Wednesday, April 20, 2011

HELPFUL TIPS FOR FIRST-TIME TOURISTS to SULU ISLANDS

By Ahmad Musahari
asmusahari@gmail.com

Following my post on “The hidden beauty of Sulu”, a number of friends have appreciated the great scenes Sulu has. (That was my goal, from the beginning!) And I am happy for that. I became happier when some ‘new’ friends had emailed me asking information on how to reach the island and some had thought of the intention of paying my little homeland a visit. They want to witness those fascinating scenes with their own eyes!

And then comes their inevitable curiosity about the “safety” of going to Sulu. ‘IS IT STILL SAFE TO VISIT YOUR PLACE?’, ‘SHOULD I WEAR TANDUNG/TURUNGS?’, ‘DO TAUSUGS UNDERSTAND ENGLISH?’, and an endless list of questions. So I end up doing this list of helpful and friendly TIPS FOR FIRST-TIME TOURISTS to SULU ISLANDS. I hope this would help the people out there and let a ‘new light’ penetrate their minds. Indeed Sulu is more peaceful that what the NEWS say.

See you in SULU!


WHAT TO BRING:

  • The Basics, of course! Your clothes, some belongings, some money and ATM cards, ID’s (don’t forget this one) and your electronics. Other people can’t live (and leave) without it, so you should, too.
  • A handy Camera. You don’t want to miss seeing some wonderful scenes without saving some photos as keep as souvenirs. From fascinating landscapes to people’s daily lives and culture, you just can’t help discovering new things here! (The camera would include its batteries, and extra batteries; films or SD Cards; and chargers, too).
  • A notebook or journal to write something about every time you experience new things. (It can also work as a ‘scribbling’ page for you while waiting for a long line at the bank). :-)Seriously.
  • Sulu Archipelago is a group of small islands and known for its white sand beaches. As first-time visitors, visiting the beaches and swimming (of course) is an inevitable temptation. So be ready with your swimming wears (please read the “WHAT to wear” section first). Swimming-for-dummies book/manuals and some sun-blocks would also be helpful.
  • Learn the local dialect of the people to understand more about their culture. You can buy a Tausug-English dictionary (if you are lucky to find one in town) or simply search the net for common “Tausug Words” and print a copy. Please do this step before going to Sulu, more preferred if you are still in Zamboanga City or other “Cities”.
  • You might want to decide whether to bring your laptop for the following reasons:

o There are no ‘strong’ internet connections in most areas in Sulu. (I could even say there is no internet connection, even broadbands!) So be ready to say bye-bye to your facebook friends and be sure to finish all your IMPORTANT ‘web-transactions’ before going to Sulu. Cellphone networks are good in the central town of Jolo, but not much in other districts. So ask the locals which ‘servers’ (either Smart or Globe/TM) are available in a certain place you want to go to, before deciding so.

o In more rural areas, electricity is still a scarcity. Some islands have ‘time-rations’ of opening their electricity and some do not have any. Jolo town and nearby areas and even islands (nowadays) are having good electricity recently, so it’s not much of a worry, actually.

o Snatching? I am proud to say, we do not have such thing. You just have to take care of your belongings of course, for safety measures. (I believe Laptops are good ways to elevate the ‘boredom’ at ties you got nothing to do.J)

  • You can bring a map. But I tell you, you will only find a green ‘peanut-shape’ map with some markings and names of municipalities. You are already lucky if you found one with the ‘streets’ of the central town of Jolo. I hardly find ‘road maps’ in Sulu, perhaps there were no roads to ‘map’ about in the first place (just kidding).
  • Yes, of course. At least bring SOMEONE who had been to Sulu, or someone who knows the place. Losing your way back home is the worst thing you can be in. Don’t even think about it. Someone knowledgeable about the local dialect, the historical scenes and the beautiful landmarks in Sulu is more preferable. Although you can find that ‘someone’ hard to find in the area (only a few cares about our historical landmarks and tourism). But it is still better to have a company with you than being alone to wander around this new place.

WHAT TO WEAR? (Especially for non-Muslims)

Sulu is a place populated by 98% Muslim (based on my own statistics), so it is quite a big question for non-muslims visiting Sulu whether or not to wear the traditional/Muslim attire to better blend with the locals. “Are there restrictions?” and the funniest-yet-quite-true question I got, “Won’t they (the Abus) kidnap me after knowing that I am a Christian?” Well, this is the end of your woes. I have some tips about ‘what to wear’ when you are in Sulu.

