Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Security in Tourism: An open letter to Zamboanga Tourism and CityCouncil


The Police station as viewed from the waiting shed

Dear Sir/Ma'am,

I am sitting in a waiting shed next to the Police station as I write this letter. 

Coming from Dipolog City, after some trips from Butuan, Cagayan, Iligan, Marawi, Ozamis, Sinacaban, and then Dipolog, I have taken a night trip from Dipolog thinking that I'd get to Vitali (for Merloquet falls) by 6 (as internet says its usually an 8-10hrs trip) in the morning. However, unexpectedly, since trips tend to be fast at night, I got to Vitalli by 4am.

I read that I'm supposed to get off at a church, and have asked the bus conductor to drop me right where I can be safe to wait til sunrise. I was told to wait in the Police Station, ehich is just right opposite the church.

I was asked some questions by the Police on duty, which I honestly answered. Questions like where I am from, what I will be doing, etc. The police left for a while and when he came back, asked me to leave and wait in the shed instead. He said he does not feel safe with me for he don't know me. I silently left and walked towards the shed in the hiway.

I felt some disgrace on my part. All the while I was trying to secure myself through these gents who are supposed to protect civilians (and this is what I normally do on my trips; either policemen, lgu or local barangays). 

I never felt any fear travellig around mindanao, not even when I got to patikul. But events like this are kind of worrisome. What I mean is, shall something happen, I will have to worry of whether to approach the Police for tey may just send me away.

I agree that they shall exercise critical scrutiny, but not to this point. They have all the right to request my identification, etc, but sending me to a shed, especially considering the risks in zamboanga at the moment, is an assumption that I, a visitor, is a threat.

Regards,
Ian



*letter was sent to four email addresses found in the web. 2 for LGU and 2 for tourism; all bounced back with bad email
Addresses. Nice

The Police station as viewed from the waiting shed

Dear Sir/Ma'am,

I am sitting in a waiting shed next to the Police station as I write this letter. 

Coming from Dipolog City, after some trips from Butuan, Cagayan, Iligan, Marawi, Ozamis, Sinacaban, and then Dipolog, I have taken a night trip from Dipolog thinking that I'd get to Vitali (for Merloquet falls) by 6 (as internet says its usually an 8-10hrs trip) in the morning. However, unexpectedly, since trips tend to be fast at night, I got to Vitalli by 4am.

I read that I'm supposed to get off at a church, and have asked the bus conductor to drop me right where I can be safe to wait til sunrise. I was told to wait in the Police Station, ehich is just right opposite the church.

I was asked some questions by the Police on duty, which I honestly answered. Questions like where I am from, what I will be doing, etc. The police left for a while and when he came back, asked me to leave and wait in the shed instead. He said he does not feel safe with me for he don't know me. I silently left and walked towards the shed in the hiway.

I felt some disgrace on my part. All the while I was trying to secure myself through these gents who are supposed to protect civilians (and this is what I normally do on my trips; either policemen, lgu or local barangays). 

I never felt any fear travellig around mindanao, not even when I got to patikul. But events like this are kind of worrisome. What I mean is, shall something happen, I will have to worry of whether to approach the Police for tey may just send me away.

I agree that they shall exercise critical scrutiny, but not to this point. They have all the right to request my identification, etc, but sending me to a shed, especially considering the risks in zamboanga at the moment, is an assumption that I, a visitor, is a threat.

Regards,
Ian



*letter was sent to four email addresses found in the web. 2 for LGU and 2 for tourism; all bounced back with bad email
Addresses. Nice
Read More »

Hitch to Aliguay Island, Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte

How I got to Aliguay is one rock hard evidence of how trusting your own can get you along.

It was almost 12noon when I woke up. Having been drinking til 4am, it was but expected that I'd wake up late. My alarm, supposedly for the previous day, rang at 8am; but as I always do on weekdays, I, well lets call it unconsciously, turn it off and go back to deep sleep. I was awaken again by 10, not really by the alarm, but that didn't help either.

Anyway, I checked out at 12, and headed straight to the market to get coffee, cigarettes, and breakfast.

Ian Limbonis' breakfast from the Dipolog Market


In the same eatery, I asked and confirmed that there are boats in the boulevard that go to Aliguay. So, i ditched out the plan of taking the more expensive Serpentina service in Dapitan.

