November 2014 ~ Etch Trek

Sunday, November 16, 2014

The Fact List: Things You Didn't Know About ARMM

By Unknown6:28 PMARMM, Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao, Basilan, Domestic Tourism, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Philippines, Sulu, Tawi-TawiNo comments

We were taught history ever since we were in grade school.

Admit it; you were bored out of your mind (unless you were addicted to history, anyway).

What if I told you that we can make it fun through blogging?

Find out things you didn't know about ARMM in The Fact List!

Unroll ye old scroll of facts!

Photo: journeyofawayfarer.blogspot.com

Did you know that there is a myth revolving around the creation of Lake Lanao?

In the Maranao culture, the myth says that an army of angels under the command of the Archangel Diabarail, removed the vast population of Mantapoli and placed it in the center of the earth in accordance to the wishes of Allah.

The spot that it left accumulated so much water that Diabarail asked for the assistance of the Four Winds of the World, and created an outlet for the overflowing waters. The hole then became lake Lanao and the outlet the Agus river.

Interesting, right?
Bet you didn't learn that in school!

Souvenirs: Bringing Home Memories of ARMM

By Unknown4:07 AMARMM, Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao, Basilan, Domestic Tourism, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Philippines, Sulu, Tawi-TawiNo comments

You're about to leave, armed with travel pack and hiking boots, geared and ready to fly solo (or with buddies) to places your heart wishes to take you.

When suddenly in the distance you hear a faint, but clear shout:

"Please bring us souvenirs when you get back!"

What traveler hasn't heard of this puppy-eyed statement from friends, neighbors, relatives or even acquaintances?

With a reluctant sigh, that has unfortunately escaped most travelers' lips, a slight eye-roll, and a tepid smile, you give a nod and take hold of your wallet, saying a tearful goodbye to every penny you've scraped up for this trip.

And yet you do it.

For friendship! For love!

Onward, brave human! Bring home memories (of ARMM)! Share it with the world!

Ah, yes!

The Yakans, Sama, and Badjao have successfully weaved their way into your heart

- and into your souvenir bags.

You know, for you to treasure and brag about!

Mats from Bongao, Tawi-Tawi.
Photo: flickr.com

Inaul Tapis (wrap around skirts) of the Maguindanao tribes.
Photo: tesoros.ph

Woven fabrics from Basilan. Photo: traveling-up.com

You have to bring something shiny back home as well

(since your wallet should be rid of all things shiny - coins and cash - by now)!

Why not consider Lanao del Sur's lovely brass work?

Brasswork from Marawi, Lanao del Sur.
Photo: flickr.com

Don't forget to grab your fair share of exotic fruit on the way back.

Beneath the spiky, smelly (not kidding, it's often described as "hell") exterior, is the taste of heaven.

Remember to pack them nicely into your luggage, so they don't get taken away at the airport!

P.S. They also come in candy or ice cream.

Durian. Photo: thetalkiespodcast.com

Tip: Please do not forget to pay the wonderful weavers and brass makers a little extra for their amazing handicrafts!

Work of art like these is a combination a lot of hard work that takes dedication, a LOT of time,

dreaming (Yes! Weavers dream of their future work before proceeding to their looms.),

and taking inspiration for patterns in nature,

for you to hold the glorious handicrafts in your hands.

Appreciate!

Visual Recap: Scenic Views of ARMM

By Unknown6:04 AMARMM, Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao, Basilan, Domestic Tourism, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Philippines, Sulu, Tawi-TawiNo comments

Have you read my blog post about the Ten Breathtaking Natural Beauties of ARMM, yet?

If you have, then here are several more pictures of the scenic views you ought to visit!
There's plenty to see and it only takes a few scrolls to get amazed and awed by the beauty that is ARMM.

Let's visit paradise once again!

Lake Lanao