#letlenilead2022

[librafleur]

#LetLeniLead2022 #LabanLeni2022 (.pdf version) PLEASE REGISTER TO VOTE!!

[jasfhercallejo]

Contrary to popular belief, Basilan is actually a really safe city, far from all the fearmongering of daily bomb threats and insurgent attacks that has been ingrained in us since we were kids. Well, it might quite have the history, but as someone who has been there personally this 2022, I can vouch that Basilan is making its mark in the country, and is definitely a must see — from the prestine untouched beaches, to its diverse and rich culture rooted from three different ethnic tribes, to its sumptuous food, and most especially to its really fun-loving and amicable people.

I've only heard of Basilan from news about terrorist attacks and kidnapping for ransoms from Abu Sayyaf group. Just hearing the name of the province sends chills down my spine, and I'd be a hypocrite if I say I wasn't scared for my life (read: kung dito man ako mamamatay, at least namatay akong sumusuporta sa kandidato ko. Let Leni Lead wow endorse pa more haha).

"Is it safe there?"

"Aren't you afraid of the everyday hostilities there, not to mention the ongoing armed conflicts and social unrest?"

"If you get abducted, who will help you?"

These were the normal questions I got from my friends. But, if you can get past these fears, this small quiet province is an unexploited paradise worth bragging for centuries.

[thejustinestuff]

while putting up posters kanina for VP Leni and Senator Kiko sa Barangay namin may kuya na nagtanong kung magkano raw yung arawan namin (sa pagkakabit ng posters) ilang beses niya rin ata iyong naitanong, proud naming isinagot na kami ay mga Youth volunteers dito sa Puerto Princesa (fresh lang kami pero) HINDI KAMI BAYARAN! 😉🌸

[chaddiction]

[jganzon]

An estimated 40,000 Ilonggos showed up to express their support for the presidential bid of Vice President Leni Robredo at the Iloilo Sports Complex on Friday, February 25. It was biggest political rally of all time in Iloilo, according to the province's own political leaders, Senator Frank Drilon and Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas. The rally turned into a mini-concert after the legendary Pinoy rock star, former Eraserheads frontman, @elybumbilya Ely Buendia, performed some of the band's hit songs. Buendia is one of Robredo's most influential endorsers for her presidential bid. #RosasAngKulayNgBukas #AngatBuhayLahat #LetLeniLead2022 #VPLeniRobredo #LeniKiko2022 #photography #photojournalism #IloiloisPink #IpanaloNa10To #Eraserheads #ElyBuendia (at Iloilo Sports Complex) https://www.instagram.com/p/CakFWWHhQ68/?utm_medium=tumblr

[x-bakitakosikiko]

“Lalaban tayo” ~ Leni Robredo #LeniRobredo2022 #LetLeniLead2022 #LabanLeni2022 https://www.instagram.com/p/CUu-IzYBi5e/?utm_medium=tumblr

[jasfhercallejo]

My flight from Manila to Zamboanga was at 5AM so I had to be at the airport really early. Knowing myself, as the heavy sleeper that I am (read: I can hear my mom saying “Hoy Jasfher tanghali na nasusunog na ‘yung bahay natin tulog ka pa din!”), I eagerly waited for midnight and just occupied myself with some movies and packed my things around 2AM. 

Upon arriving in Zamboanga, I got my ticket to Isabela City and rode a ferry for another 2 hours. I had my lunch, then went for a quick nap. Ahh, finally a taste of good rest.  

JL knocked on my door at around 4pm, and we went to the Plaza to check on the stage installations. He is one of the main organizers, and his team has been planning this for days. I saw him talk to the hosts, the lights and sounds crew, the security people, the boat owners, and even the performers. All these while making sure everyone is having fun while working. A one man team indeed. I could tell you more how great of a man JL is, but let me save that for another post. Haha.

During this sortie, I also happened to befriend one of the photographers, Myish. I sat beside her during our dinner at Vianda na Kanya, and the rest was history. We exchanged film interests, political opinions, and quircky travel stories while drinking beers on the porch of our hotel in Zamboanga. I have the privilege of showcasing her photographs from Sahaya Basilaeño to VP Leni’s visit to Marang Marang. She’s also a great brand strategist and filmmaker. Please give my friend a follow on her instagram (@myish.endonilla)!

[jasfhercallejo]

Marang-Marang is a village in Basilan. Marang-Marang is situated northeast of Santa Barbara, and east of Luuk-Buton. 

I had the privilege to try various Tausug dishes and delicacies that they offered to VP Leni. I remember asking them the names of the food and they gave me two different names because apparently, Marang Marang (or Basilan, for that matter) is home to different ethnic groups: i.e. the yakans, the tausugs, and a number of chavacanos. I tried listing them down, and I hope I got them right:

Hantak / Sikalang -  a native biscuit that resembles a pretzel and is glazed with sugar. The name, by the way, means something like "dumped" in the Tausug dialect because the dough is dumped onto the table as a kneading method.

Pitis/ Patanik - a must-try native tausug food! It is a steamed pastry made of glutinous rice flour stuffed with loads of sweetened grated coconut meat.

Junay/ Punjung - made of rice steamed in coconut milk and toasted coconut. Then wrapped in little packets of banana leaves like suman.

Bago-ngon - a local horn snail that has found its way to some popular dishes here in Mindanao. (Funny story, I was asked "Ikaw Jas, magaling ka ba sumupsop ng suso?". Hahahaha.)

Imbao (or commonly called Mangrove Clam) - delicious seared clams that are topped with cheese. Rapsa! 

Meeting VP Leni is probably the highlight of my Basilan trip, but interacting with the locals and trying their food is the bonus I never thought I would experience in this lifetime.