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!