Surfing the seas: Arriving in Zamboanga City

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Hello everyone,

A warm welcome

Today was an eventful day filled with many new sights and sounds.  In the morning, Dr. Russell and I departed for Zamboanga City, the sight of the Youth Program.  The plane ride was short and sweet as I spent most if not all of it submerged in the pages of Harry Potter and his adventures.  As we were descending, the land came into view–a marvelous sight it was!  The Philippines is a collection of many Islands, some big and some small.  The region where we landed is known as Mindanao (the Southern Island amongst the large trio) and it is surrounded by a lot of small islands as well.  So, from the plane, I saw this dazzling display of islands inking the landscape of the vast sea that stretched far beyond what the eye could see.  Once I landed, I got off via the portable stairs and erupted into a photo-snapping mania.  The airport was firmly entrenched with mountains in the background and the sea on the other side.  I couldn’t help but snap away.  Can you blame me?!  As I finally walked away from my amazement, I was greeted by a sign: “Welcome to Zamboanga City: Asia’s latin city”.  It’s quite interesting that even though that the Spanish had ruled over most of the Islands, this place retained more of the cultural influence than anywhere else, which is distinctly reflected in the local language, Chavokan.  It’s an amalgamation of Spanish and a few local languages and it sounds very similar to Spanish too.  Dr. Russell believes that this place retains the Spanish influence more than any other place largely because the Spanish brought over locals from other Islands and nations to work in Zamboanga.  Well, as we know from history, “work” is a generous term at best.  Those “workers” couldn’t speak to Zamboangans because they spoke different languages.  After learning to communicate with the Spanish masters in Spanish and the locals in their local dialects, naturally it all got interfused and wound up producing a new language altogether.  Quite fascinating!  A linguist friend of mine would have a field day in this place!  Dr. Russell is pretty awesome as she drops nuggets of knowledge at every turn and chance she gets, of which I am extremely appreciative.

Anisa, Me, Dr. Russell

We were picked up at the airport by Naga (Anthropology Professor and the Philippines director of the PYLP) and his wife Anisa.  Naga is a very exuberant and energetic 67 year old man (although you couldn’t tell he was 67 by looking at him) who brings a lot of joy to every conversation.  In just one day, I’ve come to appreciate his stories already!  I will write more about him in due time.  His approach to Islam and youth work is particularly interesting to me and as such it has given life to new ideas and goals for our own program for MYLS moving ahead.  We arrived in grand style at our hotel on the beach front.  Our hotel is literally overlooking the Sulu Sea with our room windows glaring out at the wondrous excitement that only a never ending gaze against flowing waters can provide.  I feel very fortunate to be here and soaking all of this in.  I must admit, this has been a much deserved break for me especially considering the circumstances and the difficulties I’ve had to deal with during the past few months.  It’s always a good idea to be grateful for things that make you happy because they are as fleeting as time itself.  In any case, back to the story…we ended up dining for lunch at the hotel’s restaurant and I had a delicious Tanguigui steak.  My friend Zeshan would’ve loved this Zamboangan delicacy!  There is just so much seafood here that it’s hard to choose what to eat when you sit down.  After lunch, we explored our lovely beach front and took a few pictures against the scenic backdrop while Naga showered stories of Zamboangan history and culture on me.  

Dr. Russell, Me, Dr. Madale

Later in the day, we went to Silsila, the inter-faith community center that is erected by Italian Catholic priests.  Actually, that is where the program is being held over the next few days.  The road to Silsila from the hotel is placed amidst a flowing sea to the left, green lush on the right, and people in cars, rickshaw-like rides, wagons, and on foot sprawled in between.  Our driver was quite adept at avoiding the slow moving vehicles in the way and also skillful when he had to maneuver through people crossing the street without notice.  I couldn’t drive here even if my life depended on it.  We are too accustomed to rules and regulations so I can’t ever see myself or anyone for that matter surviving on the road here.  Miraculously, I believe that there are fewer accidents in this “lawlessness on the road” than there are in our well-policed roadways in the States.  Don’t ask me why!

Silsala Logo

Once we reached the Silsila, I was amazed to see that all of the kids had remembered me from the workshop that I had done at Northern-Illinois University while they were on their one-month training tour in the States.  I know that I promised to tell more about the program but I think I will wait for tomorrow since it would be appropriate considering it’s the first official day for it.  I don’t think I’ve ever gotten such a loud ovation or as cheery of a welcome before!  I mingled with the students (High School Seniors and College Freshmen) and we chatted about their time since the US trip and what they are up to now.  I don’t know what it is about me but the girls are the only ones I can seem to get through to.  Speaking of which, apparently some of the girls had a crush one me and the other girls were teasing them throughout the entire trip and now it started again since I was here.  Funny stuff!  Oh boy, do I remember the times I used to crush on my teachers and mentors back in the day.  :)  Kids can be quite cute with their emotions.  After a snack session (which I am told to expect a lot since people eat like 5x a day here but never get fat.  We need their secret!), I got a personal tour of the Silsila (means chain in Arabic) from Naga and Dr. Russell.  It’s an expansive compound that is built in the forest so it has a lot of vegetation with creeks running through and buildings of bamboo and stone revealing themselves in the vacated spots where trees once reigned.  From what I am told, this place was founded to encourage inter-faith dialogue and promote peace in the region through the efforts of two Italian pastors.  Sadly, one of them was murdered due to initial resistance and feud over land.  Fortunately, the other Father still remained here and has done good work to the point that this place has become a safe haven for the community.  On a side note, I can’t wait to go running on the many windy and hilly paths that the place has.  It should be a lot of fun!  Tomorrow, I am scheduled to lead a workshop that I designed entitled, “Spiritually-based Activism: Fueling Inspiration and Overcoming Challenges”.  I am excited to work with the youth and have some fun doing so.  I will let you all know how it goes tomorrow.  After my tour at the community-center, Dr. Russell and I were accompanied by an Anthropology Graduate student, Alfred, to the Zamboanga mall  where we bought a few toiletries and such.  I also spotted a Doner Kebap!  My partners in crime on my recent Africa adventure know what I am talking about.  The food at this Kebap wasn’t as good as the one in Madrid.  But hey, it brought back some happy memories of my two treasured companions.  In the end, it’s the memories that keep our spirits up.  I’m lucky to have been blessed with awesome people that have been able to give me so many to treasure.  

Saying Hello!

After grabbing my dinner at the mall, we headed back home to the hotel where I took a quick shower after unexpectedly dozing off when trying to rest my eyes.  Then, I sat in the coffee shop looking out at the beautiful night lights of the hotel simmering on the calm but ever-flowing waters of Sulu Sea.  I hope tomorrow brings its own excitement.  Oh man, I miss my complimentary mango…

Sulu Sea

Con Paz,

Mokaram