  • To wear Tandung/Turung or not? If you are having the idea of “being kidnapped if you are a Christian” at the back of your mind, keep it on ‘that’ place for it is not entirely TRUE.
  • Sulu is a place open for all religion. The people of Sulu (The Tausugs) respect other people’s beliefs. We even have a big cathedral right at the center of the town! So long as it is not ‘crossing’ the line, anyone having his/her own way of praying can do it in peace. That, I can give you my word. The ‘kidnapping’ things are only an exaggeration of the Media.
So you can still visit Sulu even without wearing the local costumes (I mean the ‘Turung’). It might even be a better way to let the locals know that some people are here to visit. But of course, it would be a great experience for our female visitors to experience wearing a ‘turung’ and learn the culture we have in Sulu!
  • No SHORTS, BIKINIS and other ‘Suggestive’ shirts (if I got the word right) even at BEACH. (in connection with the above pointers)

Muslims are quite sensitive in terms of ‘what you wear’, (particularly on what you let other people see) and the locals do not appreciate such way of clothing. Not that we are restricting one’s choice of clothing, we simply don’t want any misconceptions to occur during your stay in the area. Long pants and long-sleeve shirts won’t harm your adventurous visit in the island. And it won’t hurt the area’s culture, too. It’s a win-win gameJ.

NOW WHERE TO GO? (The most exciting one)

Of course, the reason behind going on a tour to Sulu is to TOUR IT—what else? So here are some helpful tips you might want to put in your checklist and some of the breath-taking landmarks you can find only here in this small island of Sulu. So after finding a good place to stay and after deciding how many days you’ll spend in Sulu, the next step is ‘Where to go’. And here we go!

  • Ask the authorities first. If you don’t know where to start, try visiting the Provincial Capitol first. There are a lot of things they know that is not in this list. So that is my first tip. (By the way, a visit to the Provincial Park would be a good start for your adventure. It is already a pride of Sulu.

But if you already found the ‘someone’ I am referring earlier (the tourist guide, and someone you REALLY know), there no need troubling yourself. Start the journey ahead!

  • Be sure it is safe! Of course your safety is still your priority. You won’t enjoy the memories of visiting Sulu if you already lost your arms. (Again, I am just kidding. I’m just making this Sulu-is-a-morbid-place more of a joke). Be sure to have someone accompany you everywhere you go. If you are capable enough, you can hire some security guards, but that would remove the ‘enjoyment’ I think.

You can explore the central town of Jolo first (which is the safest and nearest), then the nearby areas (the safer ones) and lastly the farther islands (the safe ones). There is no less-dangerous or most-dangerous here.

  • If going to farther areas (such as islands and islets), be sure you know the following:

o Where to stay;

o What are the schedules of trips (usually it’s by ships or smaller boats, and it’s not always every day…);

o Is there electricity in the area;

o Are there cell-phone networks;

o Any establishments present? (Police quarters, hospitals, and such. Which is rare in smaller islands by the way)

o Know the area.

o The people of Sulu (and the islands) are hospitable, you can always ask them J


  • Finally, the areas to visit.

Note: This list is only based on the author’s knowledge of the place (as a local Tausug) and may not include all the good places therein. Some places herein are also uncommonly heard of by the locals, or even by the authorities because of lack of information regarding the landmarks. I will categorize the list by its nearness (and perhaps by ‘safeness’) to the central Town of Jolo, where to find them, and given the time I might also include the distance (how far from Jolo), time (how many hours) and the ways (by sea or land) to go there (I will update this later, so keep posted).

Without much ado, here are the places you MUST NOT DARE TO MISS.

