First Impressions Of TAWI-TAWI! BUSTLING BONGAO! (Safe In 2023?)

[@Goingnowhere453]

I was at Zamboanga airport in 2013. I didn’t have cash on me and the atm wasn’t working. The security guards there pooled their resources and gave me the 200php I need for departure tax. I offered them my phone in exchange but they would not take it. “We will see you in Australia” they said. I will always remember their kindness and Zamboanga will always be a city I love because of that.

[@KumanderDaot]

That's a really awesome story... The people of Zamboanga have always also been kind to me

[@whoisperfect_no1.381]

Thank you very much my Friend! Its just unfortunate that western countries are not so updated or they just issue travel advisory that is place are unsafe for them. It is safer to tour there than in New York.

[@whoisperfect_no1.381]

@@KumanderDaot Not even a stray dog or an Idiot homeless will harm you in Zamboanga City. Overall, Zamboanga is a safe city by Filipino standards and also by western standards. Petty crime is something that you should look out for but besides being vigilant for things like pickpockets and common street scams, there's nothing much in Zamboanga that you need to worry about. (About Abu Sayyaf? They have long been gone. Only the mainstream Media tries to keep them alive as their cash cow.) In comparison to New York Recent News Headline and I quote, in shootings was “no coincidence.” Credit...Shannon Stapleton/Reuters  By Hurubie Meko July 6, 2023 Shootings in New York City dropped by about 25 percent through the first half of this year compared with the same period last year, extending a downward trend after a spike in violent crime during the pandemic. Unquote. 25% shooting down? Yet, nobody is issuing travel advisory..

[@shentara]

@@whoisperfect_no1.381I’m Filipino and my British friend told me that it is safer in Manila than in London or Paris,so when I was in the UK, I took my friend’s word to be careful and vigilant as there are areas in London that is considered unsafe both for tourist & local alike.

[@mielwanders5325]

Thank you for your kind words.

[@whoisperfect_no1.381]

While most Vloggers both Foreign and Locals covers BGC ( With Caption "is this really the Philippines?) Nakakasawa!!!this Content is Truly Refreshing and Awesome! Thank you KD you are the Man! Stay safe! Amping

[@chainSm0kr]

THIS!

[@sexymary]

Soo true.. Nakaka-inis tlga un ibang mentality na ung "Philippines" ay nka-focus lng sa may NCR.. lol

[@Rogerla62]

Glad you are feeling better. As an American, I have taken many things in life for granted and am surrounded by unhappy people trying to stay ahead of bills and debts. Then I see those who live in poverty, but are smiling and laughing, who are thankful for the day. Who really are the enlightened ones? I am looking forward to retiring to a much more simple life in the Philippines surrounded by my Filipino family who have accepted me into their family. Thanks for showing us such a variety of lifestyles there.

[@richardunica3542]

Imagine batanes island with out malls, supermarket, cinema, buildings.peoples lived very simple.

[@itsmeyah3168]

We Filipinos can manage to smile despite of all difficulties and trials be happy life is short ,

[@KumanderDaot]

Good evening everyone! Thanks so much for your patience, it's been a while! Before I caught the worst flu in the history of my knowledge of flu, I went to Tawi-Tawi - and it was amazing!

[@bloomladder]

I hope your feeling better! I sent an email about the fish pond!

[@nolyridao]

Thank you for featuring Tawi Tawi, in one of your travel vlogs. Hope you have a good time there. Safe travel always.

[@allanmativo7749]

What I like Kumader daut is he is always smiling, aside from his familiarity in speaking cebuano. Smiles is captivating

[@politicfrog]

I'm so happy for the place of Tawi-tawi, Sulu, and Basilan. Many foreigners and vloggers is going there its back to safe haven so peaceful now and the people are so nice. Beaches out there are one of the best in the Philippines.

[@KumanderDaot]

So happy to see these places having a life without fear once again 🙂

[@edgaraydaon291]

Kaya kayo taga Luzon huwag niyo I underestimate ang Mindanao kita niyo nman mga foreigner Diba safe

[@level1selamat155]

What about Abu Sayyah, MNLF MILF? No more?

