April 27, 2016

Marawi City | 5 Friendly Reminders before Visiting Marawi City and Lanao Del Sur

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…
Around 9am we traveled back to Cagayan De Oro. By the way, going back to Iligan City is also a hassle free since there's a Jeep Terminal inside MSU-Marwi which will only cost you 50 pesos!

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


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