  • In the vicinity of Jolo Town, Sulu:

1. Masjid Tulay (A magnificent mosque)

2. The remaining walls of Jolo Walled City (Since Spanish times, but unrecorded/undiscovered)

3. The Three remaining Spanish ‘Towers’ (see my other blogpost, still undiscovered)

4. Chinese Pier (not so Chinese now, but still holds its History)

5. PC Asturias Camp (I found the old cannon here, undiscovered. There’s also a pool)

6. The Jolo Central Cathedral (I don’t know its name, sorry)

7. The Rizal Central Park (where Sundays are “Juwalmura day”, an equivalent of ‘ukay-ukay’)

8. Sulu Pier (A good place to wait for the Sulu Sunset J)

9. Tulay Bridge (“Tulay” means ‘bridge’, a redundancy just like ‘Lake Lanao’. J)

10. Serantes Wet Market (Sulu is famous for its wide variety of fishes)

11. Tabuh Sanaw” Market (It’s an early morning market that only opens from 5AM to 7AM)

12. Jolo town (It’s a simple town to explore aroundJ)

a. There are also some good restaurants you can visit: the Lovelife and McMickey Restaurants are the locals’ favorites. Before sunsets, some stalls can be found scattered around town (at the pier, outside the pier, at the airport and at the central parks). A short snack in these places is a good way to cool-off a tiring day.

b. Afternoon break in the town’s favorite kind of snack houses: the Coffee shops or “Kahawahan”, is a must for new visitors. (You can find them anywhere in town!) The famous Tausug “Kahawa Itum” (Native Coffee) with the uniqueTausug Pastries or “Bang-bang Sug” is a good way to explore the culture and food cuisines in the island.


  • A little farther from Jolo town (one jeepney rid; nos. 1 to 5 are on the same area)

1. The Sulu Provincial Capitol

2. Sulu Provincial Park (Try visiting at about 5PM until 8PM, wait for a surprise.)

3. National Museum (with some good info about the History of Sulu)

4. A new Park they call ‘Balikatan Park’ (I don’t like the name)

5. Mindanao State University-Sulu Campus (My alma matter)

6. Sulu State College (A nice place, too)

7. Notre Dame of Jolo College

8. Mauhbuh Beach (the one in my blog)

9. Gandasuli Water-Spring (Tubig Bustak, I’m not even sure if it’s a Spring)

10. Some beaches nearby (Again I forgot the names, haha)

11. Sultan Kiram Residence (where the Kiram Hastana still stands and a ‘tomb-mark’ for Princess Tarhata Kiram can be found)

12. Jun’Dilan Sea Port

13. Jolo Airport (there are also some snack areas here by late afternoons)

14. Sahaya Village (It’s a housing project, with some peaceful area)

  • The FARTHEST YET MOST FASCINATING PLACES

1. The famous QUEZON BEACH or Igasan Beach in Patikul (white, smooth sands)

2. The heart-shaped Si-it Lake in Panamao (never been thereL)

3. The towering Bud Tumantangis (“Bud” means ‘mountain’; this is the highest peak in Sulu. A nice place for mountaineers. You can have an over-view of Jolo town and the vast Sulu Sea!)

4. Bud Datu (where once, the Datu’s where enthroned)

5. The Active Bud Dahu (Not a good place to visit if it’s at the active state, though. This is also where the well-known “Bud-Dahu Massacre in 1904 occurred).

In other Islands

1. Siasi and Pandami Islands (about 3-4 hours)

2. Pangutaran Island (4 hours)

3. Usman Beach in Sigang-gang Island

AND A LOT MORE!

(It’s just that I do not know more about those ‘a-lot-more’ places in my Homeland.)

I would love to include another section in this long list of tips, (entitled, ‘what to expect’) but I found it already ‘tiring’. This list seem to have already served its point: to give light to those who are willing to visit our small island but do not know anything about it.

I hope this list helped somehow.

Kamaya kamu daran! (Ingat Kayo Lagi/ Take care always)

Magsukul tuud ha waktu niyu! (Salamat talaga sa oras niyo/thank you very much for the time)

Iban Salam Kasilasa daing ha Lupah Sug! (And Peace and Love from the Land of Current: Sulu.)

Salamdua! (Peace!)

This is your loving TOURIST GUIDE, Ahmad Musahari, a young Tausug proud to introduce to you the hidden pearl of the southern seas: SULU ARCHIPELAGO (Lupah Sug)!


