the head of the Lady. Much more that ray of the sunlight beams her magnificent glorious crown. Royalty indeed, “Bae a Labi” on its very own kind. Guarded with vast bask of lush greens, likened to a Sultan that serves her kingdom as her mighty knight. One thing I miss so badly is watching the Lady on her sleep while sipping my favorite drinks and munching sweet corns vend through improvised cart that strolled by little boys and girls who passionately barking “Ka’Mais”. Such majesty to witness while the ray of the sun magnifies over the waving waters of Ranao while the sparkling beds of gems or diamonds dazzles the eyes. A marvelous wonder, indeed. She is there always, waiting to be always seen her thousand mysteries (again). Oh, I miss you my dear Lady! When will I see you again? Hope you are not lonely…

 The Carmelite Nun's Convent/Monastery at the Top Hill

The convent/monastery in the hill no longer exist. But in early 90’s,  I still vividly remembered that after celebrating Easter Sunday mass, all children who participated were invited by the Carmelite nuns unto their convent set at the top hill overlooking the placid blue Ranao. Carmelite sisters loves children and they want us (children) to hunt Easter eggs painted in different colors hidden all over their field and gardens. It was cool and so fun… But knowing that I had the opportunity of going there even the years where the nuns and the convent are no more, it is so frustrating that I don’t have any single photo of them and its place… The Carmelite sisters had wonderful days and colorful life years spent in the hill yet had incredible ordeal which force them abandoned the place. The last time I set my foot on the place was in early 2000’s during someone whom I call Nanay and Tatay temporarily took care of the place. It took them some years in guarding the haven from trespassers but external burdens heavily pressured them to leave the house… They said nothing is left as looters took everything all to smallest things left by the nuns. I terribly miss the hilltop, really…

The FOOD

Well, everything about food in Marawi is unique and gastronomically delightful. Be it a main-dish, sweets and appetizers, Maranao delicacies do it in their own way. Their specialties are distinctively cooked and prepared which you don’t normally find it in other corners of other province and regions. (you can find these stuffs about marano foods and cuisine all over the internet via google post and blogs, and or YouTube if it catches your curiosity and interest of knowing the what/s and how/s… ) But there are four (4) dishes that I will never let it pass whenever I come home.

Palapa

Two-purpose, i'ts either appetizer and or condiment mix in other recipes. It’s the smashing star factor on my taste buds. Made of scallions (sakurab), ginger and generous amount of chili that are mixed and pounded together using wooden mortar and pestle. Added also with salt and other flavoring such as MSG depending on their preference. People of Marawi loves to eat foods with hot chili and so do I.



Rending (Beef) 

Although, it originates in Indonesia. This dish is palatably irresistible that exist in Marawi. It’s a braised beef in coconut milk slowly cook in a simmer heat until caramelized and turned dark brown. What sets apart of this dish from the Indonesian way is the spice called (sakurab). It is actually a type of scallion abundantly produced to the place. Beef rendang is best serve with hot rice.




Tilapia Fish 

It’s best prepared in grill. Then cook in a pure coconut milk added with sakurab (turmeric powder) and other spices. For me, the best Tilapia in the country can be found in Marawi. It varies in all different sizes. From small about the same size of your palm to big one measured akin to the half-body of a human adult. It’s thanks to the Lake Lanao that abundantly produced tons full of tilapias and different kinds of fishes. All are natural, no artificial being fed



Pater

turmeric chicken flavor 

An infamous food serve in Marawi in every canteen or eatery. I don’t know where this originated from but the way it was prepared is a little bit of an old school yet "innovatively" thought for marketing purposes. It’s literally commercially economical to budget cost with a price ranging from 20 to 25 pesos only. It’s a dish in one-pack enveloped on a banana leaves comprising one cup of yellow cooked rice and meat (karne o manuk, LOL!), and a trifling amount of “palapa” as condiment added with flavored sauce.

I am no chef. Just a self-proclaimed cook (chuckles). I craved those dishes and managed to learn it somehow. And to my own merit, I personally can and know how to cook these phenomenal foods. I even have had thought of  twists, tweaking some process by adding secret ingredients to make it scrumptious.  But the classic taste of Marawi’s best is incomparable. To which, I think, with its toting cold and windy ambiance made the difference. It is something that always linger in head. But for now, I’ll wait until war is over. “I lusciously miss you dang foodstuffs!”