The people in the port has also pointed me to where I can find them.. In the breakwater.

View of the boulevard from the breakwater in Dipolog City


the port "breakwater" in Dipolog City

the boats in the breakwater in Dipolog City that go to Aliguay Island

These boats are private owned by locals of Aliguay, mostly storeowners who load goods.

It took me three boats to finally get someone to agree on hitching me. I could understand though as from the sizes of their boats, plus their loads, it will really be too heavy for the limit of the motor.

Meantime, the boatman who agreed had to fetch some more goods, so I waited.

 I took shade from this guy sewing his fishing net right in the port. My continous rapport building also brought out the info that no more boats willbe coming back to the breakwater (dipolog nor dapitan) by the time I arrive. I told myself I'll figure it out when I get to Aliguay.

fisherman doing his net in the breakwater in Dipolog City

out of waiting, i can almost capture everything. A cebu pacific plane lands in Dipolog Airport



It was already 3pm when we left. All goods securely covered, and the tide from the boulevard would tell you why. I was kind of puzzled though why I can't seem to see Aliguay island from the port. The internet says it takes only 45mins to get to the island and with this little boat time, The island shall be visible. So I asked the boatman and he said we'll get to see it later.

Anyhow,  we cruised the wobbly sea for an hour an a half. 

Everyone's eyes were on me in the shore.. An unfamiliar face.

arrived in Aliguay island, Dapitan City, from Dipolog 


arrived in Aliguay island, Dapitan City, from Dipolog 


I did not expect these starrs though as there were resorts from the island, and that it was frequented by tourists; seemingly, not as much as I thought.

I helped out with unloading the sacks of rice from the boat to the shore, and my talking in tagalog, makes them puzzled even more. Told them a bit of what I have been doing and after, asked If I can go ahead and swim. I pulled out my underwater cam, my goggles, and ran to the water.

sand in arrived in Aliguay island, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte

sand and water in Aliguay island, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte

The water is very clear it can mislead you on the depth. Wide Corals, small schools of fishes, and very fine sand is beneath. I swam to probably about 300m from the shore till I realized the curret is taking me away, So I swam back.

reef of Aliguay island, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte

reef of Aliguay island, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte

reef of Aliguay island, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte

reef of Aliguay island, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte


Then, i asked permission to walk along, got a nod, and as I walk, again, people curious of that stranger in  me.

Aliguay island, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte

Aliguay island, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte


Aliguay island, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte

Aliguay island, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte

Aliguay island, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte


When I got back, the father of that folk I was with in the boat offered a wash up in their house. He said we shall visit the captain as soon as I finish, which I gladly said yes.

Meantime, I asked about the possibilities of getting back to Dipolog; he said impossible at that time. The only option is to wait til morning.

Ian Limbonis offered a wash up by one of the locals of Aliguay island, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte

Ian Limbonis and the kids of Aliguay island, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte


I finished up, and hanged my wet clothes. I asked uncle if we can go ahead to captain. He asked his son to escort me.

On the way to captain's house, I see a group with backpacks seemingly preparing to depart. I was told that there is a police group on outing in the island but are to leave only the following day. I see it's them and looking at their baggages, they are leaving.

Theres probably about 70 of them, and I did not know who to approach. I walked towards one who's taking selfie and offered to take his picture. After the picture, I asked him if they're bound for dipolog.. He said yes. Then I asked who I can probably talk to to get permission to hitch; He pointed me to their officer who's a little busy buying out some handicraft as souveneir.

I excused for interrupting and asked. Whoaaah! He gladly said Yes! I ran back to the host's house, took my stuffand thanked them.

the good samaritans of Aliguay island, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte


If not for my commitment to this guy whom I said i'll give him his return ticket to Zamboanga (which.. Hoof, later upon arrival in dipolog said not to bother, the kind of hospitality I got would easily persuade me to stay. This is that reason why areas this far flung are the best destinations for me. It's not all exactly the beach, or the reef, or the greens, sometimes its the people and their way of living ;-)

sunset while cruising in Aliguay island, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte

I am in the boat back to Dipolog as I write this ;-). And i noticed our boats didn't have lights. Well, perhaps for security.. Its a whole division of policemen. So, just imagine the loses if we get attacked by poachers.

the boat carrying the policemen from Aliguay island, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte

and the police service awaiting their men from Aliguay island, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte

For those who'd like to go to Aliguay Island through Dipolog City breakwater, you may contact Janno Alar 0916 3637708


How I got to Aliguay is one rock hard evidence of how trusting your own can get you along.

