Marawi
City, the provincial capital of Lanao Del Sur, is predominantly 99% Muslim in
population which makes it the only “Islamic City in the Philippines”. But let
me guess, if you haven’t visited this city yet, you would probably think that
this city is just synonymous to “danger”. And the worst part, because of such
negative publicity, Marawi City became one of those cities least visited by
tourists and travelers.
It
was even more disheartening to know that I was once guilty for treating this
glorious city that way. Honestly, I have to admit that once in my life I got so
scared visiting Lanao Del Sur and Marawi City. Once in my life, I still could
not shake that frigging “Marawi fear” off.
But
thanks to my On-the-Job-Training (OJT) for I was given a chance to visit not
only the City of Marawi but as well as some secluded municipalities in the province
of Lanao del Sur which helped me realized and found out by myself that not all
the nasty things I have heard, read and saw on social medias about Marawi City are
true.
Contrary
to public belief, Marawi City is also friendly city for travelers but with
much considerations and so, here are my 5 good willed reminders before visiting
this city;
1. It is advisable to
have a local tourist guide.
I
am not saying that you should hire a professional local tourist guide but maybe
you can just simply ask a friend who is living there to be your companion while roaming around the city. Swear, it will help you a lot not only for simplicity
purposes but more on your security and safety.
2. Shutterbug around
town is not always okay!
Always
politely ask permission when taking photographs first…not all are happy when strangers are talking photos at their respective places!
3. People are deeply
embedded with their culture. Be respectful!
It
is an Islamic City and as a tourist you are obliged to follow their rules and regulations and respect their religion and practices. Also for girls, be conservative enough
–never wear shorts and skirts that will show your skin… you know!
4. It is advisable to
stay overnight inside Mindanao State University – Marawi Campus
Unlike
any other universities, MSU-Marawi has its own community inside the campus
where you can stay overnight, eat and roam around. However, you will not be
allowed to bring and drink alcoholic beverages inside the campus and no one is
even selling it there. Lastly, if you’re a Globe user the signal is very
limited inside the campus so it is advisable to be a Smart user for the mean
time…
5. Eat their food
delicacies first before leaving the city!
Your Marawi City Adventure will never be complete without trying this. You can try
eating beef randang, palapa, dudol, and others…
*Those are only massive generalization based
upon my personal experienced. I will be very glad if others will comment below
their suggestions and reactions for the improvement of this article. Thanks J
My Travel Diary
As
mentioned above, I have visited Lanao Del Sur and Marawi City not as a tourist
but as a worker doing his job, however, the experienced was not only helpful
for me to grow in my field of profession but greatly as person. And this is my
story…
It
was 4 in the morning of April 7, 2016 when we started our journey. From Bulua
Bus Terminal in Cagayan De Oro, we travelled 2 hours to reach Iligan Bus
Terminal for 120 pesos. Then we transferred to a Jeepney and traveled for
another 1 hour to reach Marawi City for 50 pesos. Finally, it wasn’t long
enough before our tummies called us, so we decided to take our breakfast and
ordered a plateful beef randang.
First Destination: The
Dream Road of Lanao Del Sur
After
we took our breakfast, we travelled another hour to reach our first destination
–the on-going construction of so-called “The Dream Road of Lanao Del Sur”. It
is a 53-km road and bridges stretching from the municipalities of Molundo,
Maguing, Bumbaran and Wao, all in Lanao Del Sur to the Municipality of Maramag
in Bukidnon.
Abutment of the on-going bridge construction for the Dream Road of Lanao Del Sur!
Actually,
I was not informed that we will be going as far as those places but I swear to
God I am very happy that it happened. It was a life changing experienced to
have a glimpse of what it feels like to be a Civil Engineer assigned in such
particular place where you can and you need to mingle with the natives/tribes, terrorists and other armed forces.
It
was even my first time seeing and being surrounded by real MILFs carrying high
powered ammunition like bazooka, M16 machine guns, bombs, etc. and even my
first time taking a selfie with the MILF! Ha-ha
It
was definitely a series of stupefying encounter with the Philippine army, MNLF
and MILF. BTW, we went as far as Butig, Lanao Del Sur too but no ISIS-inspired
terrorists were found!
Second Destination: The On-going circumferential road construction of Lake Dapao
But
before reaching Lake Dapao, we took a break and enjoyed the scenic view of Lake
Lanao…how cool is that…
We traveled another hour to reach Lake Dapao and there, another memorable things
happened. Unlike the previous site, wherein the MNLF, MILF and PH Army were in
a complete uniform while carrying those highly powered guns, here in Lake
Dapao, we were escorted with people dressed in a civilian manner but still
carrying those deadly weapons…
Third Destination:
MSU-Marawi for Overnight Stay
It
was around 5pm when we reached MSU-Marawi Campus and the streets were still
busy back then but surprisingly after 2 hours, it started to become a ghost
town… the temperature dropped and I felt exactly the same like I was in
Tagaytay –very refreshing!
O.J.T #thexuixuiWay be like:
"Night 8: Staying at Mindanao State University Main Campus - Marawi City
with the MSU Students (of-course) after a very memorable site
inspection/visit!" Tag y'self guys! #CivilEngineering
We
were so tired that day so we slept as early as 10:30pm and woke up around 6am
next day for an early morning walk around the MSU Campus…
Been
there already? How was your experience? Let me know in the comments section or
message me on Facebook! Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/marklowillalmedaa