Mindanao : From Samal to Surallah by Ronald de Jong (ThingsAsian Press)
Mindanao is the Philippines second largest and southernmost island. It is here where freelance photographer and writer Ronald de Jong makes his home. In Mindanao : From Samal to Surallah, Jong is your virtual tour guide “for those travelers who are not familiar with southern Filipino culture.”
For the uninitiated, Jong informs you that the safest areas to travel in Mindanao are Davao City and its surroundings, the Sarangani Bay area, and the province of South Cotabato. We are told the greatest way to explore the island is by car or motorbike along the Maharlika Highway, also known as the Pan-Philippine Highway.
The road is over 2000 miles in length and starts from Laoag City on the northern island of Luzon, passes through the Visayan Islands of Samar and Leyte, and continues to the city of Zamboanga in Mindanao. Jong will take us on a journey following the Davao-General Santos-Koronadal Highway which is a small part of the Marhalika. “Passing through this toll-free portion of the Pan-Philippine Highway will take you down small-town roads, city streets, mountain passes, rice fields and plantations.
Jong is very thorough in his guide as he provides background information on each area such as which tribes are you likely to encounter, a bit of the history of each destination as well as giving us shopping tips, resort recommendations and what there is to see and do.
Our trip starts on the island of Samal which is also known as the Island Garden City. Around this area, one can get close to nature by seeing caves, mangroves, natural rock formations, swamps, and coconut trees. Or you can enjoy staying at one of the resorts along the coast where you can go jet skiing and windsurfing. It is also one of the Philippines top diving spots.
From Samal Island, it is a short trip to Davao city which is also known as “the window to Mindanao”. For the more adventurous traveler, you can climb Mount Apo, Philippines highest peak at 9.692 feet. Continuing south, you will find yourself in Surallah where you can go river-rafting on the Davao River or spelunking in the Marilog District.
I also find that one of the best ways to discover the culture of another country is to experience the local cuisine. Jong does not disappoint as he provides us with a menu of the different types of street food one can try. Some of the dishes Jong introduces have the most colorful names such as a skewer of crispy chicken wings which are known as PAL, named after the Philippines Air Lines. Another dish called isaw (grilled or deep-fried pig or chicken intestines on a skewer). They are known locally as IUD because of its shape. The serious gastronome can try balut which can be described as “eggs with legs”. It is a cooked, fertilized duck egg where you can see the embryo of the duck.
Mindanao is more than just a guide to the island. It is also a photo essay featuring beautiful full color pictures taken by Jong himself. The place has something for everyone, from the package-deal tourist to the budget-conscious backpacker. If you’re longing to get off the beaten path and want an adventure worth remembering, Mindanao might be the place for you. Jong certainly makes me want to go. ~Ernie Hoyt
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