DOHA, Qatar (MindaNews / 21 July) — It is undeniable that at one point in history, Sulu thrived as a peaceful, progressive, prosperous, and sovereign nation under the competent leadership of the Sulu Sultanate.
I am proud to say that my forefathers in this once flourishing kingdom lived in peace and stability, filled with happiness, contentment, and a deep commitment to upholding the honor and dignity of their Islamic faith and existence.
The view of Būd Tumantangis from Panamao, Sulu. Photo by Gamson Jr Mawallil Quijano
Centuries ago, foreign invaders exerted their efforts to disrupt the peace-loving people of Sulu. As a result, my cherished Sulu and its people have faced numerous hardships and suffering. However, my beloved homeland has remained resilient despite enduring innumerable difficulties and suffering.
Having been born and raised in this culturally rich place, I have always yearned to uncover the hidden treasures of my beloved homeland. However, the unstable peace and order situation in Sulu during that time hindered my ability to embark on adventures in my homeland.
Due to safety concerns, even as residents of Sulu, we felt it was unsafe to wander outside, even to nearby places, after 5 p.m. Our parents always emphasized the importance of returning home after school due to their concerns about our safety, so we didn’t enjoy the beauty of Sulu back then.
The stunning waterfalls and beautiful beaches throughout Sulu, now famous on social media, have been there for a long time. However, they remained undiscovered and undeveloped in the past.
Additionally and regrettably, during those days, even residents like myself could not readily access and revel in the delightful experiences these picturesque beaches and waterfalls had to offer because of the peace and order issues.
Alhamdu Lillāh, the current transformation in Sulu regarding peace and order is awe-inspiring. The once turbulent region has become an oasis of stability, greatly benefiting the tourism sector. This newfound peace and order has significantly improved the tourism industry, making Sulu an attractive destination for travelers seeking tranquility and natural beauty.
As an overseas Filipino worker living far from home, I long to witness the positive changes I see on social media in my homeland in person. I yearn to bask in the satisfaction of living peacefully in my homeland and immerse myself in the positive energy that Sulu exudes. So I spent most of my time in Sulu during my recent vacation.
The unease that used to linger in our thoughts and emotions, even within our community, has dissipated. Nowadays, we feel at ease even at night. We can enjoy quality time bonding as a family. We can explore numerous destinations across the mainland and the island of Sulu without worrying about our safety, even at night.
The residents of Sulu now continue to revel in their cherished homeland’s peaceful and soothing atmosphere even after the sun sets. Families, friends, and loved ones come together to unwind leisurely and enjoy each other’s company on the beaches of Sulu under the night sky. Some even embark on adventurous road trips to discover and marvel at the stunning natural scenery that Sulu has to offer.
Moreover, continuous roads along the coastline of Patikul connect Litayun Beach in Patikul to the Imbi Theya Beach Resort in Brgy Tanduh Bagua, Patikul. These are the most visited places near Jolo, where residents and tourists can enjoy the delicious foods from many restaurants along the coast.
Back then, the areas after Litayun Beach could not be easily accessed or visited due to security issues. But now, it’s one of the most visited places, even during nighttime. People enjoy roaming around or hanging out in these places. Many kiosks offer various kinds of food and drinks, plus coffee shops and restaurants where visitors can enjoy the lively atmosphere.
It was graduation season during my recent vacation to Sulu. Once again, I witnessed the Tausug people’s long-standing tradition of celebrating their loved ones’ academic achievements, even in simple ways. I feel proud that this tradition remains lively, like vibrant rainbows.
However, some Tausugs now choose beach venues such as Jade Of The Sea Hassiman Resort in Indanan, Imbi Theya Beach Resort in Patikul, Tandu’ Beach in Parang, and other Sulu white sand beaches instead of traditional gatherings at the graduate’s home. Significantly, this change reflects the growing sense of safety and security in Sulu.
It is worth mentioning that during my vacation, whenever we traveled to the remote countryside of Sulu, like Patikul, we never encountered convoys of military vehicles rushing by with soldiers on high alert. Even in Jolo town, I no longer see military personnel on high alert.
Unlike before, the checkpoints during military high alert status were rigorous. The presence of numerous soldiers on high alert and their armored vehicles back then made us all tense.
Nevertheless, whenever we pass by in front of any military detachment, it is noticeable that our esteemed soldiers are still stationed at their usual military posts.
During my vacation, I am thankful for the opportunity to experience more than just the breathtaking white sand beaches like Tandu’ Beach in Parang, Man’s Beach in Luuk, Quezon Beach and Pangdanon Beach in Patikul, Sani-Sani Beach in Omar, and stunning waterfalls of Sulu like Tambuang in Maimbung. I also enjoyed indulging in Sulu’s exotic fruits, such as marang, mangosteen, jackfruit, baunu’, wanni, lansones, and my favorite, durian. We bought most of these fruits in the countryside because they are cheaper than the ones sold in the Jolo market.
This year, the fruit season in Sulu has begun to bloom, offering a delightful abundance of fresh and flavorful fruits. This season is a much-anticipated time for many Tausug as it signifies the enjoyment of fruits freshly harvested from the rich soils of Sulu. It is also a time to foster and reinforce connections among Tausug people, as sharing these exotic fruits with family and loved ones, whether near or far, brings happiness, joy, and love.
In addition to beaches and waterfalls, high-altitude relaxation spots like Būd Tukay in Parang, Būd Sucuban, and Sikulay Hill in Omar have become popular destinations in Sulu. These tranquil retreats offer a respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, making them a must-visit in Sulu. Their serene ambiance is guaranteed to melt away life’s stresses.
Būd Agad Resort is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Sulu. It is situated at the summit of Būd Agad in Brgy. Anuling, Patikul. The place offers breathtaking panoramic views of Jolo and parts of Patikul. The landscape is a natural wonder, with twittering birds, fresh air, and lush greenery creating an atmosphere of ultimate relaxation. Visiting this area, especially with family or friends, guarantees a fulfilling experience surrounded by Mother Nature’s embrace.
The province of Sulu boasts of world-class white sand beaches, calm and rejuvenating waterfalls, high-altitude relaxation spots, delectable cuisine and sweets, mouth-watering exotic fruits, and a vibrant culture, heritage, and history.
All praise is to Allāh, who has abundantly and overwhelmingly given provisions from land and sea to the people of Sulu. Sulu is undeniably blessed in countless ways, giving every Tausug ample reasons to be thankful.
May Allāh preserve this beautiful place and all its people, including the INA’-AMA’ of Sulu, the Sulu Governor, and all our beloved esteemed Sulu leaders.
(Mindanawon Abroad is MindaNews’ effort to link up with Mindanawons overseas who would like to share their experiences in their adopted countries. Gamson Jr Mawallil Quijano of Sulu is a registered Radiologic Technologist who works in Doha, Qatar.)
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