[@ShaneShaneshiny]

​@@edgaraydaon291 Mindanao lang naman magulo pero yung tawi tawi parang ang laki ng pinag bago

[@PsyphaX09]

Security has improved so much in ARMM.

[@petebeltran6899]

The first and last time I was in Bongao was in 1978 during the Martial Law era. We did a documentary movie about the Badjaos in Sibutu Group of Islands near Borneo (Sabah). It was about four hours boat ride from Bongao, Tawi-Tawi. I would like to go back someday. Thank you Kumander Daot for sharing this video (vlog). Take care.

[@KumanderDaot]

I made it there in 2-3 videos time. Sitangkai and Sibutu - I really enjoyed it there.

[@elisaconoso2016]

A friendly vlogger, you have so many friends wherever you go. Inspite of being a british but i enjoy hearing you speaking bisaya. Always watching from Cebu City, Philippines.

[@melaniericket9333]

My friends and i are planning to tour Mindanao namely Tawi Tawi soon. Just feel bad that Mindanao was given a red flag for tourist . In fact it is a beautiful place in the Philippines. I love the culture and always proud of Mindanao

[@milomilo417]

Nice, Bongao is now clean, really developing. They should build a modern market to replace the burnt one, a multi-storey mall-type like the new Agdao market in Davao or the Palao market being constructed in Iligan. A modern market will encourage the sorrounding commercial buildings to gentrify, pushing Bongao to be more modern

[@johnblenkiron5126]

Thanks for the great cultural tour of Bongao on Tawi-Tawi. Not many get to see this unique part of the Philippines and even fewer get to visit the Badjao area. I hope your tour inspires others, especially Filipinos, to visit this part of their great nation.

[@aliasmarg8ta127]

I enjoyed this tour, It is interesting to see other people’s way of life. If we are respectful of other people’s traditions, we will all get along. I admire the way you were able to take it all in and not get overwhelmed. I get anxious when there’s too many people in small spaces. That upright plank to get on the boat OMG . It must be hard not to buy all the woven mats.

[@freedom341]

nakaad2 pod mi dra last month. it was super amazing mga tao dra buotan og dili mapanlamang. (sa ako feeel exp lang ha) ug jusko kabbarato sa mga seafoods hehehe preska pa gyud kaau

[@humminbird6990]

Beautiful place indeed. Tawi-tawi. I wish someday I will visit this place.

[@cathyjones1989]

This was a fun adventure for sure. So many interesting people and friendly. Stunning mats!

[@amyjacintomcfarland4769]

Wow kumander you went to the place that the people are very friendly and compassionate to everyone ❤

[@gg_Javier]

Tawi-Tawi = interesting to see the impoverished neighborhoods, but also sad esp the children. You were so PATIENT with the locals, esp the Lolas, Kumander. And you're always thinking of pasalubongs -- which is really commendable. Can't wait to see the rest of the series.

[@christopherturco197]

KD, This was worth the wait! I am always so delighted by all the vibrant colors in these southern communities, whether it's the boats, the tricycles, the clothing and woven goods, and even many of the buildings as viewed from your drone shots of Tawi-Tawi. I most enjoyed the smiles of the children and, especially, the little happy dance as performed by the girl at 16:32. So glad you're feeling better now. Sounds like that flu really knocked the stuffing out of you.

[@jusmoli]

Past tawi-tawi nest of abu sayaf..now it's the most interesting place..salute Philipino united

[@kuyajune2393]

So it’s just a past. Thanks at sana makapunta kami jan.

[@caryverzijl]

One of the best Philippines vlogger follow him from the start when he picked Kulas up. Strange thing is I never fast forward his vlogs hope to meet you someday keep up this excellent footage

[@iggypopbowie2073]

What i missed in tawi-tawi especially in bongao is the seafoods, best ukay2x shop located in the market, friendly and nice people, the beach, bongao peak,. If i'm gonna be a millionaire i want to live in bongao.

