Sandakan: Mindanao's point of view

Some time ago in the past, Sandakan was part of the Philippines, so my grandfathers say. They used to visit the place. From as far as Luzon or Visayas, or even just Agusan, that lies on the other side of the large Mindanao island, Sandakan was already a favorite destination way back then. My father went to Sandakan, Kota and so many other places in Borneo (it's old popular name in the past) when he was still alive. He enjoyed telling us stories of his trips to the place. But very little about the business he conducted there. I wonder why not?

Never mind that. He and my uncles used to tell tales and legends about the late, old Jamalul Kiram, said to be heir Sultan of the entire North Borneo kingdom. Of course, in history, there are so many claimants that one misses count of how many have come up as of the last survey.

But his stories about Jamalul were never dull. Always too colorful! And he described each scene and sequence in vivid detail you can't afford but get mesmerized at the tall tales!

What a wonderful thing it would be if many Filipinos could wander off into Sandakan like my dad and uncles did during his time on this planet. Dad and Uncle Babes, would regale us with how the old Sultan would recount his days as a young warrior. (The Tausugs of Sulu are born warriors. They never run away from any battle, dad and the uncles used to say.)

The language was quite different and my folks would explain the meanings of Tausug, Butu, Siki, Hadji Butu, Datu Siki, Moro, Muslim and while doing so, narrating about Nur Misuari the coffee maker of Jamalul's council later commander of Tausug-Samal as well as a motley of other Muslim tribes' warriors, the Arabs in Mindanao and Malaysia, the battles between the Christians and Muslims, the peacefulness of Maimbung town of Sulu province during those days, the feverish interest of the British in creating a mole inside the Malaysian government's inner circle, and so many other interesting plots!

Sandakan, like Kota Kinabalu, also in Sabah, up to this time remains as one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. It's population is much too caring to the environment. Many parts of Sandakan is lush vegetation. This can be attributed to the planting of the residents there of long life trees. Big trees like sequoias in the west that can outlive centuries.