Tuesday, April 12, 2011

SULU: Its hidden Beauty

By Ahmad Musahari
Frelance Writer, A Tausug
asmusahari@gmail.com

Sulu had always been the "War Zone" in Southern Philippines. In fact, the name of the province itself was linked with the thoughts of the common people as "Conflict-ridden", "Unstable", "filled with fear and poverty", and worst "Terror". Yet nevertheless, Sulu had also given birth to enumerable and unrecorded histories. Sulu may be the 'poorest of the poor' provinces, but still, it had remained to be one of the riches provinces in terms of culture, history and natural resources as well.


This PhotoDocumentation by the author of this blog aims on showing the world what the other side of the coin: Sulu's Hidden Beauty.



Masjid Tulay:
This is the Largest Masjid in the Province.
Situated at the center of the Capital Town of Jolo (Barangay Tulay),
this single building marked the "Dawn of new Hope" for the Tausug People.
Amidst all the instabilities, there lies a new hope that unites the Tausugs as one,
a single beam of light in the great Darkness.
Our religion, Islam, brings Unity.




"Bud TumanTangis"

The highest Peak in Sulu's Land, Bud Tumantangis is a landscape icon,
known for its cone-shape and various legends in Tausug folklores
It is indeed a place you must not miss to visit.



Mau'buh Beach:
One of the coveted White-sand beaches in the province.
Another Place to be there!



The Famous Sulu Sunset
Overseeing the Vast Sulu sea, one will always be awed with the
beauty of Sulu Sunset only to be found in Sulu




The Fountain:
One of the colorful fountains displayed in a park fronting
the Sulu Provincial Capitol.
(People can not still believe that this beautiful scene can be found in the most
'dangerous'--as they said it to be--island)



PC Cannon:
History is everywhere in this small island.
This cannon is a remnant of the Spanish Regime in 1700's
Police Constabulary (PC) compound, Asturias, Sulu.


Sulu Provincial Capitol



Hastana' Kiram:
Among the royal bloods of Sultans and Datus, the Kiram family were among the most famous.
This Hastana' had served as their palace: the birthplace of most of the faces of History in the Sulu Sultanate Lineage.




The Flag of Courage:The Sulu Sultanate Darul Islam
This is the icon of Unity among the Tausug People.
Amidst all the Oppressing acts the Tausug people have experienced, never had come into their minds the word of "Surrender". They never gave up in fighting for their own right for FREEDOM!

So long as this flag stands...
We will keep fighting for our Right!

Allahu Akbar!


================

NOW, DO YOU THINK SULU IS STILL THE 'ZONE of WAR'? THINK AGAIN, there still lies a new face this beautiful island has in store. THIS IS THE REAL FACE OF SULU: THE HIDDEN BEAUTY BEHIND IT ALL. A PLACE OF RICH WONDER, CULTURE, HISTORY and BEAUTY.

WELCOME TO THE LAND OF PEARLS!
DISCOVER SULU ISLANDS!









SBSO: Making a Change

i,

PEACE. UNITY and COOPERATION:
Our main Aspirations here in MSU MARAWI!




Swara Bangsa Student Organization (SBSO)
MSU Marawi City


Swara Bangsa Student Organization or SBSO is an umbrella organization of the different students here in MSU Marawi City, coming from different places in Mindanao (especially the ZamBaSulTa region and also from far areas as Palawan, Surigao, and Davao); UNITED as one FAMILY, helping each other for the sake of ISLAMIC BROTHERHOOD, for the advancement of ACADEMIC ENDEAVORS of our brothers and for the SOLIDARITY and DEVELOPMENT of PEACE and COOPERATION among us all.

The main components of the Organization are Tausug, Sama, Yakan and Mapun students.But we do not make any barriers or limitations as to who can beccome a member of this organization. So long as you are willing to sacrifice for the sake of the brotherhood, you are always welcome to be a member.

SBSO was officially created in 1994, an off-shoot product of the 'father-organizations' as ANAK-SUG, ANAK-MORO, TUBUHSUG, and TUBUH BAHGU (which dated back from the creation of MSU Marawi in 1961) until it finally became the SWARA BANGSA STUDENT ORGANIZATION.

What are the Activities that we usually do?

