The Islamic City of Marawi

Photo c/o philstar.com

It was summer of 1969 when I got to visit Marawi City, specifically the campus of the Mindanao State University.  We were spending our annual summer vacation with relatives in Iligan City when it was decided that we take a day trip up.  We made the obligatory stop at the Maria Cristina Falls before we finally made it to the MSU flagship campus.

I was in my early teens then and what was very distinct and memorable about that trip was the cool breeze coming from the nearby mountains and the majesty of Lake Lanao from a distance.  I know we took a family photo, in black and white, on a sign post in the campus, unfortunately that has been lost.  I also could recall the fear and apprehension as we traveled up because it was a place of notoriety.

Our misplaced fear and apprehension dissipated when we reached our destination. The people we met were the friendliest, with warm and sincere smiles.  I know it was just a very short trip, not really enough to come up with a credible conclusion.  But I will always cherish that moment when I first set eyes on Marawi and most specially Lake Lanao.

I offer my prayers to the people of Marawi, that they may have peace in their lives soon.  And for our soldiers, I pray that they may be freed from harm, as they do their solemn duty to defend the republic.