Things to do in Sulu: Visiting the Municipality of Maimbung

Maimbung is a 5th class municipality in the province of Sulu. Located south of the capital town of Jolo, we traveled on a private vehicle for about an hour (passing through the municipality of Indanan) to visit this town. It is not a tourist destination, but we opted to visit this place to have a feel of the local scene and know more about the locals' livelihood and way of life.

TOP PICKS: Must-try Halo-halo in the Philippines

Best-tasting Halo-halo in the Philippines

There are a lot of mouthwatering desserts out there but nothing beats something that is very close to our hearts and taste buds. Halo-halo, a concoction of tropical fruits, preserves and desserts mixed in crushed ice and milk is one of my favorite desserts especially during summer in the Philippines. Having a humid temperature (almost) all-year round, this favorite "Pinoy panghimagas" is definitely the dessert that everyone loves. Here are my recommended best-tasting halo-halo in the Philippines that you should try to satisfy your hunger and thirst in one delicious glass.

Things to do in Sulu: Visiting Camp Bud Datu and Raja Baginda Shrine in Indanan, Sulu

On the afternoon of our first day in Sulu, we went to Camp Bud Datu in the municipality of Indanan. From Jolo Municipal Hall, we were escorted to the provincial capitol complex where we had a courtesy call with the head of the Sulu Area Coordinating Center. It is a coordination and action center of the provincial government of Sulu. After the quick visit, the whole group, together with Mayor Amin's children proceeded to Bud Datu.

SULU: "Baluy" and "Pis Siyabit", Colorful Tausug Weaves from Jolo, Sulu

After witnessing the superb performance of "Pangalay" by the Ingat Kapandayan Group, we proceeded to Notre Dame of Jolo College's Cottage Industry, Inc. It is a non-profit development organization inside Notre Dame of Jolo College that focuses on livelihood and handicraft projects. They also sell Tausug products such as the Baluy, Pis Siyabit and other souvenirs, arts and decors.

THINGS TO DO IN JOLO, SULU: Witnessing the "Pangalay", a Traditional Tausug Dance

Pangalay is a traditional "fingernail" dance of the Tausug people of the Sulu Archipelago performed during weddings, social gatherings and other festive events. It is characterized by intricate hand and arm movement along with shimmering costumes and beat of the kulintang and gabbang.

Things to do in Jolo, Sulu: Experiencing Ramadhan in Jolo, Sulu

Ramadhan is the ninth month of the Hijra or Islamic calendar and is one of the most special events among Muslims worldwide. During Ramadhan they observe As-sawmu Ramadhan or fasting for 29 to 30 days. Fasting includes refraining from consuming food, drinking, smoking, and engaging in sexual contact from dawn (Fajr) until to sunset (Maghrib). This annual observance is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam.

Magsukul Sulu! My 80th Province!

At Port of Jolo during the moon sighting activity on August 7, 2013

Assalamu Alaykum! On August 7, 2013, I finally set foot on the province of Sulu, my 80th province! This marks the fulfilment of my challenge to visit all the 80 provinces in the Philippines. It was a mixed feelings of excitement and nervousness as this is by far the most challenging trip I had. I felt ecstatic and overjoyed as my feet first stepped on Sulu soil. The feeling is truly inexplicable.