> Annual Orientation of freshmen
> Anniversary celebration (every June 12)
> CBP and CPC Tutorials (free and informal)
> Annual Celebration of Eidul Fitr and Eidul Adha for the Members
>  Participates and co-organize Annual Tribal Friendship games 
> SBSO Enrollment Task Force
> Monthly meetings and bondings

Other remarkable actions we have done:

> Helping our fellow brothers in their studies by supporting him/her in any way we can
> Providing temporary shelter, or place of staying for Tausug brothers who are new in Marawi
> Conducted Relief operations to affected areas in Sulu and other areas during calamities
> Participated in various University activities as Quiz shows and the like, and won some awards.
> Participated in the 3rd Royal Convention of Sulu Sultanate Darul Islam as Student Observers

SBSO Members preparing the Relief goods for delivery


Our Future plans of Activities (InshaAllah):

> Organization of the SBSO Alumni Association
> Conducting SASE reviews in ZamBaSulTa Areas
> Create a SBSO Scholarship Grant for the deserving students
(but we need tremendous support from the Alumni for this to happen)





Monday, April 11, 2011

SULU Wonders: the Old Walled City

By Ahmad Musahari
Free lance Writer
asmusahari@gmail.com
(This is a re-post from: www.anak-iluh.blogspot.com)

What is the use of knowing the history of other countries if you don't know your own country's?

This is my sole impetus of studying little by little the almost-forgotten history of one of the magnificent Sultanate of all seas: the Sulu Sultanate, my homeland of course! But even though my few researches have only reached few results as well, I am still nevertheless excited to share what I have discovered; small pieces of puzzles are parts of a big picture. This blog is about one of my great adventures in finding the remaining historical landmarks in Sulu (even us Tausugs never knew it was there!)


Join me, lets explore once more and find out where the smallest WALLED CITY is!

(PS: as you can remember, I have blogged about the "Moro Consciousness week" wherein I promised to fill in the entry about the 'walled City' in Sulu. And here it is: a promise is still a promise ;-) link

====================================================================

Entering the small town of Jolo, just right after the Sulu pier, one will see this quite unusual structure on a corner of one of the main roads in Jolo town. It does look like a tower; perhaps just a decoration, or maybe a remnant of the past 'Tower defense' in Sulu. But, hey, only few Tausugs really know what it is and why it's there. it seems that many would never care about it, its already neglected now--really neglected, I mean. What could it be? Why is it there? Who put them there? All these things instigated my motivation to find out the answers myself. And so, my long adventure started...


The First Towers:

found at the Jolo Main Road, going to Jolo proper from Capitol Site


A closer look...

The date was during the American period.

This is still confusing: in 1920's, was it the date the tower was created or repaired?

In a Book entitled Sulu History by Najeeb Saleeby--who went to Sulu himself--the author gave a good description of how the Tiyanggi Town (now Jolo) looked like during the Spanish Conquest. During the time the Spaniards took control over the Market Capital of Tianggi (just Jolo, not the whole of Sulu), they created a small city or compound and sorrounded it with cement walls (Batu Tisa) as fortresses protecting them from outside attacks, hence the name Jolo Walled City. In fact, if the walled City still stands until today, it would be the smallest walled city in the world.

The only way to enter the 'walls' were through five entrance gates: two gates fronting the Sulu Sea where ports are; and the rest going to the inlands. The gates were guarded by Spanish Guards, and are only opened at certain times for some important matters like trading goods and the like. Years later the Spaniards left Jolo leaving the walled city there. the walls are already gone by time, and perhaps the gates, too. Is it still possible to know where they stood once?

The real Asturias gate fronting the Pier gate, Jolo, ca. early 1900s

I cant see the 'towers'. and I have not found it yet.


A photo of the smallest Walled city in the World:
SULU WALLED CITY

Honestly, I am still not sure if these gates WERE the towers that I have been researching about. I havent even read about the towers being there. But because of the locations of the gates given in books I've read about, it gave me the reason to theorize that maybe, the towers ARE the entrance gates or atleast, WHERE THE REAL GATES WERE before. We'll need more time to research on these things further. (Hope someone will fill us in regarding the matter).

And so started my journey to find those FIVE GATES or TOWERS:-) I walked here and there, asked some people about some strange 'tower-like' buildings, and with my camera, took shots of them. My efforts did gain its rewards: I found three of the Five gates; and not just that, I also discovered the remaining walls of the walled City. You've already seen the first towers on our previous photos. Here are the others:



Second Towers:

from town proper to Barangay San rai Mundo



A closer shot of the Second tower



And the Third Tower: (perhaps the most neglected one)

Just before entering Jolo Pier Gate. This is the Pier gate before.

