nice to meet you BASILAN!

finally! after years of trying (including all the excuses iv got for my parents back in highschool) im able to set foot in Basilan!!! (my parents seemed forced to allow me since they know there's no stopping me from my lakwatsa mode)

this is my first trip this 2010. :-)


one of the first sites you'll notice once you reached their port is this mosque on stilts... iv seen a lot of houses on stilts here in zambo but my first to see their mosque built that way too. :-) this is on the other side of the bridge visible from the port... but i was able to take this photo when we happen to pass by the bridge while running around for some errand. :-)




another thing to note once you've reached Isabela City is this other island in front of the city. and just like the shoreline of Isabela City it is also full of houses on stilts. the waterway between Isabela and this island seems to be very busy with people transported through small bancas. notice how even a motorcycle is being fitted in the banca. :-)




you'll also notice that most streets in downtown Isabela city mostly have uphills.




we happen to pass by the Basilan capitol so i was able to take this photo. But Leila told me that I should check out their very pink City hall... :-)




we also stopped by the only catholic church in Isabela city. i like the interior specially the altar. :-)




i enjoyed my short trip to Isabela City. I left the place wanting to see more of it when il get the chance to come back. :-) I feel guilty that I am affected by the negative impressions about the place because of the Muslim extremist activities. But who can blame me, self preservation! :-)But really im loving Isabela City. :-) I just wish that there will really come a time when people visit this place without any fear. There's so much to explore and appreciate about the place.

well for now... it was nice to finally meet you Basilan! :-)