Mindanao: From Samal to Surallah
Text and Photographs by Ronald de Jong
Journey through an island less traveled with a man who knows it well. Ronald de Jong has steeped himself in the cultural and geographical diversity of Mindanao, traveling off the highway and into the farthest corners of one of the largest islands in the Philippines. From whitewater rafting to white sand beaches, from waterfalls to Mount Apo, the highest mountain in the Philippines, Ronald has been there, done that, and he wants the rest of the world to enjoy it all with him.
Guiding his readers down a 200-mile stretch of the Maharlika Highway, Ronald covers almost every inch of the way while giving tips on local etiquette and customs, street food and table manners. In his company, travelers learn how to choose between the many versions of public transportation, where to load minutes on their cell phones, and why everyone wears flip-flops. He gives as much information about the indigenous tribes of the region as he does about zip-lining, spelunking and mountaineering--and the spirit world of the local ghosts.
Cities and villages, malls and sari-sari stores, cockfights and karaoke are all vividly explained in Ronald’s detailed, conversational text as well as illustrated beautifully in his lavish photographs. A professional photographer, he is generous with information that will help his readers capture the life that surrounds them, “documenting and preserving memories rather than creating them.”
Anybody who chooses Ronald de Jong as a traveling companion will find themselves living the lives of the Mindanao residents, as Ronald does himself. Explore, eat, visit, meet new friends in one of the most spectacular islands in Southeast Asia as you make your way through Mindanao: From Samal to Surallah.
Ronald de Jong
Ronald de Jong is a freelance travel photographer and writer, based in Mindanao, the Philippines. His photographs and articles have been published in various magazines and other periodicals around the world. He loves photography and has a deep passion for the Philippines, a country with an amazing array of photographic wonders.
Through his photography he wants to uncover the way he sees the fascinating island of Mindanao, his versatility and ability to respect and understand the local culture and people helps him preserving memories, sharing experiences and to illustrate the essence of the ever present natural beauty of the Philippines and its rich cultural heritage.
Because of his independent character, imaginative mind and free spirit Ronald seldom takes assignments, instead he wants to concentrate on composing inspiring images that will show unforgettable moments and enchanting sceneries, creating stock images and writing. Ronald has traversed several parts of Mindanao extensively in pursuit of his passion, looking for and finding beauty in our everyday surroundings and capturing a wide palette of places and faces.
His work has an unique, balanced blend between travel photography, candid shots and photojournalism. None of Ronald's photographs have been digitally manipulated, his aim is to keep the images true to their origin. It is this straight-forward and no-nonsense approach that makes each of his images a remarkable reflection of reality.
2017, 7 1/8 x 9 1/2 inches; 252 pages; paperback; color images
ISBN-10: 1-934159-66-2
ISBN-13: 978-1-934159-66-8