Meaningful Travel's Muslim Immersion Tour in Quiapo: A Purposeful Experience

Before the onset of Ramadan, I was able to participate in Meaningful Travel's Muslim Immersion Tour in Quiapo, Manila, Philippines. 

Manila Golden Mosque Cultural Center

Just from the name itself, you can tell that Meaningful Travels PH is a different kind of tour ogranizer.  It's latest Muslim Immersion Tour in Quiapo seeks to (1) incite awareness and spread the social relevance of the rich Filipino Muslim culture through immersion and (2) give back to the community.   Quiapo, being the hotchpotch of the culture of the major Muslim ethnic tribal groups – particularly, the Maranaos, Tausug, and Maguindanaons, was strategically chosen as the venue of the tour. 

Meaningful Travels PH Quiapo Muslim Town and Culture Tour May 21, 2019 Batch

Meaningful Travel's May 21, 2019 Batch

Meaningful Travels PH hosts with a limited number of participants per batch.  I'm told that the usual schedule for this tour is in the morning.  But, this is a special tour with the addition of the "Iftar"  to be featured in GMA News Time Reel Segment. 

With this tour, I am happy to meet new people and also be able to reconnect with other bloggers like Karla of TravelwithKarla.Com and Rona of TravelwithMaria.Com.

Meet the Meaningful Travels PH Quiapo Muslim Town and Culture Tour Team

Ann Marie Cunanan

Ann Marie Cunanan is the founder of Meaningful Travels PH.  She is the main facilitator of the tour.  We watched as she was very  hands on in making sure the entire tour is in order.

Amanah Busran Lao

Amanah Busran Lao, is a Shari’ah counselor-at-law, who gave us a brief overview about the Shari’ah law as embodied in the Code of Muslim Personal Laws (CMPL).  Although I am a lawyer, everything she shared was refreshing and new to me.  The Shari’ah law is not something lawyers of the Philippine Bar would have knowledge of.

Nords Maguindanao

Nords Maguindanao, who is a Salaam Radio Host, has a lot to share about the hisotrical background of Filipino Muslims.  Although, there are evidently many Filipino Muslim tribes in Maranao, Tausug, Maguindanao, Tawi-Tawi, Sulu and Basilan, did you know that there are Muslim  Sultanates in Manila before too?  There was once a  Kingdom of Tondoc.  But, they were either (1) eliminated (2) converted (3) forced to relocate to Mindanao.  I also got to know that not all Muslims can be classified as Moro - ethnic as there are also the Balik-Islam-reverts.  Moreover, the Muslims in Luzon derived most influence from Malay while those in Mindanao derived most influence from the Malaysians.

Meaningful Travels PH Quiapo Muslim Town and Culture Tour Experience

The tour begins with our conversion...  After meeting the group at the Arab Asian Cafe, we headed off to Ibrahim's Shop who willingly assisted us in wearing the Hijab.  Yes, we have to wear the appropriate attire so we would be allowed to enter the Manila Golden Mosque (Masjid Al-Dahab).

If you didn't read the itinerary and instructional guide before going, not to worry because Ibrahim's Shop has Muslim clothing both for men and...

women.

We then proceeded to the Manila Golden Mosque.  I already saw it on the way to Arab Asian Cafe and I also heard chants from its direction so it was easy to find.  We were welcomed by their religious leaders who told us thatthe mosque is both a religious and cutlural attraction so they often have different kinds of visitors: locals and foreigners and Muslims and non-Muslims.  The mosque is open 24 hours a day.  Amanah shared that some Muslims live a simple life and live within the Mosque.

Being a Muslim takes a lot of discipline.  Before stepping in, we had to remove our shoes.

Take note also that for non-Muslims, you need approval to be admitted inside depending on your cause.

Did you know that the Manila Golden Mosque was constructed in 1976 through the initiative of Former First Lady Imelda Marcis for Libya’s President Muammar al-Gaddafi? 

There is also a Blue Mosque in Taguig.   Since our visit was during Ramadan, there were those who were taking naps.  Yes, they take naps on the carpeted floor just like that.

Some gather to preach and share.

Nards shared to us that there are five pillars that a devoted Islam person should follow:
1.  The Shahadah or the declaration of faith - to worship the one god (Allah) and  one messenger or prophet (Muhammad)
2.  Pray five times a day (salah).
3. Fast during the month of Ramadan (Sawm) when there's presence of the sun. They can only eat and drink when the moon is already up.

• Amazingly, our guides were taking a fast while we were on tour!

4. Give of ahms (zakah) or services for the ones who do not have lots of money
5. Pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia

Do you know what this is could?  So beauitufl and colorful right?

After the mosque tour, we walked around the vicinity to learn about the fashion styles and Halal industry.  Do you notice the mannequins eyes are covered?  I wonder if its Muslim belief-related...

I got to learn that the Halal Food Industry contributes to a substantial portion of the GDP of many countries.  Yet, the Philippines is a small player in this key industry.

The Manila Golden Mosque vicinity is known to be a center for Halal foods.  Being introduced to Bakas (syellow fin tuna) and Palapa (caramelized shallots or Sakurab, ginger and chili peppers) was interesting for me.

We also bought Apang which was looked like pancakes but are definitely not.  It is made of something fermented which made it a bit sour in taste.

