My Journey To MARAWI (Philippines Richest City?)

MY JOURNEY TO MARAWI HAS BEEN A LONG TIME IN THE MAKING.
After all, the Maranao culture is centuries old. It is perhaps the most preserved in not only the Moro world, but the whole Philippines.
How could I tell this story the right way?
From Bukidnon, I made a short trip to the town of Amai Manabilang - formerly known as Bumbaran, after the beautiful valley in the Maranao epic "Darangen", it was only settled (and converted from forest) in the 1960s - but provides some inspiration for the journey.
From the edge of Lanao del Sur, I travelled through forest (Maguing) to Lake Lanao itself - and what a beautiful sight it is. Torogans, pater, browa - this is an ancient, royal culture - that was never colonised!
Marawi is my final destination today - and given my route, I have no choice but to pass through "Ground Zero" - where the horrific 2007 Battle of Marawi took place. The destruction is still evident - which is saddening.
But I want to focus on the great Maranao culture - first with the cuisine, and then by visiting MSU, the home of education in this peaceful, cool land.
There is more to come - but this is a great introduction.
================
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[@vwandtiny3769]

The ancient culture and the smiling faces are the future for Marawi, there is so much potential if they can do the infrastructure. Love it there...

[@stephenhibbert3835]

Well done Kumander you are progressing to be quite the documentary filmmaker this is high quality material of an interesting subject keep it up.

[@AFSHomestead]

KD, I'm so glad to see that many subscribers have noticed and described this video as a documentary. You are doing a great job in turning more and more as documentary creator, you have the potential and natural ability to continue becoming a great documentary producer and I encouraging you to keep taking the steps because you have what it takes my friend. Keep turning potential into realities. That is what documentaries are all about.

[@KumanderDaot]

Really appreciate this 😁

[@KumanderDaot]

A little note again: while Marawi and Lanao del Sur has some of the richest culture of all, I did arrange this in advance and had locals with me all the way. I'd advise that, if nothing else, so you can understand the culture better.

[@josevon9764]

KUmander, wanna see the entire Marawi City using your drone, please...

[@KumanderDaot]

@@josevon9764 next video 🙂

[@vonaroz4354]

Kumander very very good content well articulated we Filipinos are strangers in our own country thank you for making this video and mabuhay to our Filipino brothers in the southern part of the Philippines 🇵🇭hope we will be united with a good purpose mabuhay again very beautiful

[@jinggeorpames3273]

Good jobs KD...more docu vlog 🎉🎉🎉

[@MilknHoney-ge5bd]

Kumander Daot, you’ve made me shed buckets of tears just watching this video. I have never been given the chance to return to my homeland for nearly 8 years now, and I’m living vicariously through you. Someday, I hope to return to Lanao del Sur and maybe, I can show you our municipality, Marantao - where the oldest torogan in the Philippines is located. The Maranao culture is fascinating, and the Lake Lanao is mystical and full of secrets.

[@MikeZee83]

Honestly most Filipinos don’t go to places like this, and that is a sad thing😢 But this brave content creators, makes it easier for us to get into there culture.

[@jonjap8363]

Who would want to go there. I went to Lanao del Norte before but never ventured to the South.

[@KumanderDaot]

@@MikeZee83 I just hope to open minds a little bit because people are (understandably) fearful of places like this. There is a very rich culture here, and a whole lot of beauty and hospitable people too. I'm not going to deny that there are some dangers still, but those can be managed if you have the right guides and are careful. Hope the banditry will finally come to an end one day...

[@FOX090270]

I been there 2 times, nothing to be afraid, the people there is polite educated. Majority are Muslim.

[@MikeZee83]

@@KumanderDaot That is right, specially after the Marawi siege, people often think that the place has never get back on its feet. But i see that is not the case now. Also im a proud Mindanaoan. Amping permi KD🦾

[@estheranneabrenica3958]

Born and raised there myself. I miss the place i called home.

[@nhelplummer]

Watching this video feels like I am there. Food served makes me drool and want to eat too! Hahaha! Such an amazing video! Maka proud. 🥰

[@KumanderDaot]

I would bring some but I think it'll spoil haha

[@romeoramos6650]

Nhel, KD is really doing a great job exploring and exposing the inner beauty/ and culture.

[@ldyinpurple]

Amazing how far you have reached. Even Marawi, nothing is really impossible with you Kumander. Thank you for taking us there! Always take care on your journeys and God Bless!

[@NickyDunn]

Happy Thursday. Always informative and educational. Great video. Gorgeous views. Good vibes. Always Like and Share. Thank you for sharing. Wishing you and your family a wonderful day.

