Artist Woodworker, Sculpture, Handmade Furniture & Photography
Artist Woodworker, Sculpture, Handmade Furniture & Photography
Faces of Iligan and Lanao del Norte, Philippines
 Akong Guapa Asawa |
 Maria Christina Falls |
In July 2005 I boarded a plane in Nashville and flew off to meet my future wife and her family. Refusing to be ruled by
fear, I went to a part of the world considered too dangerous for an American to visit. It changed my
life forever. I thank God for guiding me to this wonderful place and its special People.
I am Humbled.
Iligan City is in the province of Lanao del Norte on the island of Mindanao in the Republic of the Philippines. Mindanao
is the second largest and southernmost island in the Philippines. Its People and Cultures are varied. Civil and
religious war are a real part of life in many areas. Caution and common sense are advised when visiting Mindanao. The
safest and best way to visit is to be with Filipino friends from the area.
Having said that, I would encourage anyone with a sense of adventure and an appreciation for good people
to go there. Never in my life have I been treated more kindly. People with little worldy possesions opened their
hearts and homes to me in a most gracious manner. I am reminded of the Biblical story of the Widow and her three mites. She
had little and gave much. So it was with the People of Lanao del Norte. "Southern Hospitality" took on a whole new meaning for me!
With my camera and my beautiful wife Vangie I walked the streets of Iligan City and visited the country side of
Lanao del Norte. Everywhere we went I was greeted with the now famaliar "Hey Joe!". (Joe is a common nickname for any American
man that people don't actually know.) People on the street, in businesses,
in the wonderful markets and in the countryside readily agreed to
let me photograph them. Frequently, I heard, "Hey Joe, take
my picture!". Indeed I did. The faces on these pages, many whose name I don't know,
reflect the Spirit of a People who
live in conditions that most Americans can't even imagine.
From the bottom of my heart I thank all of the People of Iligan City and Lanao del Norte who showed me kindness while
I was there. To all of you, please accept these pages and these pictures as a tribute to your wonderful Spirit.
On July 31, 2005 Vhanz and I were married in Iligan City in the presence of God, Family and Friends. We both
thank you all for your support ,your generosity, your time, your resources and your Spirit.
Very Kind Regards,
~Joe~
The images below are windows into the character of Iligan City. On the street,
in the market, everywhere we went, people kindly agreed to be photographed.
One face, that of my beautiful wife Vangie, appears frequently.
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Click on a number below to visit that page. There are more photos of this beautiful part of the Philippines.
The link below will take you to a page that tells about the work of my friend and brother in Christ, Dr Sam Cariaga, who performs
free medical clinics throughout the Philippines. There are some great photos on this page, too!
Dr Sam Cariaga and the Philippines Medical Missions
Please send any contacts to the email below.
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© 2005 by Stephen Edison Edwards
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