Now its covered by these housings


The other Third Tower. You see the small white roof protruding?

Yes? They dont seem to see what is its importance.


The remaining wall:

Seen or perhaps found at the back of a T-Shirt printing Store. Good thing they haven't decided to destroy it.

As of now, I am still looking for the remaining two Towers or Gates, or marks; some interviews revealed that the remaining two towers were destroyed either by the government to give space to other buildings, or was destroyed by war. To those who are familiar with the places in Jolo, the two towers were reported to be seen somewhere in Bus-Bus street (near Municipal Hall) and Sarang Bangon, going to barangay Alat. And also, I'm still trying to read more books about these landmarks to have a better picture of it all.

And to finally wrap up things before I end this journey, I wanted to make things clear (and some trivia as well to my readers):

1. I can not tell if the towers WERE the old gates of the walled city or they are just LANDMARKS made perhaps during the American Period (as the date on them states). I just said, it could be them. And that was just a theory.

2. As you might have observed, the towers were painted white and it might have been decades ago (not centuries). So we cannot tell that it is totally neglected; someone or some people had somehow got the nerve to say, "hey, its a good historical site, we should paint it". It was taken cared of, well that was before... I am not sure if they are still doing it till now. They are still in danger of being destroyed someday :-(

3. There is a small barangay in Jolo called "WALLED CITY". That strengthens our theory:-)


Mga tau ha walled City, bihaun kaingatan niyu na mayta walled City in tawag sin lungan niyu ha?

4. I have another theory of why the Tausugs (people of Sulu) do not really care about these towers. If it is indeed a remnant of the Spanish Walled city, it would only remind them of how the once invulnerable Sulu Sultanate was infiltrated (again, not totally conquered, just some portion of it, and not for a long time too). That gave many of us the reason to say: "Why remember those things? they were supposed to be destroyed and be gone forever!)

Perhaps the fourth number up there holds some truth in the discussion. But it should not always be the case. The past is already there; there is nothing we can do more about it. Having a sad past doesn't meet forgetting it all and all! Instead we can use it in a way more practical: like remembering how our ancestors fought there way in through those GATES and finnally entered and reclaimed the lost territory! Di ba?

Our History is part of our life. It is already there. It is a unique treasure that we owe to take care of. And in some ways, giving us a better picture of how we wanted to shape our present, envision our future and never let the dark pasts bother us again!

I am a Tausug. And I am proud to be born with this blood flowing through my veins!

:-) uwah pamulansang!




Sunday, April 10, 2011

Golden Day of the Golden Batch (April 7, 2011)

                    

      Today is the day we are being addressed as "SURVIVORS" and to be more formal ,as "GRADUATES" of MSU MARAWI. We are very, very, very lucky said  MSUS President, Dr. Muslim Macapado. He even mentioned it trice because we graduated as Golden graduates- the Golden Batch of MSU. Mindanao State University is celebrating its 50th year existence as state university in the Philippines (1961 was the year it was founded). 

       It seems that my freshmen days were just yesterday. My four long years stay in the campus had indeed been a rocky road for me. I had seen different dimensions of sacrifices in this melting pot of the south. After a long journey in this foreign land, finally, I survived!

      Do you know why we were called survivors? Basically, when we step our feet to the next  ladder of educating ourselves, we will surely meet MR. Difficult. But here in Mindanao State University, Mr. Difficult has different faces comparing to another Mr. Difficult in other universities and colleges in the Philippines. Here in MSU we are trained like a soldier. We eat, take a bath and sleep like a soldier. We meet many comrades in every combat with our Professors. We crawl to feed our brain. You may think this is a normal nature of learning, but to tell you honestly it is very hard for me to express how rigid our learning here in MSU and I believe a page is not enough to write all our sacrifices. (Just considering that we are miles away from our family, plus the pressures given to us by our so called "Terror Professors").