It was almost 12noon when I woke up. Having been drinking til 4am, it was but expected that I'd wake up late. My alarm, supposedly for the previous day, rang at 8am; but as I always do on weekdays, I, well lets call it unconsciously, turn it off and go back to deep sleep. I was awaken again by 10, not really by the alarm, but that didn't help either.

Anyway, I checked out at 12, and headed straight to the market to get coffee, cigarettes, and breakfast.

Ian Limbonis' breakfast from the Dipolog Market


In the same eatery, I asked and confirmed that there are boats in the boulevard that go to Aliguay. So, i ditched out the plan of taking the more expensive Serpentina service in Dapitan.

The people in the port has also pointed me to where I can find them.. In the breakwater.

View of the boulevard from the breakwater in Dipolog City


the port "breakwater" in Dipolog City

the boats in the breakwater in Dipolog City that go to Aliguay Island

These boats are private owned by locals of Aliguay, mostly storeowners who load goods.

It took me three boats to finally get someone to agree on hitching me. I could understand though as from the sizes of their boats, plus their loads, it will really be too heavy for the limit of the motor.

Meantime, the boatman who agreed had to fetch some more goods, so I waited.

 I took shade from this guy sewing his fishing net right in the port. My continous rapport building also brought out the info that no more boats willbe coming back to the breakwater (dipolog nor dapitan) by the time I arrive. I told myself I'll figure it out when I get to Aliguay.

fisherman doing his net in the breakwater in Dipolog City

out of waiting, i can almost capture everything. A cebu pacific plane lands in Dipolog Airport



It was already 3pm when we left. All goods securely covered, and the tide from the boulevard would tell you why. I was kind of puzzled though why I can't seem to see Aliguay island from the port. The internet says it takes only 45mins to get to the island and with this little boat time, The island shall be visible. So I asked the boatman and he said we'll get to see it later.

Anyhow,  we cruised the wobbly sea for an hour an a half. 

Everyone's eyes were on me in the shore.. An unfamiliar face.

arrived in Aliguay island, Dapitan City, from Dipolog 


arrived in Aliguay island, Dapitan City, from Dipolog 


I did not expect these starrs though as there were resorts from the island, and that it was frequented by tourists; seemingly, not as much as I thought.

I helped out with unloading the sacks of rice from the boat to the shore, and my talking in tagalog, makes them puzzled even more. Told them a bit of what I have been doing and after, asked If I can go ahead and swim. I pulled out my underwater cam, my goggles, and ran to the water.

sand in arrived in Aliguay island, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte

sand and water in Aliguay island, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte

The water is very clear it can mislead you on the depth. Wide Corals, small schools of fishes, and very fine sand is beneath. I swam to probably about 300m from the shore till I realized the curret is taking me away, So I swam back.

reef of Aliguay island, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte

reef of Aliguay island, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte

reef of Aliguay island, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte

reef of Aliguay island, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte


Then, i asked permission to walk along, got a nod, and as I walk, again, people curious of that stranger in  me.

Aliguay island, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte

Aliguay island, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte


Aliguay island, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte

Aliguay island, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte

Aliguay island, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte


When I got back, the father of that folk I was with in the boat offered a wash up in their house. He said we shall visit the captain as soon as I finish, which I gladly said yes.

Meantime, I asked about the possibilities of getting back to Dipolog; he said impossible at that time. The only option is to wait til morning.

Ian Limbonis offered a wash up by one of the locals of Aliguay island, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte

Ian Limbonis and the kids of Aliguay island, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte


I finished up, and hanged my wet clothes. I asked uncle if we can go ahead to captain. He asked his son to escort me.

On the way to captain's house, I see a group with backpacks seemingly preparing to depart. I was told that there is a police group on outing in the island but are to leave only the following day. I see it's them and looking at their baggages, they are leaving.

Theres probably about 70 of them, and I did not know who to approach. I walked towards one who's taking selfie and offered to take his picture. After the picture, I asked him if they're bound for dipolog.. He said yes. Then I asked who I can probably talk to to get permission to hitch; He pointed me to their officer who's a little busy buying out some handicraft as souveneir.

