Neo Catalyst

Note: This piece was published on Mindanao Examiner: https://mindanaoexaminer.com/durian-of-sulu-symbolizes-hospitality-love-respect-and-honor-by-arrayyan-mawallil-tulawie/  Durian symbolizes hospitality, love, respect and honor by ArRayyan Mawallil Tulawie WHENEVER MILITARY launches air strikes on the hideouts of “terrorist groups” in my homeland in Sulu province, civilians are frightened, especially at night when they hear the sound of war planes and bombs being dropped on the targets which most Tausugs described it as “ripe durians falling from its tree” – as a metaphor. Nonetheless, Alhamdu Lillaahi, thankfully, my homeland is truly blessed by Allaah with so many things, amongst them He allows durian to be grown in the Sulu Archipelago. In fact, durian is one of the prides of the province of Sulu. Photo credit to the owner A durian season is one of the most awaited seasons by every Tausug in Sulu and elsewhere because lots of them love to eat this exotic, st...

Traveling by boat across the Sulu Ocean by ArRayyan Mawallil Tulawie Aboard a small boat owned by my cousin Delmas Tulawie or known to our family as “Kah Ingkog”, on a pleasant-sunny Sunday morning after we had bid farewell to our family members in the island of Tung-Tung, municipality of Hji Panglima Tahil in the province of Sulu, we started our one in a half hour sail to Jolo wharf. Of course, to Kah Ingkog and his family who graciously hosted us during our short stay in Tung-Tung, Jazaakum Allaahu Khairan . Photo credit to Munir Napii Arbison II As we sailed across the Sulu Ocean, I enjoyed looking at several breathtaking views through the island of Hji Panglima Tahil. I truly believe that most of the islands of Sulu have more tourism potentials. Undeniably, numerous eco-cultural treasures in my beloved homeland should have just been discovered can be a wonderful source of pride not only for us Tausugs but likewise to the rest of Filipinos. However, peace and order...

When in my homeland, Sulu! By Gamson Jr Mawallil Quijano This humble piece was published on MindaNews.com  https://www.mindanews.com/mindaviews/2020/08/tausug-in-doha-when-in-my-homeland-sulu/ Photo Credit: Batah Sug Mamatta (fb) Visiting the place where my heart belongs is always on the top of my itinerary whenever I go to the Philippines for my annual vacation as an OFW. That place is Sulu—the only place I call home. Sulu is my birthplace and it is where I happily grew up and spent many precious memories with my family and loved ones. My homeland Sulu is a wonderful, tranquil and easy place to live in. While you are living healthily, comfortably, and decently, the cost of living is inexpensive. That’s what I really love about my homeland—it is just simple in the whole sense. Of course, most of all, Sulu for me is one of the best places to de-stress after a year-long of the day to day work overseas. Rural life in Sulu is absolutely awesome because the tranquil a...