       Praise be to Allah, I made it to the finishing line. I am through with the sacrifices in college life. But a new life for me is about to begin. I hope and will always pray that Allah will always show me His light . And many thanks to those mentors who build my strength, heart and brain, and of course to my parents who always pray for my safety and success, to my sisters and brothers my sincere gratitude for you. :)

                                              
                                                           My beloved Father and A.I.M                                                


                                                     The Tandem: A.I.M & Ahmad M (Anak-iluh)
                                                  


                                                    Bro Ahmad Benjir from Bangladesh, Bro Ahmad M & A.I.M
                                      


                                          The smiling faces of Graduates with Radz and My father


There are eight (8) other survivors from SBSO Tausug. are as follows:

1. Ahmad Musahari (BS Zoology), cum laude & College Best Thesis (BS Zoology)
2. Abdilla Sabaani (BS Agricultural Engineering)
3. Almahrum Malik (BS International Relations), College Athlete of the Year (KFCIAAS)
4. Almajan Ghani (BS Civil Engineering)
5. Ladzhuber Laja (BS Civil Engineering)
6. Fatimah Magbanua (AB Islamic Studies)
7. Manilyn (AB Islamic Studies)
8. Wadzna Kamsa (BS Biology)

Congratulations Golden Graduates!!!
May Allah Guide us all in our next journey in Life!

A.I.M

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Ha Hansipak Bayhu’ Sin Saamin (On the Other side of the Mirror)

Note: (This essay was Published in a book: "Are there two Mindanaos?" by Voice of Mindanao {an org} in 2009. A collection of selected essays from different Mindanaon youth expressing their young thoughts about the Mindanao Problem. This essay by Ahmad Musahari, a college student from MSU Marawi, envisions that "We were chosen by the Creator to be placed in this land-of-suffering not to torture us; Instead, He had chosen us for He knows that it is only we, and no other man, can MAKE a CHANGE for the PEACE in Mindanao)

-Voice of Mindanao

An English translation will be made available soon, InshaAllah -the Author

Ha Hansipak Bayhu’ Sin Saamin (On the Other side of the Mirror)

Ha tiyap-tiyap waktu maka-atud kita niyu pa saamin, kakitaan natuh ruun in baran natu’. Kakita’an ta ruun bang marayaw na ka in panamung natu’; bang malanu’ da ka in pamayhu’an sin kita. Iban bang ha sawpama awn lummi’ kakita’an, kaga-usan kalanu-an sin kita niyu. Saa’, biyariin na baha’ bang in lummi’ yaunna saruun-duun na ha saamin iban laagi’ mahunit na siya iygun, unu ka, kakita’an ta pa baha’ in bunnal lanuh sin pamayhu’an sin kita?

Bihaan da isab in hantang sin mga tau naghuhula’ duun ha hambuuk kawman. Kakitaan mu in bunnal dayaw-lingkat sin hula’ yaun duun ha dayaw sin mga tau naghuhula’ kaniya. Misan na isab biyariin in lingkat sin lupa’ yaun: nalilibut sin kabuwd-buwran; nahihipu’ sin dugaing-dugaing kakahuyan iban mga bungang-kahuy nila; liylikusan sin kalaud-lauran agad na in indaginis binatang duun; bang isab in mga tau ha kawman yaun hilu-hala’, wayruun tuud jumatu marayaw ha lupah yaun malaingkan in mauppas na hadja.

Ha waktu natuh bihayaun, ha hula’ ini Mindanaw, landu’ na tuud in taud sin kahilu-halaan. Diy’ na maitung in mga bunu’ nagjatuh; ha antaara ka sin parinta iban dugaing parhimpunan, atawa ka ha antaara sin magsibu’ tau Mindanaw. Mataud na tuud in mga tau nakananam kahunitan, kamiskin, hapdi’ iban buga’ sabab sin mga bunu’ ini di’ na magkaubus-ubus. Mataud na tuud in nagka’asag dugu’ ha pagatubangan iban mataud na tuud in nagkalapay wayruun inu-inu, way panayu. Dih tana hilamud in mga makadugal-dugal pagtakaw sin siyn sin kawman iban sin mga unu-unu na ruun kangiy-an hadja in diyrihil kaatuh niyu. Mayta’ baha’ bihayni na hadja in kiykitah natuh ha tiyap-tiyap pag-gi’sung natuh ha kukulangan? Di’ na baha’ ini kaganti’an pa hikarayaw? Hisiyu baha tuud in matuwp susunun ha katan sin ini? Amu baha’ sila mga kama’asan natuh way naparayaw in hula’ tagnah, atawa baha’ kitaniyu way misan nahinang, natabang unu-unu?

