Have you ever tried riding an Airplane? Or Have you ever tried walking on the clouds, running and touching the beauty of rainbows, being amazed and mesmerized by how His creation made us humans blissful? Or if not, have you ever met a person you know in the first place, a stranger and a not trustworthy person who suddenly turns out as your knight in shining armor? Many questions arose in my mind that I wanted to ask, but I could not construct the proper grammar and thought. But, have you visited a place for the first time where the connotation and stereotypes of many are harmful, and the judgment is unjust? If not, let me tell you about my experience before and after I visited Mindanao, especially how I left my heart in Cotabato City.
Nowadays, we commonly form judgments and opinions based on superficial characteristics such as appearance, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. Before, I always had that fear and stereotype that Mindanao was not a safe region because of what was being reported to the media. Honestly, I always use the media as a reason to think that when we say Mindanao, it is the land of chaos, misunderstanding, and a nutshell of Anti-Government people. But I didn't know well the other side of Maguindanaon people.
I only thought that people from the Muslim region were arrogant and self-centered, not until I was given a chance to ride a plane and have a 4-day and three nights stay in Cotabato City to attend a benchmarking activity, leadership training, and to satisfy and change my ego and stereotypes about Muslim region.
As someone who grew up in an urban city, I had always been drawn to the fast-paced lifestyle and the constant buzz of activity. But when I visited Cotabato City, everything changed. From the moment I arrived, I was bumped into by the beauty of the place. The lush greenery, stunning hills, and valleys were breathtaking. The infrastructure, ambiance, and rulings are unusual, from the bustling markets and busy streets to the serene countryside and tranquil riverbanks. But you know what refreshing is? I found myself feeling more relaxed and at peace than I had in my hometown. Who knows that a nobody student became a Student Trustee of an Institution that gives him many opportunities, that he will be able to celebrate also his special day in another place?
As I spent more time in the city, I encountered a lot of Muslims and Christians who were very kind, generous, and welcoming, to the point that they made me feel like I lived there many years ago. I was constantly amazed by the hospitality of the people in Cotabato City. It was the people who captured my heart. Despite the stereotypes and negative judgments they received, the people of Cotabato City were some of the most welcoming and hospitable I had ever met.
As my time in Cotabato City ended, I knew I would never forget this place or the people I met here. I had left a piece of my heart behind, and I knew I would always be drawn back to this magical and enchanting city.
And as I boarded the plane to return home, I realized the real purpose of my visit here. I did not only benchmark the best practices of one of their prestigious university, but I also committed myself to become a voice of the North, that the people of the South are good and very hospitable. Though I may never fully understand and discover the magic of this place, I know that it will always hold a special place in my heart. And so, I continue to return, eager to explore and discover all that Cotabato City has to offer, and grateful for the memories and experiences that have shaped my life forever.
Sigay Ka, Cotabato City! You're a place of endless wonder.