“Marang” 

My all-time favorite fruit whenever I’m in Marawi during abundant seasons. It is commonly called Madang among Meranaos. Madang is one of a kind sweet in flavor with favorable scent when ripe. Nutritiously considered a complete food and the taste is phenomenal. Depending on size, the price ranges from 10 to 40 pesos. So cheap and affordable. Its Marang season in Marawi these days... I miss you so badly…. Tsk tsk tsk… 

My Old Home and the Old Times

Marawi for me will always be my home, a place like no other. It’s where the heart is. Always in my thoughts. All because it’s where everything began; life, childhood to adulthood. Made friends, few good friends, real friend… Challenges. Struggles. Adventures… - so colorful.

I so badly am missing the old times where you can soundly slept all day and night because of the chilly friendly weather…

‘miss those days having meals from your friends house loudly pigging out the left overs of bulad (dried fish),  uyap and ginamos (shrimp and fingerling pastes), inun-on (fish cooked in vinegar) paired with bahaw (left-over cooked rice).

‘miss those “sky is the limit” random chit-chats from daylight mornings to dusk ‘til dawn.

‘miss the old times when evening starts to unfold and everyone is lining up along the street crossing. Excitedly waiting who in the gang is going to start the long talks, funny and corny jokes. Of who’s going to be the laughing stock, the actor, the hero and the antagonist while some guitarist "wanna-be" pluck the sound of music under the moonlight that shines over LANCAF’s. Where all songs over the starry starry nights devotedly sang all in at beginning but stops at the chorus or refrain's. And never until its end while all dogs from the neighborhood jointly howl and yowl (chuckles). All good for "introvoice!"

‘miss the old times where all talks begins in from more life serious and sensible to classic super powers and the story ends in an epic yellow submarines. 

‘miss the old times of manyanita’s where friends serenade you songs early morning when birthday comes.

‘miss those days where each and everyone starts to share in building up their dreams for the future.

‘miss those epic time where you can asked your neighbors to give you some water when your supply is empty. You can even asked to take bath in their bathrooms for free.

‘miss those days whenever anyone wants some guava, banana, “manga”, santol, papaya, cacao, boongon, tanglad, sili, malunngay, sayote to udlot sa kamote. It’s their for free.

Whenever there is party, everyone in the neighborhood is invited. Bawal ang KJ (kill joy).

Hay, I miss the community! Small but joyful! Those days… 

AY, MIS KO PALA ANG LAHAT LAHAT NA MERON SA MARAWI! :( :( :(

War, when will you end??! L L Marawi, I miss you so badly…

Ikaw, ano ang na miss mo sa Marawi at gusto mong balik-balikan??

HELP MARAWI! PRAY FOR MARAWI!

Burnt memories lives on, life and faith goes on.

Me sitting beneath the altar

This photo brings back memories. At the heart of the Islamic City of Marawi where marvelous Mosques ascend, yes, one house of worship for Catholics up-end. Saint Mary’s Cathedral Church that stands along for many decades through the efforts of the Christian faithful all throughout decades from the beginning it was inaugurated. Though just a pigment in populace, Christians strive to live together with Muslims for DIALOGUE AND PEACE within the city. We respect each other’s differences. We recognize, co-celebrates and rejoice the importance of our beliefs and faith. But through the years, it’s the friendship that revel, we remained resilient.

Born, baptized and raised in Marawi as Catholic, Mary Help for Christians, our patron, the Church had been our haven. In times of sufferings, griefs and sorrows, it was in this house of worship that we can seek refuge. Apart from it, Saint Mary’s has been the blissful place for all Youth Ministry grown members who dwells to every challenges in spreading and sharing the good news. We laughed together when one or the others triumph. We cry together when one or many suffers. We slept together during nights and days… It’s so beautiful to reminisce that we share the same moments of happiness. We stick together as we eased each other's pains. IT'S THE PLACE WHERE WE FLOURISHED THE ESSENCE OF TOGETHERNESS.

