One could easily describe Tawi-tawi as a war-torn zone due to its being part of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). Northerners associate the term Mindanao with conflict and ruthlessness, but they didn't know that this large island including the Sulu archipelago are home to the rich natural resources and natural sceneries left untouched by industrialization. And nothing could ever rival the combination of modern and natural living in the province of Tawi-tawi. And one can easily catch an air flight to Tawi-tawi from Zamboanga City.

According to my casual conversations with some elderly people, Tawi-tawi is home to the Tausugs and the Sama groups. Politically part of the province of Sulu before, the island was also under the rule of the Sulu Sultanate. Tracing its roots to the Malay peninsula, the province proudly boasts of being first to be Islamized in the Catholic country in Asia.

The Sheik Karim-ul Makhdum Mosque was a first for the region, establishing Islam and spreading towards the Mindanao, Sulu and Palawan (MINSUPALA) Region, enabling people to practice monotheism and centralized governance by royal rule of the Sultans and Datus. The masjid (mosque) is located in Simunul Island, and also reportedly houses the tomb of the foreign missionary.

I was given the opportunity to visit the area, since I had to attend a gathering of student leaders in Mindanao State University - Tawi-tawi College of Technology and Oceanography. The school is a chartered campus under the second biggest university system in the Philippines, Mindanao State University. Despite their location, the school produces quality graduates competent enough to join the growing demands for skills and manpower.

Contrary to most of the perceptions, the province is not entirely rural but a thriving modern community exists in the islands, most especially in the capital, Bongao. Public transportation via land is through tricycles and mini-jeepneys while large ferry boats are available for the island travel. And proudly, I can say that Bajau's are not simply homeless nomads but a proud group of people. Some, maybe, are displaced due to their livelihood and of poverty.

Bajaus with their fresh catch of fishes

One important tourist destination is the Bud Bongao. Its status of being untouched and home to animals, wild and free, attracts many visitors and locals alike. Tombs of missionaries can be found in the mountains and the place is full of local myth. Big monkeys like us will meet the real monkeys in the jungle. Bud Bongao is a protected area due to its diverse wildlife and vegetation. It's a good trek upwards and having frozen candy delights after the sunny adventure while feeding bananas to the monkeys.

And of course, the adventure won't be complete without the food and products fiesta part. And Tawi-tawi has a lot to offer. From a variety of Malaysian products to their cheap seafood, you will surely never get over it easy. The sea has lot to offer, and this place is a true testament to it. May it be home-cooked or from a restaurant, prices for their seafood is too cheap to be true. And believe me, when I say its delicious, it far from the frozen ones we get in the city. People don't weigh them but sell them by piece, and at big discounts! 

Well, Tawi-tawi is full of exciting things. I never got the chance to visit Panampangan Island but I am already amazed by how the province is doing well. A municipality, Bongao, that looks and feels like little city, an island municipality, Languyan, on the verge of becoming a city, a tourist destination waiting to be rediscovered and a university on the road to become world class. Tawi-tawi has it all. Quiet yet modern. Beautiful and refreshing. 

I would like to thank MSU - TCTO for being a gracious host, especially to Chancellor Lorenzo Reyes and friends from Tawi-tawi for making my stay there fun in every way: Aljem, Yang, Della, King, Phil, Jaro, Julasmin, Kin, Min, Cass and co-travelers Floyd and Kier. Magsukul!

It was an open secret how embattled my stint as Senate President was during my first year in the student government. It was an arduous journey and it made me realize a lot of things, one of which is all about professionalism. The experience strongly contributed to my dreams of correcting the erroneous ways and be as professional and formal in my dealings as a public servant. 

I was offered a chance to serve as President, but hesitated many times. Fears of succumbing to the system or being a changed individual due to the relays of power were my primary concerns for myself. If I were to lead and serve, would I still be the same person that everyone knows? I really know a lot of people who changed because of power, and I never wanted to become one. But, it occurred to me that it might be a challenge that I should encounter and surpass.

I took the challenge positively and with the support of my party, family and friends, the studentry have chosen me as their lead server. It was not easy answering the queries hounding my supposed role in dividing the student government and my alleged usurpation of authority, but it made my firm stronger in proving that mudslinging cannot bury my intentions. 

Like a breeze of wind, my term as President has come to an end. And I grieve for my shortcomings. I was not able to give my hundred percent effort as President since I have to attend to my regency duties. And for that I am humbly apologizing to my colleagues for letting you carry the burden of my office, and I also wanted to thank you for stepping up for the challenge and taking initiatives in all measures that a student government leader should have done. It should not be tagged as my administration but rather our administration. There is no one-man credit if there's a team behind every success.

I have to say that this year was full of challenges. Indeed, I am blessed and proud to say that this batch of student officers was never broken to factions despite the presence of three active student political parties of the university. Despite the majority being graduating students, their passion to serve will always be on the priority list, leading to our successful hosting of the Federation of Mindanao State University Supreme Student Councils' (FEMSUSSCO) General Assembly and of the Iligan City Tertiary Schools Athletic Association (ICTSAA) Meet, #BestPalakasanEver: RakNaEtu2014, and all other major Institute student events.

It was friendship and camaraderie that ruled in the council, and not pride and power. I hate to say it again, but the latter always leads to a self-glorification and self-destruction. 

To my colleagues in the student council, as President, I could never ask for more. I am always guilty of letting you bear my torch but it all proved that being a leader is not about by the position but the willingness to serve. 

My friends, I am thankful for the moral support, both by jokes and by serious tones. I will have to catch up with our time together. Work is too stressful, and I know you'll say again that all of you understand my predicament. I am just glad to have you during this journey.

To my newfound friends through Facebook, I am grateful for cheering me up through our online conversations and for giving me the chance to know you personally. Rest assured, my doors will never be closed even after my stint. We could always catch up with a cup of tea or of a bowl of fries.

To my cabinet secretaries, I have to say that I salute you for surviving my orders and every whim. It was not easy, I know, but thank you. Not all may be active, but in times of support, all of you were present. Staying on was not easy, but all of you did, in whatever capacity you had.

To the Institute Legislative Body, I am grateful for the harmonious relationship you've shown towards this government under the Senate President and the Pro-Tempore. Most of you are quiet but hardworking. It just tells me that not all work can be done by speeches but by manual labor too. Knowing my experience before as a Senator, thank you for not being indifferent towards my views and for supporting my policies as an overall stance of our organization.

To my two colleague advisers, Nikka and Justine. I have to say that a triumvirate has existed for quite some time. I am thankful for having both of you at my side. Congratulations in advance for your graduation and keep the flame burning. The ideas and suggestions were all worth it. 

And to the students who trusted me with their power of mandate, I can never tell fully in words hoe much I am thankful and indebted I am to all of you. I am most especially thankful to the 2,814 voters out of the 4,482 who chose me as their President.

This administration could never have been more perfect if it only ran full of my ideas. All of the people who made it possible for me to serve deserves my kowtow.

My term has come to its end but the fire for service shall never cease. With a teary eye, I am now going to say goodbye. 

DATU ESMA MIKEE PANTARAN MARUHOM, YOUR LEAD SERVER NOW BIDDING FAREWELL.