[@StephenGilmour-fm9gt]

Kumander this vlog is so inspiring showing the side of the Philippines that most of us don't see. I love your exploration of Marawi showing us the beauty and culture of the people and the lands. Thanks kumander

[@marlonlumapas5525]

Kumander Daot Thanks for visiting my alma mater MSU marawi and featuring sining kambayoka ensemble rehearsal I’m proud to be one of the alumni of this theatre group.. Amping permi sa imong pag biyahe, ug padayon sa pag features permi sa tanan Philippine ethnic groups.

[@binca4439]

Very well presented,KD. Based on facts,and personal experience. You’ve done your homework, KD… kudos to you.

[@offthecuffadventureswithjamie]

Very nice! My favourite part was the farmers moving forward with their coffee harvests! ❤️ It seems some serious progress is occurring! Thanks for sharing. 😊

[@Rexonmanalo]

Amazing journey, culture, and people. Thank you so much for showing us the beauty of Marawi

[@charlesetienne6037]

KD you documented your vlog as a real pro on a level like these highly reputable channels like History, Discovery and even National geographic. I never get bored and never skipped your videos. One day I will see these vlogs on one of these big channels, I am 100% sure it will be title Komander Doat Journey across The Philippines. Once that hit these channels even Bear Grills will have a run for his survivals shows. Good luck bro keep the good work man. You deserves millions of subscriptions from the Philippines people for your hard work.

[@KumanderDaot]

I appreciate your kind words so so much! Have a great day!

[@charlesetienne6037]

@@KumanderDaot thanks bro you one of these vlogers that really put the Philippines in perspective of a high tourism destination full of sights, sounds, natural beauty, culture and cuisine of the country. Not those adverts to get a Philippines wife, the rat race and difficulties the people face there. I love your channel promoting the country. The government and tourism department should give you medal of honour for your hard work.

[@maclovioberumen1917]

Never seen it before, but I'm seeing it through your eyes. Thanks kumander. Cool men 😎

[@mb.hussein3]

Never expected you to visit here. I appreciate you showed a little glimpse of life here in Marawi City and layered a brief history and narration. (im the guy at 17:40. I was a little bit nervous when i saw you in the annex 😆)

[@KumanderDaot]

Nice meeting you 😁😁

[@teresitacampagna4960]

A great vlog/documentary! Thanks for taking us to Lanao and Marawi. I've always wondered what Marawi and the MSU campus look like. I have a few Maranao friends who used to teach at MSU. The campus looks beautiful. Love your narration and featuring of culture, cuisine and livelihood. Always enjoy your vlogs.

[@peterabild1123]

Excellent. Keep up this documentary style. Love it

[@Ray_Warren]

You have one of the best, if not the best Philippines vlogs.

[@maritesidanas2452]

Truly very informative vlogs. Salamat Kumander Daot.

[@BecomingCOCONUTS]

Looking forward to more on Marawi KD. Cheers from Big ears Mate!🥥🥥

[@chamcband1631]

Part 2 please! 😍😍😍 excited to watch!

[@chamcband1631]

Oh wow! My hometown, Marawi!!! Thank you for visiting. I’m willing to be your tour guide if you want to come back. ☺️♥️

[@FriedEgg101]

I recently started dating someone from cotabato, who works in the same hospital as me in the uk. Your videos are insightful and educational for me, and I really appreciate them. I love how friendly and happy you are. Thanks

[@marcandtikayhappiness2000]

Hello Anselm, that’s a great discovery of the culture in this region of the Philippines. Beautiful landscape, nice food and great editing as always. Merci beaucoup Monsieur Daot 😃

[@lancegomez384]

Hi , Kumander",, this is a nice vlog giving an update in MARAWI, a good coverage of your trip THANKS AND ALL THE BEST,,,...>>>>>>>>>

[@slycere]

This is an awesome post! More power Kumander!

[@knightofthesun1738]

Thank you, K.D. for bringing me back to MSU-Marawi, I was there as a young man. Keep safe, Sir.

[@KistersPortal]

Great video Kumander! Napakaganda talaga ng MSU. Nakapag-aral ako dyan ng College Preparatory Course-2008...naaalala ku ang daming CPC, pang section 25 kami. nagpa Fog pa dyan lalo na pag december❤️

[@aurorasarmiento4694]

Kudos to Anselm, another awesome vlog, and yes you are becoming a documentary filmmaker like they said and I am 100% agree with that...thank you for showing another side of our country Philippines...keep it up KD, enjoy and be safe always...God bless.