I excused for interrupting and asked. Whoaaah! He gladly said Yes! I ran back to the host's house, took my stuffand thanked them.

the good samaritans of Aliguay island, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte


If not for my commitment to this guy whom I said i'll give him his return ticket to Zamboanga (which.. Hoof, later upon arrival in dipolog said not to bother, the kind of hospitality I got would easily persuade me to stay. This is that reason why areas this far flung are the best destinations for me. It's not all exactly the beach, or the reef, or the greens, sometimes its the people and their way of living ;-)

sunset while cruising in Aliguay island, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte

I am in the boat back to Dipolog as I write this ;-). And i noticed our boats didn't have lights. Well, perhaps for security.. Its a whole division of policemen. So, just imagine the loses if we get attacked by poachers.

the boat carrying the policemen from Aliguay island, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte

and the police service awaiting their men from Aliguay island, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte

For those who'd like to go to Aliguay Island through Dipolog City breakwater, you may contact Janno Alar 0916 3637708


Read More »

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Where I stayed in Iligan City: Staylite








Rene's diner and pension was house was my first choice after checkig out the (outdated) rates online.

I thought Rene's would be convenient for It is just along Roxas ave where jeeps bound for Buru'un (for Maria Christina and Tinago falls) pass by. 

Meantime, fr Gaisano mall, I walked towards Rene's until I am getting to this dark area. I backed out. I actually wanted go hang out at least somewhere and a walking distance away.

I walked back while I ask for directions to Mango Tree Pension house. The tricycle (which is actually a padyak/sikad/tri bike) offered to drop me for P20. I would normally just walk but I thought what is P20 to add up to his day's yield.

Then I asked him about Staylite which I have also come across in my research. He said it was also just close by and he can drop me for P20 too. 

It wasn't close.. It was perhaps 350m away. And looking at several other makeshift seats in his bike, I asked him how many people he can carry in his bike.. Surprisingly.. He said 8.











Meantime, upon check in, I noticed they have 8-hour rates too. And rates aren't so bad for how clean an oderly their facility is. The only problem was, there's hardly reception in the rooms. I had to leave a small opening in the door to get wifi/3g.

*they also charge a fine for smoking in the rooms.


Travelling Philippines? Follow @CheapBedsPH on Instagram for geotagged backpacker accomodation below PHP400 (US$9) for easier searches.










Rene's diner and pension was house was my first choice after checkig out the (outdated) rates online.

I thought Rene's would be convenient for It is just along Roxas ave where jeeps bound for Buru'un (for Maria Christina and Tinago falls) pass by. 

Meantime, fr Gaisano mall, I walked towards Rene's until I am getting to this dark area. I backed out. I actually wanted go hang out at least somewhere and a walking distance away.

I walked back while I ask for directions to Mango Tree Pension house. The tricycle (which is actually a padyak/sikad/tri bike) offered to drop me for P20. I would normally just walk but I thought what is P20 to add up to his day's yield.

Then I asked him about Staylite which I have also come across in my research. He said it was also just close by and he can drop me for P20 too. 

It wasn't close.. It was perhaps 350m away. And looking at several other makeshift seats in his bike, I asked him how many people he can carry in his bike.. Surprisingly.. He said 8.











Meantime, upon check in, I noticed they have 8-hour rates too. And rates aren't so bad for how clean an oderly their facility is. The only problem was, there's hardly reception in the rooms. I had to leave a small opening in the door to get wifi/3g.

*they also charge a fine for smoking in the rooms.


Travelling Philippines? Follow @CheapBedsPH on Instagram for geotagged backpacker accomodation below PHP400 (US$9) for easier searches.



Read More »

Monday, October 28, 2013

Marawi City, Lanao Del Sur


I knew it was election season but I forgot to correlate that with my destination when I decided to take this ticket. When I arrived in Cagayan de Oro, my plan was rather to just stay quiet in a beachfront at the eve of election, but tere wasn't really an interesting beach for me. So, i decided to just go. It's becoming my motto lately.

It's almost lunch, and im starving. I realized i haven't eaten anything for the day and that climbing those rocks for a cliff jump in tinago falls, where i had to lift all my body weight up through my arms, left me entirely weak.

