Tawi-Tawi, Panampangan Island -- This beautiful long stretch of powdery sand beach is in Tawi-Tawi! Locals call this Panampangan Island. Oh, getting over-excited to tell the story of a land blooming with beauty!
Growing up in this place was truly a gift. What I can tell you about the locals are that they are the most generous, the kindest, the most gentle, beautiful and peace-loving people known in this country. If you haven't met one, maybe, it’s time you should. A few tourists come to see this place dreading security. Tawi-Tawi is far from horror stories of war and armed bandits. Those who dare travel this far to the south end of the Philippines never missed local hospitality at its finest. Local hosts customarily offer their finest things that are well kept for their guests from bedding to silverwares. They serve the best food they can catch fresh from the sea. For wealthier hosts, they send for the best fisherman in the neighborhood to harvest the best catch for their guest.
Life in the island is slow paced. It is a good time for those coming from the hurried urban life to enjoy slow walks and long talks, sunrise and sunsets. Then, you will not miss the morning and evening prayers. Islam is the religion among locals, yet they embrace everyone from all religious faiths with respect. At 5 am, locals are awake to pray and prepare for a long day. Breakfast is a habit that offers a pleasant experience. Mornings are special… a time when families share chores before going out to start their day in different occupation. In the evening, everyone is home by 6 o’clock in respect to prayer time. Men and women in their white prayer garments walk to the nearby mosque separately. At dinner, everyone must be at the long table to share stories about their day as if a reflective culmination that prepares them for a fresh beginning in the next day.
It is a surprising discovery how cultural and religious practices keep families strongly bonded together. Culture and faith play significant roles in building a strong family foundation and it remains true for the people of Tawi-Tawi to this day albeit strong Western influences that draw families apart in search for greener pasture and fulfillment of modern desires.
But most of all, this serene haven has once been home and nurtured brilliant minds that today, thrive around the world carrying with them the culture of humanity and deep faith that touches global communities where they choose to serve.
This is what makes the amazing Philippines. This place gives peace a true definition.
Thank you, Basil Villacortes Sali... Through your lens, you remind us to be thankful for such a wonderful world!
Tawi-Tawi is a pearl of island geographically located in the farthest south of the Philippines. The local tribe is called SAMA. Over time, Tawi-Tawi has become home to many different ethnic groups that enriched its culture. To this day, Tawi-Tawi remains untouched that truly makes it earth's little heaven. It is here where you can enjoy calm and tranquility with a breath of fresh air under the warm sun, walking bare feet on soft sand in the company of beautiful people.
SINAMA is the language that the locals speak. They are soft-spoken people gifted with a vernacular that has a gentle tone of words. When they speak, it is almost music to the ears with interesting melody.
SINAMA is the language that the locals speak. They are soft-spoken people gifted with a vernacular that has a gentle tone of words. When they speak, it is almost music to the ears with interesting melody.
Growing up in this place was truly a gift. What I can tell you about the locals are that they are the most generous, the kindest, the most gentle, beautiful and peace-loving people known in this country. If you haven't met one, maybe, it’s time you should. A few tourists come to see this place dreading security. Tawi-Tawi is far from horror stories of war and armed bandits. Those who dare travel this far to the south end of the Philippines never missed local hospitality at its finest. Local hosts customarily offer their finest things that are well kept for their guests from bedding to silverwares. They serve the best food they can catch fresh from the sea. For wealthier hosts, they send for the best fisherman in the neighborhood to harvest the best catch for their guest.
Life in the island is slow paced. It is a good time for those coming from the hurried urban life to enjoy slow walks and long talks, sunrise and sunsets. Then, you will not miss the morning and evening prayers. Islam is the religion among locals, yet they embrace everyone from all religious faiths with respect. At 5 am, locals are awake to pray and prepare for a long day. Breakfast is a habit that offers a pleasant experience. Mornings are special… a time when families share chores before going out to start their day in different occupation. In the evening, everyone is home by 6 o’clock in respect to prayer time. Men and women in their white prayer garments walk to the nearby mosque separately. At dinner, everyone must be at the long table to share stories about their day as if a reflective culmination that prepares them for a fresh beginning in the next day.
It is a surprising discovery how cultural and religious practices keep families strongly bonded together. Culture and faith play significant roles in building a strong family foundation and it remains true for the people of Tawi-Tawi to this day albeit strong Western influences that draw families apart in search for greener pasture and fulfillment of modern desires.
But most of all, this serene haven has once been home and nurtured brilliant minds that today, thrive around the world carrying with them the culture of humanity and deep faith that touches global communities where they choose to serve.
This is what makes the amazing Philippines. This place gives peace a true definition.
"I was born and grew up here, in Tawi-Tawi. I felt God's presence in this place of exquisite beauty and splendor, rich in all things natural." -- m. alawi-bulahan
Thank you, Basil Villacortes Sali... Through your lens, you remind us to be thankful for such a wonderful world!
Photo Credit: Traveler,
Basil Villacortes Sali
Please give due credit when
using this photo.
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