[@mikeworden2167]

Thank you for the excellent video. Marawi is a snapshot of the Philippines way of life. Try to make a life for you and your family, have disaster strike (man made or natural) then rebuild your life again. All with that big smile just glad to be alive attitude. Thank you for reminding me how lucky I have it.

[@RY-mj3oz]

Àwesome. Absolutely awesome. immersing yourself (and us) into Filippino people, culture and history. Not shunnning the dark side but highlightnig the resilience and spirit of the local people and their willingness to mingle with their countrymen. You, Anselm, are awesome.

[@lordgrace5404]

m big fan of You Kumander Daot....I like the way you show the towns and provinces down there❤❤❤❤. You deserve recognition. you are very smart.

[@andimanila]

Great video, Kumander. (In my head, for some reason, I call you Anselm, lol) Yes, "Pioneer's Park" IS a really hard name to pronounce for a Welshman. 😈😈😈 Mindanao is a BEAUTIFUL place. It's sad that even Pinoys are afraid to visit because of the insurgents. Your vids and those of Kulas make me want to see it again someday. Can't right now, since I live out of the country. Maybe in a few years when I and the hubby retire. I remember back in '89 or '90, I went with classmates to Lake Sebu, to research the T'Boli. I had wanted to visit the Maranao as well, but our guide was really adamant that we didn't, especially since it was spur of the moment and we were all girls, bar one guy. The Mindanao you show is sooo different now (duh, should be, its been 30+ years 🙄) that it would be lovely to see it again. Keep it up. Thanks for lessening this old lady's homesickness. Lol! Addendum: Just found a Malong I bought on that trip, that I'd forgotten I had. 😂😂😂

[@JABM-AU]

Marawi has a possible to be a rich city if the Moro nation would work together for peace with the government. The city is in the best geographical location, with a huge lake and the city itself is surrounded by mountains. I have been there last year with my Filipina step-mother who bought land just outside the city. I love the place.

[@MultiPaupau123]

Kumander Daot I'm Paulo from :Luzon Islands married a wife also from Mindano she also taught me how to Speak Bisaya, by anb by I also speak the dialect fluently like you, Thanks for deligently exlporing the Islands murag ako nga dili ka afford mo anha sa tanan lugar nga imong gi adtuan hinaot ko nga padayon lang nimo ang iyong passion nga ipakita sa mga followers nimo kung unsa ka gwapo ineng Isla sa Pilipinas. God Bless you unta na maka adto pog ka dire sa amoa sa Luzon.. Daghang salamat Kumader..

[@KumanderDaot]

Balik ko sa Luzon puhon... Salamat pud kaayo Paulo

[@romeoramos6650]

Well done KD, me living out here in the west, always wait for your vlog to come out its like an educational documentary, odd to say but between you and Kulas, I've probably seen more of the interior than than my travels before I left.

[@geneeric8798]

Marawi, my birthplace. I'm excited of this video Kumander because I've never seen a vlog before following the Bukidnon to Marawi following the East of the Lake route.

[@KumanderDaot]

Ah, you're from Marawi! Yes, that road is really newly complete!

[@geneeric8798]

@@KumanderDaot Born in Marawi, grew up in Iligan, back to MSU Marawi for college, now working in Cagayan de Oro. BTW, I'm excited to cross the new Panguil Bridge after Setp. 27 opening. Vlog dayon didto Kumander! :)

[@geneeric8798]

@@KumanderDaot Ug e cover and fiesta sa Iligan on Sept. 29; pag motor kay traffic kaayo basta fiesta hehe

[@KumanderDaot]

Hehe, excited pud ko sa Panguil Bay Bridge!

[@RG-rc8yk]

I want to congratulate you on your progress. Your videos and production have progressed very well and I enjoy them. You produce much better quality now. The content is very interesting. That picture is very clear. The layout is well organized.

[@OganicaBean]

Philippine is an agricultural country. Rich in natural resources. It is looking for a leadership who believes, gives an extraordinary commitment and focus. Minerals and oil underneath are many. Above all, people are great.