The FX to Marawi is almost filled up and set to leave. I read it takes less than an hour to get to marawi, so hopped in and decided to take my lunch in marawi instead.. Halal fiesta.

The guy i had a word with in the fx was hospitable enough to drop me in banggolo - where he said I can get my halal meal.

Every so often, we'd come accross
Fruit stands and majority would have fruit baskets fronting the stores. I wondered and asked my folk how much those baskets costs.. Said starting at P120 (and i suddenly thought how much money i can make if I were to deal them in the city).



Meantime, Indeed, there were a number of muslim restaurants there banggolo. I ordered one unfamiliar dish and one familiar one in case i don't like pursuing the novel one. 

Unlike in Sulu and Zamboanga though, these muslim restaurants dont have much of the same delicacies.




After my P100 peso meal (had to reiterate for I wonder why such areas like this, and cotabato could cost a lot more than some cities), I decided to walk to this islamic building I was seeing from the eatery. It was the islamic center. 





A lady from the other side of the road was staring at me and saying something in maranaon. I smiled at her and after taking pictures, I approached her; pretending at first that i'll just be taking some shade and smoke.

When I told her I was just looking around the city, there you go, she told me those notorious stories of kidnapping, killings, etc; and she sampled these 2 young men who were suddenly picked in front of her store 2 days ago. But, to me, it somes in to the left.. It crosses straight out to the right. A little while later i bid farewell and rode the tricycle.

I specifically asked the tricycle to drop me in Padian, but to please stop by as we come across indigenous structures.




One of my classmates in grad school had done some work in marawi and told me about this underground market where they sell gold.

Upon reaching padian, this is the first thing I looked for. Little did I know that they are in fact stalls selling Jewellries. I have assumed they were like those in st francis square but selling authentic gold.





Anyhow, I walked around, upand down the stairs of this market. I observe that trash is everywhere just like in Jolo.  The climate is so nice, and For some reason, I have this stereotype for cool cities (tagaytay, baguio, sagada, etc) as being clean and in order. At one point in the trip, I asked a tricycle driver about this hill that looks really nice and cold, and he said they call it little baguio. Especially considering how baguio is now, I wonder why they don't aspire to develop something out of it.. or even the whole city. The climate is really good and would be a great reason to visit and spend some days in Marawi.

Anyhow, i looked for native coffee and found some muslim eateries at the lower ground level of the building. Only thing is, here, they dont boil the grind. They use it just like the instant coffee (still prefer getting that distinct bitterness with the boiled version ).

The lake is close by, so i walked further to the port to have a look. It was too big, you'd think its a sea's horizon. 






From there, i walked back to the highway to visit MSU. The museum is closed, and other than the distinct buildings, and the main entrance,  there was nothing more. I chartered a 'motor' to get me back to town while we pass by these structures. I specifically asked to be brought too to this 0.00 km marker but to my surprise, he took me straight to the terminal. I did not bother argue.





I took the topload from the terminal so I could see it all. Besides, all passengers in the jeepney were in the native muslim attires, and I would be very hesitant to spark a conversation with them. Not that I am afraid or what, but, as I observe, these people don't naturally have that talking to strangers approach unlike the rest.



From the topload, we'd come occasionally to these dressed houses as if tere's a party. There are also these streamers of welcome home, etc with names. Later, I realized, they were for the Haj Pilgrims. 












Finally, after about just 45mims, we reached Iligan city. I got the best reward. I gave my driver my P100 and was surprised to get P80 back as change. They have rebates for toploaders ;-) (same as that in Saranggani). Travelling for less and for more fun ;-). 

Total spent:
Iligan-Marawi FX: 75
Lunch in Banggolo: P100 (2viands+rice)
Trike around city and to Padian: P30
Pineapple in Padian (must try): P5
Coffee and Pastry: P30
Jeep to MSU: P10
Trike around MSU and to Terminal: P50
Coffee in Terminal: P12
Fare Marawi-Iligan: P20

Totla: P332! Not bad for a halfday sidetrip



I knew it was election season but I forgot to correlate that with my destination when I decided to take this ticket. When I arrived in Cagayan de Oro, my plan was rather to just stay quiet in a beachfront at the eve of election, but tere wasn't really an interesting beach for me. So, i decided to just go. It's becoming my motto lately.