One of our Lenten Activities during holy week...
Photo: The Old Cathedral

when songs reflect in the smiles of the innocent hearts... 

In the youth ministry, I met new faces and became my friends. I acquired many things: I learned how to become a follower. I learned to become their leader. I learned how to make fun, I learned how to clean, how to cook and how to wash dishes. I learned how to laugh and cry with friends. I learned to understand the feelings of others. I learned how to share with what I have. I learned how to sing. I learned how to pray and how to love and many other good things. It made me become a better person.

Those were the joyful days...

Music has been my refuge in the ministry. In this church, I learned to play basic guitars while learning to hone the gift of my voice. I was passionate. I was blest to learn how to share it to everyone. Amongst were the children and young ones who look up to me as they want to learn how and more. We devote ourselves during holy weeks. We chant many songs of praises and songs of inspirations together in the little chapel. Sometimes, we rock and roll songs that brings joy to our heart and soul in the lobby. We sing cool songs of carols during Christmas seasons. To every streets and corners where Christian homes lay around the city, we walked, crossed and paralleled these areas while traversing the roads of unknown just to bring the song and music, the message, the joy and spirit of Christmas... Even some of our Muslim brethren were gladly rejoicing with us. In their eyes, we are not different. They sincerely respect us. For them, we brought peace.

And so it “was”. The humble church no longer stand. It was burned down to ashes and my heart is bleeding in tears. It all happened prior to the celebration on feast of our patron of May 23, 2017.

The city is and still under siege by rebels and terrorists in the name of caliphate ideology. 28 days and counting still, the government forces continue to aggressively combat these vicious extremists. What’s more disheartening is our priest along with devoted parishioners still held captives. And other civilians remained trap within the war zone. Above all, the whole city of our beloved Marawi is turning hell-alike flared and swallowed by ceaseless fires brought by bombs and airstrikes. Innocent civilians were dreadfully affected and forced to flee amidst the seemingly endless war. Many lives have lost. Our Muslims brethren were forced to postponed their abstinence and penitence in their most important time of celebrating Ramadhan. Force to flee while homes were destroyed. Feeling helpless. Nothing is left but hope, even frail, that hostilities will end soon.

And, the whole Island-of-Mindanao is under Martial Rule... :( :(

It’s been like ages that I prayed so hard. But this time with a humble heart and humility, I beseech You the good heavens to intervene. It's not all for me, but for all those who seek refuge upon Your help. In this test of trials, the helpless needs You now because in You, victory is certain.

Church's new interior before it was burn to dust... :(
Photo credit: Dan

Though the church burned down, my hope and believe remain strong that our church will be rebuild sooner after this ordeal... Life and faith goes on.

But I asked you to be with us in prayers that love, respect and peace reign again.

HELP MARAWI! PRAY FOR MARAWI

A Joyful Walk

Solo flight

It’s a joyful day and I'm in good spirit to walk and hang-out. It's one of the best foothill places I have ever hike and trek. This is just the small area of the massive part of Mount Malindang ranges that spans the provinces of Misamis Occidental, Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur in Mindanao. The forested crests and ridges, valleys, small rivers, streams and lakes made of this magnificent mountain. The vistas are glorious. It’s one perfect place to take a moment of reflection from the busy world.

I had the opportunity of exploring some part of the place. But it feels like that it takes you forever to discover everything. It’s massive! But being one of the nature is Love. You can smell the very scent of the morning, hear the breathes of the wind calling, birds serenading another hymn, and the shades of ray embracing you warmly. I feel the peace deep within me. True, life is an adventure even in a simple walk. Fulfilling. Simply joyful.

When lush greenery meets the windy sky

Not so long ago, there were talks and rumors about Mount Malindang on building up mineral mining. I personally am against mining even if they insist of that it’s going to be a responsible operation. Indigent people Subanen and small communities will be affected greatly by this prospect. As far as I know, Mount Malindang is declared Protected. I just hope that mining in this area is forbidden and should not be considered. Social justice must prevail as former DENR Secretary-designate would assert. The nature’s beauty will be under threat especially the watersheds.

Life is a bliss