As it was almost meal time after a long fast, Junairah's canteen is packed.

 The dishes were so new to me.  This is Budi - a fish egg curry dish.

Iftar

Ampak over Tabak

The special part of the tour is the Iftar which is the Muslim meal to break the fasting.  Iftars are usually spent at home but it could also be a meal gathering shared amongst relatives and friends.  The dining set up is so colorful and exquisite.  They called it dulang" which literallly means low table.  The food trays with a stand made of brass are called "tabak". The "tabaks" are covered by colorful and embezzled tray cloths called "ampak".

We began by eating dates first as not to shock the empty stomach after a long fast.  Then, we continued our feast with Halal foods from Babu's like:

• Pater -  rice covered in banana leaf with some meat inside
• Piyaparan Manok - local Filipino Muslim dish that has coconut milk, onions, garlic, white scallions, chili, turmeric, garlic and mor
• Biyaki - cassava and corn steamed in banana leaf

We were also shown the weaving heirloom product of the Maranao - "langkit" which literally means to embroider or decorate with lace.

They attach these i to clothing or wear them as a sash.

Overall, it was a fun, interesting and purposeful experince for me.  I can now understand our Muslim brothers and sisters better.

If interested, you may contact Meaningful Travels PH through their Facebook Page.

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Sagada Cave Connections: Sumaguing and Lumiang Caves

The Sagada Cave Connections is the highlight of Sagada's Tourism.  It is called Cave Connections because it is composed of two interconnecting limestone caves: Sumaguing and Lumiang Caves.  But, before heading on to the cave, tourists are required to register at the Sagada Tourist Center and pay a minimal registration fee of 10 php per person.  You could also hire tour guides there.  Tour guides are available at a standard service rate of 400 php.  The suggested guide to person ratio for beginners is 1 guide per 3 persons.  Better go there early because there are warnings at the cave entrance not to enter beyond 4 pm.  

Spelunkers have the option to choose their route.  For beginners especially children, the Sagada Tourist Center advises the Sumaging Cave which takes approximately 2 hours to explore.  Through this route, you exit where you enter.  On the other hand, you can choose the Cave Connections where you will enter the Lumiang Cave and exit through Sumaging Cave.   This takes approximately 4-6 hours.  On our case, our duration was exactly four hours and we were a mixed bunch of 19 with kids and senior citizens.

sss

The Sagada Cave Connections is considered to be a novice level cave.  In fact, the track towards the cave entrance through the woods is already cemented.  

There are hanging coffins by the Lumiang Cave.  Well, not exactly hanging as some of those coffins are on the ground and opened even.  You can see scattered bones as you pass by.

As indicated by the map, the first part is going downwards.  As you go deeper, the light from the cave entrance fades so the guides are equipped with their lanterns.  However, there are instances when our guide's lamp malfunctions.  Good, this we had our light headlamps which we bought in Manila from Wyler Enterprises. 

As novice spelunkers, we were focused on taking one rock at a time.  I did my part slowly but surely.  As I looked up, most of my companions were already far from were I was.  Through my beginner's eyes, I could not trace the track they took because I could not differentiate one ruble from another.  Good thing, I was always with a guide.  They would patiently point were to step in each obstacle along the way.

I enjoyed the part were I just need to fit myself along the natural cracks along the boulders.

But, it was the rappelling which I found to be difficult.  They told me to bend and spread my legs so the rope won't shake to much as I pulled my own weight upward.  I noticed the guides could easily go up without any ropes though.

If you lack exercise and stamina like I do, you'll find the spelunking journey to be a bit exhausting.  However, the tour around the cave and the beautiful limestone formations is worth every ounce of sweat.  You'd have to see to appreciate their funny names like pregnant woman, mickey mouse, curtains and rice terraces.  There is also a huge cauliflower over there.  Although you way be thirsty, don't ever drink the water inside the cave.  Its stagnant water were you can get amoeba.  

Once you approach Sumaging Cave, you'll go through water tunnels which is in my opinion not as scary as seeing the dark and seemingly endless pits of Lumiang Cave.  But, the cold water can make you feel a slight pang to your tired nerves.  After the water and crawling through a mountain of bat poo, you'll find the light that will lead you to the entrance of Sumaging Cave.  The bat poo part was a bit of a challenge for me since countless of time, my slipper got stuck in it and my feet would slide of my flip flops.  Bringing along a hiking sandals or flip flops is advisable.

Once you get outside the cave, you'll have to climb a hundred more steps to reach the road.  

According to the cave rules, vandalism and scattering of trash is not allowed.  Sadly, there were some visible vandalism and trashes on the cave.  =(

Overall, the Sagada Cave Connections is one adventure that a Travel Tripster will never forget.  Try it out for an adventure of a lifetime.  After you're finish this cave, buy yourself a "I Survived Sagada" T-shirt from the nearby stores and tell your friends about it.

Sagada Cave Connections		Sagada Cave Connections
Price Per Person	FREE (guide 400 php)
Payment Options	Cash
Business Hours	Before 2 pm
Reservation Required	No but register at the Sagada Tourist Center
Contact
Other
Address
Sumaguing and Lumiang Caves
Transportation to Attraction
Jeepney, Bus
Commute Guide

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