Traveling by boat across the
Sulu Ocean
by ArRayyan Mawallil Tulawie
Furthermore, as we were lulled in the hammock of sea waves, some of us just quietly sat and fervently prayed that no untoward incident would happen to us and we can swiftly and safely arrive at our destination. I couldn’t also blame them for being pretty nervous since journey in a boat can be a little tricky as things might not be the same as it’s on land.
Apparently, my mother was just a bit worried for her granddaughter, my niece, Fatima Zainab, since she was the only toddler in the group. Perhaps what was on my mother’s mind was what if this boat will sink, may Allaah forbid. Honestly, we have encountered big waves along the way intermittently. Nevertheless, I was just relaxed and calmed and just enjoyed every moment of the trip. In fact, I was playing the brine with my hands outside the sailing boat. I also photographed views of the islands.
Alhamdu Lillaahi, during our journey, I didn’t feel any nervous and I don’t want to show them that I am, of course, I was not, maybe because I am already used to voyage by a small boat. Laudably, my nephew, Ben-Azziz Tulawie – who was the captain of the boat, then, (apart from Allaah) courageously and competently managed our affairs amidst our sailing. Plus his mother, kah Mussah, who also used to travel by boat every now and then, was likewise relaxed and calmed.
However, when we were about to reach our destination at Jolo wharf, the blue clear sky suddenly turns gloomy as if there was a strong storm about to come. As soon as we alighted from a boat and had a short rest at the porch, a sudden heavy downpours and gusty winds occurred. It damaged the electric wire from the nearby electric post. The wire sparked and went into the sea and roofs of some adjacent houses. Thus everyone from the porch and other side of the wharf’s bridge that have seen it yelled and dispersed because they were terrified to be electrified and a fire might occur.
This made everyone in the closely affected areas including myself flapped and followed by a complete mayhem because everyone rushed to the safe place. Alhamdu Lillaahi, accordingly, every household immediately shuts down their electric power. Although, it causes damage and power outages across that area.
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.
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 must first and foremost prevail.
Moreover, Subhaana Allaah, the magnificent conspicuous
outlook from distant of Sulu’s crying mountain and one of the grandest
landmarks—Mt. Tumantangis (Bud Tumantangis), Grand Masjid Tulay, and Mt. Dahu
truly amazed me. Indeed, there may be nothing more satisfying than finding a
great view, staring at it and being truly in awe of the beauty found in it.Furthermore, as we were lulled in the hammock of sea waves, some of us just quietly sat and fervently prayed that no untoward incident would happen to us and we can swiftly and safely arrive at our destination. I couldn’t also blame them for being pretty nervous since journey in a boat can be a little tricky as things might not be the same as it’s on land.
Apparently, my mother was just a bit worried for her granddaughter, my niece, Fatima Zainab, since she was the only toddler in the group. Perhaps what was on my mother’s mind was what if this boat will sink, may Allaah forbid. Honestly, we have encountered big waves along the way intermittently. Nevertheless, I was just relaxed and calmed and just enjoyed every moment of the trip. In fact, I was playing the brine with my hands outside the sailing boat. I also photographed views of the islands.
Alhamdu Lillaahi, during our journey, I didn’t feel any nervous and I don’t want to show them that I am, of course, I was not, maybe because I am already used to voyage by a small boat. Laudably, my nephew, Ben-Azziz Tulawie – who was the captain of the boat, then, (apart from Allaah) courageously and competently managed our affairs amidst our sailing. Plus his mother, kah Mussah, who also used to travel by boat every now and then, was likewise relaxed and calmed.
However, when we were about to reach our destination at Jolo wharf, the blue clear sky suddenly turns gloomy as if there was a strong storm about to come. As soon as we alighted from a boat and had a short rest at the porch, a sudden heavy downpours and gusty winds occurred. It damaged the electric wire from the nearby electric post. The wire sparked and went into the sea and roofs of some adjacent houses. Thus everyone from the porch and other side of the wharf’s bridge that have seen it yelled and dispersed because they were terrified to be electrified and a fire might occur.
This made everyone in the closely affected areas including myself flapped and followed by a complete mayhem because everyone rushed to the safe place. Alhamdu Lillaahi, accordingly, every household immediately shuts down their electric power. Although, it causes damage and power outages across that area.
Sadly, there was one fishing boat sinks. The owner along
with his companions tried their best to saved it, but that was the decree of
their boat. Alhamdu Lillaahi, no one got hurt, but the expensive paraphernalia
of the boat like an engine, among others, got damaged. Hence, it will be a huge
problem for the owner on how to produce it again from the start. Anyhow, while
there is life there is hope.
For our part, we are forever grateful to Allaah that He
saves us from that calamity and that He grants us a swift and safe voyage from
Jolo to Tung-Tung island and vice versa. Should have been we were still on
sailing or before we reach wharf that incident had happened, maybe out of
flapping, our small boat might have sink or the sparkling electrical wire might
have fallen on us.
Finally, just a reminder that whenever you set off for
travel like island hopping, or in countryside, it's best to have a company who
are well experienced on sailing or in the wilderness. Believe me; apart from
Allaah, it will boost your self-confidence and wipe out your fear, especially
if you are not really accustomed to what you are indulging.
-30-
Comments
Post a Comment