[@nordeguzman]

So nice to see southern most parts of the Philippines slowly opening up. Hope that one day i get to visit there as well

[@yuekadere]

kumander daot ... thanks very much you update me for very long time i was been there in Bongao in 1980 to 1982 during time of armed Conflict ... i missed it already .. its peaceful & their beaches ... 👍👍👍

[@kuyaIhor]

Napakakawili-wiling video! Very interesting video!

[@Traumedic21]

Wonderful tour of Tawi-Tawi, mate. Looking forward to more about the place and the people! Cheers!

[@darrellbrixey5341]

Thank you Kumander for sharing this awesome content. Glad you are feeling better

[@tinaraphael9783]

Kumander is back on stage yeah. Good evening to all TAWI TAWI lovely people.

[@benjamindilodilo9626]

So many places to explore in Tawi Tawi!! Peaceful place!!

[@AkilezNewEngland]

You are the second person I watched about Tawi-Tawi the first one was Howie Severino. Love your documentary vlog, Southern Mindanao is truly beautiful and the people. So under rated and victimized by bad publicity from local and foreign news outlet. Thanks Sir Daot for showing us - Filipinos our own Country.

[@BernardoAlung-yp1kv]

Kulas was also vlog there in Tawi Tawi He is Canadian, his you Tube is Becoming filifino

[@daddyonard2641]

My favorite travel vlogger. Safe travels!

[@thevs25]

Great character kumander daot still smiling who anyone interact...

[@irenereyesvlogs2809]

I am so amazed by foreign vloggers who knows how to speak Bisaya as it is more difficult language than Tagalog. Even myself, as bisaya never went to Tawi2x as most of my friends mentioned that's it's dangerous place but when I see your vlogs it seems safe

[@dorisdalanon6663]

Wow! Kumander Daut, you were able to visit Tawi-tawi. God bless you on your travels.

[@leamsidabi680]

I can say that we Filipinos know and love Kumander Daot...

[@richardsamillano8016]

Media lang naman ang sobrang nagsama sa imahe ng ng sulu at tawi2x noon,buti nalang at nauso na ang social media kaya mismong mga turista at mga vloggers na ang magpapatunay kung gaano na ka ganda at peaceful ang tawi2x at sulu..nawa mas marami pang turista ang bumisita sa lugar na ito para ang economic activities ng probinsya na ito ay lumago na makakatuling sa mga local community.

[@dejesussantiago2516]

I love the people and the place itself.... thank you K.Daot for bringing me there...❤

[@aurorasarmiento4694]

KD you made it!...wow, that's amazing....that's one of my bucket list...I hope that I can visit that soon, been to Region 12, Romblon, Zamboanga especially in Dapitan....wish I can visit that place ....that's awesome...

[@chellemi01]

Thanks for the video @KumanderDaot! I want to buy all those colorful mats! They are all amazingly beautiful!!!

[@bevrogers1412]

Great vlog, love those beautiful colored weave!!!

[@TheThailightZone]

2:50 the dancers look verry similar to Indonesian artists. It is a very colourful town.

[@maricarocampo5948]

I always watch your vlog kumander daot you are amazing person even i dont see you in person,take care and god bless always......

[@DrewsTravels]

An absolute legend of travel vloggers. Cheers Aselm for the inspiration to create Drew's Travels, documenting province life on the island of Leyte, Philippines.

[@mariayssabellelovemarajo8207]

I proud to say that even we have different tribes we live side by side...Christian Muslim respect its other.... ❤❤❤

[@pvdp2]

Tausug Muslims and Visayan Christians. Parehas sila Bisdak. Magsukul! Mabuhi!

[@kuyajune2393]

May tagalog ba diyan?

[@kuyajune2393]

Sana makapunta ako diyan

[@dan-dp3dq]

@@kuyajune2393 marunong din magtagalog

[@rowelalday352]

Enjoy your travel kumander,thanks for sharing your experiences,you have a nice personality,God bless you

[@Yuyaplyer]

I wish you have many blessings and healthy happy life for you and your family, I wish your success here in KZbin and don't stop making very wonderful videos like this one.

