I plan to go to Cotabato

Based on my history class, Cotabato is the birthplace of both Islam and Christianity in Mindanao. Islam started in 1371 when Arab Shariff Muhammad Kabunsuan arrived in Cotabato and converted the natives to Muslim. Then in 1872, Spanish Jesuits arrived and built a church to establish Christianity in the area. The Muslims and Christians have different religious beliefs, and even if they have differences they lived in Cotabato for centuries now and this long history made Cotabato an interesting place wherein diverse culture and colorful tradition thrive.

I have few friends who already been to Cotabato, and they gave me very nice pasalubongs. And having said the adjectives diverse and colorful, Cotabato yields products that are unique and I would say flamboyant pieces. Like the banig, brass jars, fabrics, and beads.

I’ll perhaps go to Cotatabato next year and I would like to share to you what my friends recommended me to visit.

• Cotabato City Hall – This is a century old structure where you can see antique Muslim architectural design.

• Kweba ni Satur – It was believed before by the natives as the entrance to hell.

• Kutawato Caves – The cave that is in the heart of the city with various entrances.

• Provincial Capitol Caves – Has awesome stalactites and stalagmites formation.

• Bagua Cave – Has a pond of salty spring flowing from the cave.

• Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto - A replica of the grotto in France. It has a mini zoo and children’s park.

Tamontaka Church – Was built in 1872, this is the oldest church in the city.

• Takumi Butai Memorial Shrine – A monument in honor of the Japanese soldiers who died during World War 2.

I hope to see all of these places soon.