With almost six months stint in Mindanao in my previous job, I can say that one of my memorable and unforgettable experiences was when I stayed in different cities, municipalities and province of Mindanao where I was still working in a pharmaceutical company. I am sure some of you who never been in Mindanao will only hear about how dangerous Mindanao is because of the “Abu Sayaf” and other Muslim rebels and those long years fights reported in news.

But there’s a lot of beautiful and peaceful places and great food in Mindanao. There are also many nice people Christians or Muslims.

I will never forget the “bulkachiong” which has become my favorite in Davao although I was also a regular Flyover Ihaw-Ihaw and Taps restaurant in Davao. The crispy tuna tail “buntot ng tuna” in General Santos, the beef nilaga in the road side restaurant when I would be on my way to Marvel “Sultan Kudarat,  the carinderia and durian I tried when I would be in Tagum and pansitan and bananas in Digos. The stopover food and hard boiled eggs of Bukidnon,  the concept of unlimited rice when you order chicken inasal in Cagayan de Oro and the restaurant in front of former President Macapagal – Arroyo in Iligan and with all the fruits of Mindanao. These are the things I really miss and dream of having once again.

By the way, if you happen to go there, please avoid lighting your cigars in public when in Davao because almost all of the public places are pegged as no smoking areas.