It's almost lunch, and im starving. I realized i haven't eaten anything for the day and that climbing those rocks for a cliff jump in tinago falls, where i had to lift all my body weight up through my arms, left me entirely weak.

The FX to Marawi is almost filled up and set to leave. I read it takes less than an hour to get to marawi, so hopped in and decided to take my lunch in marawi instead.. Halal fiesta.

The guy i had a word with in the fx was hospitable enough to drop me in banggolo - where he said I can get my halal meal.

Every so often, we'd come accross
Fruit stands and majority would have fruit baskets fronting the stores. I wondered and asked my folk how much those baskets costs.. Said starting at P120 (and i suddenly thought how much money i can make if I were to deal them in the city).



Meantime, Indeed, there were a number of muslim restaurants there banggolo. I ordered one unfamiliar dish and one familiar one in case i don't like pursuing the novel one. 

Unlike in Sulu and Zamboanga though, these muslim restaurants dont have much of the same delicacies.




After my P100 peso meal (had to reiterate for I wonder why such areas like this, and cotabato could cost a lot more than some cities), I decided to walk to this islamic building I was seeing from the eatery. It was the islamic center. 





A lady from the other side of the road was staring at me and saying something in maranaon. I smiled at her and after taking pictures, I approached her; pretending at first that i'll just be taking some shade and smoke.

When I told her I was just looking around the city, there you go, she told me those notorious stories of kidnapping, killings, etc; and she sampled these 2 young men who were suddenly picked in front of her store 2 days ago. But, to me, it somes in to the left.. It crosses straight out to the right. A little while later i bid farewell and rode the tricycle.

I specifically asked the tricycle to drop me in Padian, but to please stop by as we come across indigenous structures.




One of my classmates in grad school had done some work in marawi and told me about this underground market where they sell gold.

Upon reaching padian, this is the first thing I looked for. Little did I know that they are in fact stalls selling Jewellries. I have assumed they were like those in st francis square but selling authentic gold.





Anyhow, I walked around, upand down the stairs of this market. I observe that trash is everywhere just like in Jolo.  The climate is so nice, and For some reason, I have this stereotype for cool cities (tagaytay, baguio, sagada, etc) as being clean and in order. At one point in the trip, I asked a tricycle driver about this hill that looks really nice and cold, and he said they call it little baguio. Especially considering how baguio is now, I wonder why they don't aspire to develop something out of it.. or even the whole city. The climate is really good and would be a great reason to visit and spend some days in Marawi.

Anyhow, i looked for native coffee and found some muslim eateries at the lower ground level of the building. Only thing is, here, they dont boil the grind. They use it just like the instant coffee (still prefer getting that distinct bitterness with the boiled version ).

The lake is close by, so i walked further to the port to have a look. It was too big, you'd think its a sea's horizon. 






From there, i walked back to the highway to visit MSU. The museum is closed, and other than the distinct buildings, and the main entrance,  there was nothing more. I chartered a 'motor' to get me back to town while we pass by these structures. I specifically asked to be brought too to this 0.00 km marker but to my surprise, he took me straight to the terminal. I did not bother argue.





I took the topload from the terminal so I could see it all. Besides, all passengers in the jeepney were in the native muslim attires, and I would be very hesitant to spark a conversation with them. Not that I am afraid or what, but, as I observe, these people don't naturally have that talking to strangers approach unlike the rest.



From the topload, we'd come occasionally to these dressed houses as if tere's a party. There are also these streamers of welcome home, etc with names. Later, I realized, they were for the Haj Pilgrims. 












Finally, after about just 45mims, we reached Iligan city. I got the best reward. I gave my driver my P100 and was surprised to get P80 back as change. They have rebates for toploaders ;-) (same as that in Saranggani). Travelling for less and for more fun ;-). 

Total spent:
Iligan-Marawi FX: 75
Lunch in Banggolo: P100 (2viands+rice)
Trike around city and to Padian: P30
Pineapple in Padian (must try): P5
Coffee and Pastry: P30
Jeep to MSU: P10
Trike around MSU and to Terminal: P50
Coffee in Terminal: P12
Fare Marawi-Iligan: P20

Totla: P332! Not bad for a halfday sidetrip


Read More »

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