[@christopherturco197]

Marawai seems like such a dynamic community. So glad they are able to move past the events of the not so distant past. I love all the beautiful architecture there and hope that the damaged buildings will soon be restored to their former condition, making the community whole again. They need to have full healing to strengthen the unity of the place. Thanks, KD, for bringing us back to this beautiful place! I remember we did a similar dance, a singkil, 19:45 when I was with the University of Hawaii Fil-Am Club. I was one of the people working the bamboo poles. This brings back a very funny memory that makes me laugh every time I think of it. To present the dance more authentically at our performance, I did not wear my glasses (I didn't have contact lenses, yet). All of us performers walked out in a procession, each of us carrying a bamboo pole. We then lowered our bamboo pole to our partner at the start of the dance. When my partner's bamboo came down, it just missed my nose, but I was so blind to it that I didn't even flinch.🤣 Good thing for me! It might have turned out much worse, but, fortunately, it turned out to perfection and my nose remained fully intact.😆😂🤣

[@KumanderDaot]

@@christopherturco197 your nose is still intact, what a brilliant story haha! Thanks Chris... I feel a lot of good energy in Marawi.

[@christopherturco197]

@@KumanderDaot Anselm, thanks for giving me reasons to remember such great memories! I think that's why I love your travel vlogs so much. Plus, I get to share them with someone who can appreciate them.

[@Rexonmanalo]

Amazing trip and amazing people! Thank you for showing us the beauty of Marawi.

[@SamuelMartin-n9k]

Great videi kumander!!!! 2 thumbs up my friend!!!!

[@annehiggins5958]

Hi kumander, great video, love your channel x I hope you and the family are well xx

[@mortenchristensen7586]

perfekt as always keep it up love it countdown to the move have begun cant wait 👍👍

[@Muskabeatz]

Epic vlog... More of these types of Vlogs, Anselm.

[@noelc.santos7989]

It’s been good. Looked like you were having fun. Thank you.

[@arifampaso4667]

I'm a fan now haha, thank you for showing how beautiful marawi is and especially my alma mater-msu campus. Enjoy the stay kumander daut and explore the beautiful culture of meranaos!

[@Rexonmanalo]

Kumander we love you!!! Keep up the good work

[@tyo1960-y1g]

Hi Kumander D you have the balls to go and explore Marawi City be careful and watch your back. I was born and raised in Lanao del Norte but never been to that place. Thanks a lot for all the things and stuff you enjoyed the most adventure per see, good luck and take care. God Bless your heart ❤❤❤❤

[@cesarvtiongco]

Thank you so much Kumander Daot, you are one of the best vlogger to document some of the culture in the muslim world . In my time going to Marawi or visit Mindanao all will tell you that is very dangerous to do..But showing to us is an eye opener that this not so, it is my dream to one day I can personally visit the whole Mindanao to see for my self the beauty of its culture and its people....

[@JeraldIrisary]

Its great that you recognize and appreciate to explore the place of Marawi, Kumader Daot. I got chills when you passed by Ground Zero. Sadly, my cousin-relative was among those soldiers who perished heroically during the siege back in 2017.

[@KumanderDaot]

May your cousin rest in peace. A true hero indeed.

[@littlegirl8499]

To all muslim asalamualaykom ,proud to be maranao ,I’m from lanao del sur❤

[@bluesnitoper]

ganda ng episode na'to, KD ♥

[@godministry75]

Very informative vlog. seldom we see Marawi and BARMM areas

[@martina1330]

Nice one kumander daot❤

[@dobidapdapgoesrandom9577]

Da best kaayo oy, maayo kaayo mag story teller sa vlog , idol @kumander daot haha

[@dandee2885]

You know what they need to farm is UBE, there's a great craving of this in U.S and some parts of the world...Old saying' strike the gold while it's hot.

[@genovevastahlberg4516]

😮😮😮its really amazing!

[@DeonHadjiAlicalbi]

Kumander daot you are famous I'm far away home I'm glad happy to see my hometown in your vlog god bless bro your always welcome in marawi

[@Fvefngrz]

Nag kadugay nag ka astig mga content nmo kumander ..congrats🎉🎉🎉👍

[@rodney5199]

Another good show Kumander

[@abduljaleelazeezulhaq2529]

Different vibes. Enjoyed it. From Abdul Azeez from Sri Lanka

[@r_donor669]

Wow ang ganda 💙🌻💙 I hope tourist will visit the place, gandang hapon kumander daot 🌻 from bulubundukin ng montalban rizal 💙

[@scotbownes5627]

Great video 👍🙂

[@kevinalegria6705]

Kalami sa Pater! Iparis pajud sa pinirito nga isda ug manok 😋😋😋

[@lindaangeles-hill3014]

What a great vlog Kumander Daot. You really have become a seasoned commentator. I'm originally from Davao. You have just made me even prouder to be a MIndanaoan. I noticed the roads looked good. How long have they been this good?

[@KumanderDaot]

You should absolutely be proud to be a Mindanaoan! The roads have really improved since 2018 or so... a lot of concreting!

[@lindaangeles-hill3014]

@@KumanderDaot Finally! Sooo happy for my island.