[@AngMarinduqueño]

lovely place..truly amazing

[@User5260jo]

It is always fascinating to watch those graceful dancers!❤ Enjoy the journey Kumander D.

[@levylimbago2864]

Tawi tawi and sulo really steaping it up!wow

[@alsimarsaidol342]

Welcome to tawi-tawi sir, Explore and enjoy the beautiful beaches there and stay safe.

[@acquisitium]

good to see that you are better again!

[@kauai5839]

Peace to my brothers and sisters in the BARMM of the Philippines.Kumander u the man,excellent vlog.👌🏼👍🏻🤙🏼🙏🏻.Peace!

[@ericflores840]

Nice content of beautiful taw-tawi!👍💕

[@unoblock3296]

NIce to see Bonggao again.Thanks to Kumander Daot for showing how it is now in Tawi tawi. When I went there a decade ago the airport was closed so I took a 16-hour boat ride from Zamboanga where we encountered rough seas. It is best to take a plane ride. Now the place looks a lot improved so it is good to come and visit the place.

[@djago1891]

the locals are friendly amazing 🤩

[@FilCanGil]

Awesome video KD. I love the use of coconut milk in their dishes.

[@michaelmonton5363]

Good to see you feeling great Anselm. Looking forward to your videos.

[@eliyang29]

Hope you're well now 👍🏻 Cheers to more adventures 🍻

[@guimarasourhomeberro2494]

Kumander Daot is the man..very humble and simple person ...enjoy it and be safe boss ❤

[@burningheart1224]

Thank you Kumander for featuring Tawi-Tawi. To erased the bad stigma of the placr

[@shannonsullivan3851]

Awesome, looking forward to getting there to have a look My favourite Welshman!!🙌🙌

[@ilovewdrewstravels]

I admire you success Ansel, Drew's Travels knows growing a KZbin channel is not an easy endeavour.

[@rodelbunag9823]

I was assigned there for almost one year, people were so nice , animals like monkeys can be seen at bongao peak and nearby mountains, there were crocodiles in some areas, what caught my attention were beautiful eagles flying low altitude around poblacion.

[@KumanderDaot]

The eagles are really everywhere! So special!

[@mauricio-bp4tr]

Wow Ty Much For The Vlog.. As If We Visited Tawi Tawi Too..💯EPIC!

[@haberitomanalo9671]

good for you sir, because you have gone to this southern most part of our country nevertheless you demonstrated us the actual life of our muslim brothers in these places quite impressive ! more power to you!😊😊😊

[@timmy4wimmy]

Thanks

[@KumanderDaot]

Thanks so much!

[@superdongvlog6888]

Nice place kumander.. daghan kaayo ug isda .. amping kumander ....

[@flinze2001]

What a trip man! Love to go there too. hahaha

[@magdalenagaton2737]

Because of this tour in Tawi- Tawi am one of your subscriber now. Happy Saturday and your team .

[@rosequiling9666]

Thanks for coming to Bongao. So much fresh Fishes and Sea foods. You should have learned to eat Siyanglag and Piyuto, Daral and Putlih Mandi.

[@kuyajune2393]

Gusto ko sea foods.

[@watsupmananap]

Ang ganda pala ng tawi tawi. Sana makapunta ako jan soon. ❤❤

[@johndoerizal3402]

Very informative.thanks for showing the southernmost part of the Philippines showing that the place is safe to travel.

[@MrSwimmer89]

It has been a few days since you posted a video and we were worried about you. We enjoyed your video and hope to see another one soon. Those woven mats were beautiful.

[@magdalenagaton2737]

Thank you Kumander Daot for the wonderful tour today . I felt I was having a hoping tour in Tawi- Tawi never been there . Thank KD and your team

[@diDaN75]

The fish named "Pandawan," also known as "DORADO," is considered one of the best. It's particularly famous among those who sail across the globe. The small black one is pretty new to me.

