Fishing in Taluksangay

One of the most dangerous jobs in the world...in one of the most dangerous places on earth. Fishing is the main source of living in the Zamboanga peninsula. The seas remain rich and fertile as the land.

But for how long....

ROAD ENCOUNTERS

People & Places

Kublai creations in a sky park in Bukidnon, Kiokong eco-tourism park bridge,over view park, natives along the roads, children waiting for alms, children fetching some waters, a child walking through sticks

Kawa Kawa at Night

Transfiguration Parish at Sinunuc

A Day at the National Museum

To me, a more honest and appropriate version of the Philippine history by Vicente Manansala
In contrast, Botong Francisco's depiction of Philippine history

Sibugay's Saudi Ahmad's masterpiece
Juan Luna's Bulakenya
I can feel her sorrow
A National treasure, a "gift" by the Spanish government at the time of Elpidio Quirino's presidency. The masterpiece which started it all

The lobby adorned by Impy's chandelier
A Philippine "icon"
Manunungul Jar
Phillip Morris 2008 finalist
A contemporary painting. another Philip Morris 2008 finalist

The Yakan Village

The Yakans, being one of the 13 Moro groups, are traditional settlers of Basilan island. They are quite different from other ethnic groups in the Philippines because most of these people are taller than average with high bridged nose. In Upper Calarian where the Yakan Village is situated is famous among local and foreign tourists because of their art of weaving. Definitely a "must-see" for visitors from Manile and other islands...to appreciate the colorful and intricate designs of table mats, wall decor, bags, etc.

Good Friday at Lakewood, Zamboanga Del Sur

Almost six hours of intestinal loops, and sometimes treacherous rough roads along the mountainous region of Zamboanga del Sur on a Good friday. Together with the "OFW" friends. T'was my birthday. And it was worth the effort when we reached the tranquil waters of this almost hidden wonder. Again we passed by Cabasalan to visit Ahmad of Sibugay province..

Definitely not Baguio as you think.....but Bukidnon's Del Monte Clubhouse

Early morning mists of late December greeted us while the roads are still damp from the midnight dews and the natural scent of grassland prevails. This is one of those times when lads can freely lie and roll over to play without fear of being ran down by passing vehicles as we braved the mountainous roadtrip towards this province in the sky. Packed with a brief but refreshing sleep from the only decent hotel in Malaybalay few hours before, our stomach starts to growl at the thought of gastronomic delight ahead. It was a recommendation from a famous food magazine, plus the so much hype from people we knew who passed by this side of the country...well at least to see and taste is to believe.

Two long hours later ...

Malaybalay-the next best thing

It was a nerve wracking and backbreaking experience of our lives to go on a roadtrip from our 6th floor pueblo apartment as baseline going to the slightly dangerous, mountainous and zigzag roads of Tutuk Kalaw overlooking the serene and picturesque coast of Zamboanga Del Sur down to the sloping streets of Pagadian city with its odd tricycle models infesting the city, then towards the MILF-infested,treacherous but well cemented roads of Lanao Del Sur, up north to the only remaining Kalesa city in Mindanao-Iligan City. This is only halfway of the roadtrip. If only this Honda City could cry.. she would! This is my second year in a row to spend a 4-day holiday in my hometown.
Going on a roadtrip in this southern stretch of Mindanao, we were treated with the majestic view of the coastline while the calming sound of the waves and tangy scent of the sea breeze dominates our senses. The sound of the music prevents us from twilight sleep taking over while driving. The music of Blue Ketchup, Sinusikat, Hilera, UP Dharma Down and Zelle were perfect! And this i realized is an unremarkable roadtrip experience-you're in the company of your best friend to enjoy the scenery, laid back culture-rich country life of Southern Mindanao, plus the music you love listening to.
We reached Cagayan de Oro, a city bustling with traffic noise. Its main attraction is their clean unpolluted river perfect for their famous white water rafting, which lures local tourists during summer. We didnt stay long, my friend bought his airline tickets for Manila at the Cagayan De Oro Domestic Airport...then off we went straight to our favourite province-Bukidnon.

Zamboanga City General Hospital

Zamboanga peninsula's premiere health care facility which was built at the time of "Americanization" of the rather strict mixture of predominantly Chavacano and Moro cultures

Zamboanga City Hall Centennial

Ciudad de Zamboanga's city hall has been a memorable landmark of the city for the past 100 years...This month, it inaugurates its centennial celebration by setting up Christmas lights also in preparation for the coming yuletide season...
Senator Manny Villar opened the celebration and considered it as "the most beautiful and most grandiose city hall edifice in the country...."

Should i believe him? i've never been to all the cities in the country to consider that...its unfair to claim such prestige if you dont have any basis (same is true in the field of medicine)

however, the senator must be speaking from experience during his campaign tour..

The structure itself is remarkable...the turn of the century architecture is evident...there is fusion of both European and old Filipino craftmanship from the bricks and wooden windows adorned with capiz shells...

After all, the structure was the center of a flourishing city which at that time was peacefully inhabited by people from different cultures..Spanish-Filipinos, Americans, Tausugs, Samals, Yakans, Subanons, Chinese, and the so-called Bisaya from neighboring provinces...

At present, this melting pot is still the center for trade and commerce in Region 9-the three Zamboanga provinces, Tawi-tawi, Sulu and Basilan

Taluksangay: makasaysayang mosque

Kakaibang pagpapalipas sa araw ng mga kaluluwa ng isang kristiyano sa banal na lugar ng mga kapatid na Moslem.
palibhasa'y nag tuturistahan pa rin sa lugar ng mga Chavakano...masigasig pa ring maglilibot kung saan mapadpad ng hangin...
kasama sina Melvin, Basti at si Dan bilang tourist guide, ginalugod namin ang lugar patungong Taluksangay, isang kumyunidad na pamoso dahil sa siya ang itinuturing na pinakalumang Mosque sa bansa.

Trenta minutos mula puweblo, umalis kami bago magtanghali upang mananghali sa isang liblib at mala pretensiyosong carinderia sa Mercedes...
Matapos mananghalian ay tinahak namin ang daan patungong Taluksangay...
Umaabot na dalawapung kilometrong sementado at malinis na daan mula sa puweblo... ay humantong kami sa isang tulay na tumatawid sa isang "lagoon" kung saan matatanaw na ang tuktok ng mosque...