[@SeaweedHero]

More Marawi!

[@KumanderDaot]

Coming up in a few days!

[@taurusbullheaded8558]

I am born in Marawi City and I have not visited that place since I was born. I am so territfied of visiting that place maybe because when I was a kid Marawi is known for being a notorious place for christian people.

[@bevrogers1412]

Beautiful region 😊

[@MrAbrahamfquinal]

Awesome

[@jserenity]

So we have the sweetest mango, the sweetest banana and the best coffee!

[@Missy_potato]

I miss marawi❤❤

[@yinyang4886]

Kumander dont forget to visit aga khan museum in msu to see cultural artifacts. visit lake view resort, the inside of renovated center mosque, the picturesque new cafe n restaurants at heaven road, sarimanok sports center. maybe the beautiful mosques around lake lanao, for lanao sur should be aptly called the province of a thousand mosques

[@KumanderDaot]

In the next vlog 🙂 I've never seen such a high density of mosques! So so many! The beauty!

[@urakmix9913]

I miss marawi

[@novyespinosa9749]

💖💖💖

[@ianendangan7462]

4:50 the sweetness has something to do with the soil and the rain frequency. If the soil is volcanic the more "aslum" 😊😊😊.

[@KumanderDaot]

I thought it's something like that too. Similar to the coffee in the previous vlog, periods of rain and sun do wonders...

[@VangieAquino-yi7dm]

❤️❤️❤️

[@alimsaanyg.6274]

MSU Alumni here :)

[@hanzelkit]

Wow! Welcome to MSU

[@jibrilexplorer]

New to your channel, We like you adventure. Take Carevmy brother, my name is Kumader Jibril, hahaha. Your surname “Daut” is Visayan Word. Means…. (Please ask the Bisaya). Beautiful Video, kamao man diay ka ug Visaya. Hahaha. Bisaya ka Sir? Thanks for your video & We are watching from Metro Manila , Philippines. Assalamu alaikom : (maanaa kanimo ang kalinaw) (means peace be with you ) - is the Muslim greetings in the whole world for all Races and Tribes.

[@FOX090270]

I believe that four bamboo is called singkil, it's different from tinikling, where it only use 2 bamboo, the one you try in kulas wedding.

[@KumanderDaot]

Yes, I think it is singkil. A specifically Maranao dance but more modern (1900s) than others.

[@KareemMontoya]

Peaceful na ang Marawi idol

[@KifPH]

Maybe you can tour around the night market plaza in cotabato city and experience local foods? that would be great. I recommend going on saturday night

[@KumanderDaot]

Will try this out next time I'm in Cotabato! Thanks for the idea!

[@dodongjakadventures7732]

21:20 KUYA PIPING!!!!!!!!!!!!! I MISS MY SINING KAMBAYOKA ENSEMBLE!!

[@KumanderDaot]

Piping is such a legend!

[@knightcommander6512]

You are the Anthony bourdaine of you tube kummander, thanks for the great content commander, after the war I want to know more about marawi. They need to put you on cnn kummander to replace Anthony bourdaine

[@bbvanztv]

❤🎉

[@johnlabu-kz9vy]

Come to kuala lumpur sir

[@Gigi-fw9vx]

❤️🥰👍👍

[@glitchvlogs6597]

It's so strange to see areas I live in from youtube.

[@vincentvlog960]

Hello kumander daot I'm still watching your channel ❤ hehe do you remember me heheh you buy a food here in Marlo end myleen eatery ❤❤

[@KumanderDaot]

Always remember you guys!

[@MichaelBasilio-r7s]

thats sir pepito sumaya

[@mtnluvr]

Kumusta Kumander Daot. Ingat Po.

[@lornaramirez6567]

AMPING KUMANDER D!!!

[@mikep5126]

i remember hearing about the troubles in that region ...I would not have gone there

[@Missy_potato]

Wat trouble it is peaceful now😂😂😂keep going marawi😊

[@alejandrobaculando1848]

god bless kumabder

[@MartinDominic-h8b]

Wilson Jessica Perez Kimberly Anderson Scott

[@esperanzagilpo2714]

Sad reality of that part of the Philippines is that they have monstrous mosques but surrounded in the communities periphery are very destitute😢.very 😔

[@AbdulkhafidTarusan]

Sallam kumander. Maraming mga tao sa pinas pero hindi pa sila nakarating sa lanao del sur...tao nga sila sa pinas piro ndi pa sila nka apak jan .😂😂😂 God bless you kumander..

[@dantemejos7123]

Aw maayo