What can I say?

I was captivated when I laid eyes on the Mosque as our plane started its descent to Awang Airport in Cotabato City last October 29, 2012.

It was only eight in the morning. The blue sea waters and the sparse clouds covering the land gave it a surreal-like look. It dwarfed the houses in its immediate vicinity due to its sheer size! It was a sight to behold.

It is almost ironic that a structure like this was erected at the strife ridden region, or so it was percieved by many. Structures like these are signs of hope that peace is just around the corner.

I never stopped talking about it at our ARMM office. The next day, my officemates gave me an opportunity to visit the Masjid Sultan Hassal Bolkiah, or more commonly called The Grand Mosque. Visiting it up close made me feel transported to a different country. My facebook friends shared the same when they saw my pictures. The commented that they thought I was in the Middle East!

A quick research in the net showed that the Mosque was funded by Sultan Bolkiah of Brunei, hence its name. It is located about 3 kilometers from the city's bus terminal. It can be accessed through habal-habal (hired motorycles).