Pila ngagatus tahun na hadja in naglabay; nagsubli-subli na hadja in mga kanakura’an naglingkud iban naghinang ha parinta, huwat-malaingkan tittiyuh atawaka agun wayruun da tuud nagjatu karayawan ba’gu pa hula’ natuh. Daing ha waktu pa sin ka’apu’apuan natuh sampay mari bihaa’un pa waktu natuh, masi-masi ra in mga kahilu-halaan naasaplag. Yari kita niyu bihaun ha Huling Jaman bahgu iban yari bihaun ha mga lima natu in kunsum-susuwngun sin lupa’ ini. Siubay dih kitaniyu maya’ sin lumaus pa in katan ini pa mga Jaman sumunud katuh niyu: pa mga susuwngun anak-apu’ sin kitaniyu. Subay ha bihaun pa tumagna’ na asal kitaniyu huminang sin unu-unu na in marapat hinangun. Tumali’ na asal kitaniyu sin unu-unu na in hikatabang natuh pa kawman iban pa hula’ natuh kataan. Bang natuh di’ pa tagna’an bihaun, kuhnu pa? Bang kita niyu di’ pa huminang, hisiyu pa in tagaran natuh? Ayaw na kitaniyu maghuwat-huwat ha tabang sin kaibanan tau biyah sin mga Milikan. Hula’ natuh ini—kitaniyu subay in muna-muna magtiyuku-tiyukuhi ha hikarayaw sin katan! Maghambuuk kitaniyu iban maghiyati-hiyatihi; bang diyh, tartantu ha mahuli way na tuud suwngan sin lupa’ ini; iban kitaniyu ra in muwih sasusun-susun iban saluwgih-luwgih tau ha katan!


In pagparayaw sin hula’ mabilang hambuuk amaanat dakulah iban panungbas kaatuh sin Tuhan Mahamulliyah. Piyaratung niya kitaniyu pa hula’ ini (Mindanaw) bukun ha supaya binsanaun atawa pahunitan in kitaniyu. Piniy’ niya kitaniyu mabilang ha mga tau diy ha Mindanaw pasal in siya, amuin nakakaingat sin katan pakaradja’an, kayngatan niya sin tuput kitaniyu ra, labay ha tabang niya, in makaparayaw sin kahaalan sin hula’ ini! Kayngatan niya sin awn tuud mahinang natuh ha hikasambu, hikatindug sin kahanungan iban kasalamatan diy ha lupa’ ini kailu!


Sulayan natu’ mamintang balik ha katan sin kiyalabayan sin kamaasan natuh agad na in kitaniyu. Ha tiyap-tiyap hilu-hala’ wayruun magpangdaug’ pagdaugun kitaniyu katan. Iban ha tiyap-tiyap isab sangsa’ sin tau pa hinang hikarayaw, misan biyariin in nahut niya, awn hadja tungbas sin Tuhan pahala’ hikarayaw da isab iban kahayangan.

Mamintang kitaniyu, mamikil marayaw. Ba’gu kita madtu mangdayaw sin Hula’ natuh, lilingun ta na’a in baran ta. Ha pasaalan tartantu kita nayan in saamin sin lupa’ ini. Lawagun natuh na’a subay in hansipak bayhu’ sin saamin, amuin labiy hikarayaw, bukun gammayan hika-kangiyh. Lilayun natuh inut-inut bang unu na mayan in awn bingkuk duun, pabuntulun natuh; bang awn kangiy’an, dayawun natuh; iban bang awn lummih lanu’an natuh marayaw. Duun dayan ha baran sin kitaniyu tumagnah in kataan. Piy-un natuh subay in hikarayaw bukun hadja pa baran sin kita, malaingkan agad na in ha hikarayaw sin katan ha hula’ ta. Saruu-duun, inshaAllah bang hiduhul sin tuhan, kakitaan natuh in malugay na miyumuhut-muhut, liyalawag sin kitaniyu: KASAMBUHAN, KAHANUNGAN, iban KA’ADILAN!

== Tammat ==

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Tausug Network (TN)
Tausug Network (TN)