[@EngrAldrin]

Maayo pa ning mga langyaw kay naka adto pa ug TawiTawi. kadaghanan nato mga pinoy ug bisdak wala pa gyud ka adto ug mahadlok mo bisita sa lugar. Salamat sa pagpakita nga nindot ang Tawi Tawi nindot ang Mindanao.

[@emman2702]

Ayaw kahadlok kay mga peace loving ang mga taga tawi2 ayaw tuo sa balita og media.daghan bisaya dre sa tawi2 maayu ang kahimtang

[@builtnotboughtmadeinphilip3955]

Theyre boats are distictive. Happy travels friend

[@LitaMiller-qf6lt]

Good jod, good heart Cmdr! They see and feel your good heart thats why they accept and welcome you.

[@ZhanMiyong]

Another beautiful vlog kumander .....

[@apayagamin]

This will be part of my bucket list

[@Judylita]

Ang Ganda sobra Ang tawitawi at ambabait ng mga tao,kaso lang Hindi mo talaga maiwasan matakot😊

[@emmanuelzozobrado5981]

Great video kumander 😊😊

[@ralphrouensubaldo2741]

Oh! My Birth place! I was there last year for vacation. 😍

[@darlenemyles1155]

Busy Places! 😮 WOW!

[@user-cc1wz6wv5c]

Hi, after seeing your tour of Bongao. I’m so impressed & thrilled that I booked my flight to experience & explore Tawi Tawi. Kudos, matey! 😀

[@KumanderDaot]

Enjoy! You'll love it!

[@atlantafan1156]

Enjoyed the video. The wooden boat reminded me of ones we used to take from Davao to go home only it was often piled high with sacks of copra. It would be nice for an NGO to help the women market those mats in boutiques in cities in the Philippines or abroad with profits being returned to the community.

[@mylahbarreto5265]

Cool, wooden boat! They’re everywhere!

[@domingomarbella2673]

Filipino people treat foreigners with decency and respect in the Philippines..hope that treatment is reciprocal...thank you..

[@AngryKittens]

It's like finally seeing the mysterious lands every time Tawi-Tawi gets featured. It's great to see it developing very rapidly now.

[@eduardodeleon3972]

More power kumander👍🏼

[@JourneyWithDavaoJack]

Great video Kumander. Very informative. Thank you.

[@geniesaints229]

Thanks for showing our beautiful mindanao

[@joemariegenoveza2505]

Maganda na ngayon friendly na mga tao jn sa tawi tawi lalo na sa mga dayuhan pra nman ito sakanila para lalong lumakas lumakas ang tourism jan sainyo

[@johnmiranda4587]

Hoping for the construction of schools, sports venues, manufacturing business establishments, business districts, roads, and bridges to connect tawi tawi, sulu islands to the main island of Mindanao and the last housing projects not constructed above seawater.

[@Laypon2]

And address cleanliness

[@johnmiranda4587]

@@Laypon2 The first step towards achieving that goal is to relocate all housing built above bodies of water. Although it may be challenging considering it's embedded in the culture, I still hold on to the hope that it can be accomplished. Imagine the drainage system there.😬

[@Laypon2]

@@johnmiranda4587 yeah! And it’ll take time and money to do that, aside from the (lack😅) of political will . Its not only in Tawi-tawi. In our place, Davao. May famous Pearl farm resort sa Samal Island pero ang kaharap , squatters na sa dagat nakatira , madumi Pde namang maging malinis kahit mahirap tau. Sayang ang natural resources ng Pilipinas. Education and discipline ang kulang

[@bernardknowles8421]

Great video thanks 👍

[@jinggeorpames3273]

Enjoy tawi tawi adventure KD👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@elyasessa5118]

Thanks for your beautiful video I like it 💞💞

[@margaritasun7908]

I will follow you ... , yes ! one by one , im visiting the places you showcased , especially in Mindanao.

[@morevideo8693]

Congratulations Mr...you are the first came visit to tawi2

[@glendaquintos6158]

thank you for a nice video kumander daot