Advocatus Diaboli : MINDANAO - THE LAND OF PROMISE, THE PROMISE TO TOURISTS

Jaime E. Masagca

#chasinglightschasingdreams

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Dagkot Festival at Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte

First, they attacked the candidates, but they lost their bets. Then they start to attack the programs of the winners even before they assumed office.

The development of Mindanao as a major tourist destination got flaks from the ignorant critics even before it took off. Ignorant, yes, of Mindanao that has been portrayed as populated by secessionists, and kidnappers, even short of calling the inhabitants uncivilized.

Maybe the misconceptions of the people of Mindanao go back to the failure of the foreign colonizers to totally subdue the region or the courage and strength of its people that the caliber .45 pistol was invented by the Americans to fend off "juramentados".

The Philippine Eagle. What is Mindanao, particulrly
Davao without the Philippine Eagle?

But no. I have many loyal and protective Muslim friends, even some from the royal houses. I remember a roommate years ago who would wake me up at 9:00 o'clock in the evening during the month of September for the daily Rosary (a way of getting even with me for my watchful eye of making sure he does eat before sundown during Ramadan), On some Sundays, we and other friends would enjoy the day first by us going to Quiapo Church and later we all go to their Mosque in Globo de Oro. It's but a question of mutual respect.

Davao Cathedral

Other ethnic groups are no different from yours or ours, and Mindanao is just any other place with cases of crimes which is inevitable if you venture out of the way and invite disaster.

Sangguniang Panglungsod Building, Davao City

I've been to many places in Mindanao including Zamboanga, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, and Surigao, and have spent regular time in Agusan del Norte, where we have a house, and never had I encountered any unpleasant experience. I had met a fellow Albayano who was then assigned to the CARAGA Region as Chief of Police and he complimented how peaceful the place is. He said he can go around Agusan del Norte without carrying a sidearm or having a bodyguard with him but still feel safe, unlike in our home.

Davao City Nights, is peaceful and fun

I am impressed with the low prices of commodities, especially fruits. And visiting Davao City is a must for that gustatory experience without burning your wallet. I look forward to going back to COLASA's, where for less than two thousand petotet four persons can eat as much as they want to. Of course, the fruits where Durian that costs 500.00 here sells only for a few pesos in Davao.

Foods, foods, and more foods at Colasa's in Davao City

The almost a-kilometer-long night market is deliciously outrageous, and there are lots of budget hotels, with elevators, that are clean and comfortable. No "trikikils" and arrogant taxi drivers too, not only in Davao. Yes, their major highways are impressive, like the Cagayan de Oro to Butuan, or Davao to Butuan. The only drawback is one could get sleepy on trips on buses with speed limiters (despite the 2 lane and almost traffic-free highways).

Whole roasted pig, or Lechon

In many parts of Mindanao, Lechon is but an ordinary fare, and costs but a fraction of how much it costs in Luzon. In areas like Zamboanga however, it's chicken to the max that as the plane took off from Zamboanga Airport to Manila I heard a fellow passenger say, "goodbye chicken", obviously after having almost nothing but chicken for a week.

Painitan at Cabadbaran City Market. A must-visit in the the
morning for a hot cup of sikwati (chocolate), puto,
hard boiled egg, and a regular meal. Cheap in price but not in quality,
so very low price that sharing with friends or strangers
won't hurt your pocket

The beauties of Cabadbaran City, or of Mindanao
may make your heart forget.

For those with a frail heart and short memory, Mindanao, particularly Zamboanga is not however advisable. Thus, the folk song:

Don't you go oh don’t you go

To far Zamboanga

Where you may forget

Your darling far away

Don’t you go oh don’t you go

For if you leave me

How can I without you stay?

Oh weep not, my dear Paloma

Oh weep not for I’ll return

Oh weep not my little darling

I shall remember and I shall yearn.

Fountain at the Park, Cabadbaran City

Mortola Ancestral House
Cabadbaran City is the home of the old rich hacienderos. The clan of intelligent
and beautiful men and women that made a name in
politics, public governance, and the arts.