Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine that a point in my youth will experience an unimaginable trip down south of Mindanao. As a Maranao claiming to be of royal descent, it is a fulfilling feeling to visit the royal roots of Philippine royalty, no less than situated in the conflict-laden, beautiful island of Sulu. 

Sulu is ruled once by the royal sultans until the American conquest. Like that of the Maranao and Maguindanao tribes, Sulu's royalty is existing still together with their traditional government but unrecognized by the RP government.

As a resident of Iligan City, traveling to Sulu is full of challenges. One is convincing family in granting permission for such travel. With the negative perception towards Sulu due to the arms conflict with the insurgents, the approval is one arduous process to undertake.

From Iligan, I together with my officials, traveled to Zamboanga City, the Asia's Latin City (due to the use of the bastardized Castilian language, Chavacano) which took a 12-hour overnight travel in a bus. Upon reaching Zamboanga, we immediately settled in a cheap hotel to freshen up and rest before buying our tickets to Sulu.

At past seven o' clock in the evening, our larger group including the delegates from MSU-General Santos and Sulu campuses joined us and boarded MV Beatrice, bound for Sulu. Honestly, I was quite shocked with the way how things are done on the ship. But what is life without a challenge.

It was a bumpy and slow boat ride to Sulu and the wind was so cold. It drizzled by midnight and we were covering ourselves on our beds. As what a colleague of mine said, the experience felt like being 

injured soldiers on our way home from war. 

Finally, I am so relieved seeing the pier of the mysterious Sulu. People got cranky due to the ship's slow stop and I am just glad that the Sulu students of MSU really assisted us. We were also greeted on the port by the MSU Sulu Dean of Agriculture, Dr. Arakama,

From the very first time I set foot in Sulu, I felt something new. The place is familiar with Muslim communities in the mainland Mindanao, and I immediately felt like at home. I paraded myself early morning around Jolo's center and Patikul. People are living normally and no gunshots heard, contrary to the biased facts that the media feeds us.

I was given a room in the MSU Sulu Guest House, with my colleagues in the Hostel. Though I insisted to be with them, but the landlady strictly forbid me to transfer as she took the liberty of playing host to me,

We toured around the campus and meet the school officials. Sulu is full of fresh air and the sunlight is rejuvenating. It is a tourist unexplored and uncharted territory. The natives are friendly and approachable contrary to reports that Tausugs are hostile to newcomers.

 The island is a such a sight to see. People talk like Malaysians with their culture very much alike. Its a waste for tourists not to see the white beaches along the coastlines and islets. I can only say that I have only to Jolo, Patikul and Indanan and the municipalities between Jolo and Maimbung, but I really admired the simplicity of lifestyle.

One thing that I really enjoyed in Sulu was FOOD! Theirs are really superb! Seafood at its best. I went home gaining additional pounds. It only shows how bountiful Sulu is, both in land and in marine resources. 

 But what I will really treasure always are the memories that I have from the hospitality of the natives and of the students. I really did enjoy talking to them, sharing insights and ideas both academically and politically. Truly, wherever in the country, MSUans really are a bright flock of students. Most of us may be silent, but our minds and hearts are full of enthusiasm.

We must not always believe what we hear. Sulu is not bad as it seems. Sulu is a nice place to live in and I hope that the peace and order problem will be solved soon. We only need unity and everything else will follow. I want that Filipinos and tourists will come and visit Sulu without hesitation in the near future for it carries many mysteries, predating its royal history.

Tausugs are not hostile people. They are like us, calm and full of smiles. Normally, people become hostile when somebody aggravates us. Not only is that true for Tausugs but for all humans around the world.

I dare you to visit Sulu. Sulu will bring smiles and peace of mind (and a happy tummy). 

 Visit Sulu! Explore Sulu! Love Sulu! And to Sulu, magsukul!