Mindanao Is Very Diverse

The Other World Of Mindanao

Mindanao, the second largest islands of the Philippines, a land of towering mosques and malong-clad Asian women, wear boldly-striped vintas ply the waters between houses perched precariously on stilts. Here, ethnic tribes weave glorious tales of brave warriors and haughty princesses into colorful tapestries and fabrics.

The Island is a nature lover's paradise: Tiny Camiguin isle enchants with its white sand islands and volcanic chains. Zamboanga has pink sand beaches for beach-lover and rolling greens for the golf enthusiast. Davao's caves promise adventure for spelunkers in this land of fruits and flowers, parklands are planted with groves of durian, rambutan and other exotic tropical fruit trees, interspersed with tropical blooms and exotic orchids. Cotabato's pineapple plantations and Bukidnon's citrus farms delight with nature's freshest harvests.

The adventurous travel would probably wish to conquer Mindanao's vast mountain wilderness or explore the many forests and wildlife reserves. Mt. Apo in Davao del Sur is the country's highest peak. Climbers are trekkers will find on its slopes forests exotic flora, steaming geysers, rainwater lakes, swift flowing rivers and cascading waterfalls; and at itsbase, Mount Apo Science Foundation, an agricultural institutuin surrounded by woodlands ideal for bird-watching.

A plethora of water falls awaits the visitor to Lanao del Norte. Its provicial capital, Iligan, is home to the legendary Maria Cristina Falls, 100 feet higher than the awesome of Niagara. Lanao del Sur, around majestic Lanao Lake, is the Islam Center of the South. Here are found repositories of Muslim culture such as the Mindanao State University, the King Faisal Center for Arabic Studies and the Aga Khan Museum.

The artistry and diversity of ethnic tribes lend a richness to local color. The people have their okir, a curvilinear carving tradition that sets off their houses, musical instruments, personal ornaments and household implements in brilliant colorful motifs. 

Visitors will find unique souvenir items among the handicrafts of the T'boli, who weave their famous t'nalak patterns. The Sama tribes hand-weave cool mats in jewel colors along the walks of their stilt houses inviting spectators to bargain for their wares. The sea-faring Badjao dive for coveted South Sea Pearls. Arts and crafts demonstration tours, tribal, festivals, and visits to ethnic villages provide insight into the everyday lives of the cultural minorities.

Introduction of Bob Martin and his story. Bob is an American who lives and works on the Island. We have become friends and I read his blog often.

Hi, my name is Bob Martin, and I am the owner/writer for the Mindanao Blog! Thanks for coming by for a visit, sit down for some pineapple and let’s talk about Mindanao!

Yes, I am an American, but I have been coming to Mindanao regularly since 1990. In addition, I have lived permanently in Mindanao since early 2000, and I love it here. The thing that I hear all the time when I tell people that I live in Mindanao is that I must be scared because it is so dangerous here. Actually, that is really far from the truth. Yes, there are places in Mindanao that are quite dangerous, but the majority of the island is safe. Is it perfectly safe? No, I know of no place on the earth that is perfectly safe, do you? I have lived here for a number of years now, and I have never felt that I was in danger yet. I do try to use common sense in my daily comings and goings, though. I suppose that in these days of uncertainty that would be a sensible thing to do no matter where you live.

I have been involved in a number of different types of businesses over the years. I guess that at the root I am a retailer. I have managed a number of different retail stores ranging from small specialty shops to huge discount stores in the past. Since the early 1990’s, though, I have been self employed. In that time I have done different things. Initially I was a writer, authoring about a dozen different books that were published. Most books that I wrote were on the subject of Amateur Radio and Short wave Radio Listening. In recent years I have sort of mixed my passion for retailing with my passion for writing and for the Internet in general. I have a number of different blogs on the Internet, as well as e-commerce stores selling different types of items on each of my websites. It is a good life, and I enjoy it very much. The kind of business that I do allows me to have free time when I want it, and also work at whatever schedule I choose. It allows me time for my wife and kids, which I enjoy a lot as well.

I guess that when you mix up all of my interests and my passions, there is only one thing that you could call me. An Entrepreneur. Yes, I am an Entrepreneur, and I love it!

Davao is the Heart of Mindanao and is becoming the most visited city in the Philippines. There are many reason to go there the least of which is to meet a great Filipina Girl.