Nov
30
2011
Downtown Marawi City from Mindanao State University
“Even most MSU students don’t dare to go to ‘town,’” a Maranao friend of mine once said.
Marawi City has been hampered with so much negative publicity in the Philippine mainstream that for the people of the lowlands, the only thing that makes them go there would be enrolling or visiting at Mindanao State University—never mind the rest of the city! People are too scared to venture out to the streets of the Maranao city.
Permanent link to this article: http://habagatcentral.com/2011/11/30/the-heart-of-urban-marawi-city/
Nov
24
2011
Satti
We already know about Pampanga’s exquisite yet exotic cuisine, the Ilonggo’s love affair with seafood and broth-based food, and Bicolanos’ penchant for anything chili and coconut milk or gata. However, there is one city in the Philippines that may have been overlooked (or perhaps evaded out of “fear of Mindanao”) when it comes to culinary traditions and tours—Zamboanga City.
Well, most people tend to associate Zamboanga City with its yummy lobster or coconut crab called “curacha” (I confess, I am a fan of it!) and Salsa Alavar, a coconut-based gravy with some secret spices on it, perfect for any seafood meals such as crab, shrimp or yes—the ever present curacha. But there is more to Zamboanga City than just curacha, Alavar’s, and sweet Zambo Rolls. Given its very cosmopolitan heritage, it is indeed a melting pot of cultures. Food here is virtually influenced anywhere from Spanish, American, Chinese, Tausug, Malay and others. The food itself is the mirror of Zamboanga’s mixed concoction of peoples from different parts!
Here are some of those that I’ve tasted when I was in Asia’s Latin City last September.
Permanent link to this article: http://habagatcentral.com/2011/11/24/comida-zamboanguena/
Permanent link to this article: http://habagatcentral.com/2011/11/18/alhamdulillah-and-congratulations-marawi-city-of-banners/
Nov
17
2011
Marawi City from Agus River
I have been curious about Marawi City in Mindanao. I’ve been hearing a lot of stories about it. Wild, violent and seemingly dangerous place—these were my perceptions of the capital of Lanao Del Sur Province in Mindanao Island. A lot of people told me not to go there or don’t even bother to think about it or else you might get killed, robbed or kidnapped. And yet curiosity has fueled me to go there—and I got a chance.
Against the wishes of my mother (who went ballistic when she knew my plan and I was already in Cagayan de Oro), I went to Marawi City, which is just about three to four hours away from Cagayan de Oro City.
Permanent link to this article: http://habagatcentral.com/2011/11/17/marawi-city-bolos-kano/
Nov
12
2011
The Champion Tuna Float
I wasn’t planning for a second (actually the third) visit to General Santos City in the span of three months time (like I’m there every month!), but blogger Avel Manansala of Gensan.com convinced me otherwise. I’m no stranger to this city that I fell in love with for so long since the college days, but this latest visit just went a notch higher: Defied gravity four times, pigged out for three days, camwhoring galore, and of course celebrating one of the two big fiestas of the City by the Bay, the Tuna Festival.
Permanent link to this article: http://habagatcentral.com/2011/11/12/gensans-tuna-festival-and-a-generals-story/
Nov
03
2011
The Pink-White Sand Beach of Santa Cruz Grande Island
Since my Basilan day trip was far-fetched and wanting to save the city tour for later, I have no idea where to go in Zamboanga City. Thankfully, a friend of mine said, “Tu viaje a Isla Santa Cruz.” It wasn’t the first time I heard about the island—my relatives have been promoting this as the island of pink sand.
Landing on the beach - Downtown Zamboanga on the other side
For those who aren’t familiar, Santa Cruz Island (referring to Isla Grande de Santa Cruz) is one of Zamboanga’s best kept secrets. Located some few kilometers away across the strait, the islands are well-known for its pink-white sand beaches and seemingly virgin when it comes to tourism development. Despite being very close to the city, only a few have visited this island. Most people who go here are local Zamboangueños who spend their weekend at a beach. Most urban dwellers of the north may probably have second thoughts going here since Basilan is just across the strait.
Permanent link to this article: http://habagatcentral.com/2011/11/03/the-pink-sand-beach-of-santa-cruz-island/
Nov
02
2011
The Boat and the Dead Travelers - Santa Cruz Island, Zamboanga City
As Santa Cruz Island is known for its pinkish-white beach, a lot doesn’t even know that it has one place that time and the elements have forgotten. For the culturally-inclined, this is the old Badjao Cemetery. For the paranormal and ghost hunters, this is where the dead were buried.
Permanent link to this article: http://habagatcentral.com/2011/11/02/vintas-and-death-the-old-badjao-cemetery-of-santa-cruz-island/
Nov
18
2011
Alhamdulillah and Congratulations Marawi! City of Banners
by Berniemack Arellano
November 18, 2011
Greetings from the City of Banners and Streamers - Marawi
From Iligan to Marawi, it usually takes an hour by van or FX (Asian utility vehicle). Passing by the towns of Balo-i, Pantar and Saguiran, you can’t help but notice banners everywhere. Politicians for early campaigning? Nope. Mostly congratulatory coming from the families of the achievers. Yes folks, banners and steamers are not an election campaign exclusive in Marawi and the rest of Lanao del Sur. It’s an everyday part of life, just like urbanites in Manila see the billboards at SLEX and EDSA. Manila-based outdoor and billboard advertisers may think of setting up a branch here, market demand here is high!
“Alhamdulillah (It’s the Arab equivalent of “Hallelujah!”) and Congratulations!” everywhere—from board passers, bar passers, Hajj delegates, weddings, birthdays, and even to coronation of the sultans–you name it and Marawi has a multitude of these banners and streamers. Before the advent of those giant billboards at EDSA, Marawi has all of these fill up Iligan-Marawi Road and most especially every nook within the city. They may even compete with Guinness Record as “The city with most number of congratulatory streamers and banners per square kilometer!” Unlike EDSA though, they are not monstrous in size, but the number of banners can easily overwhelm people who are not used to these.
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Tags: advertising, billboards, city, culture, greetings, Lanao del Sur, Maranao, Marawi, Mindanao, outdoor ads, Philippines, tarpaulins