Mindanao culture showcased at SM Aura

To mark the end of the Ramadan, the Anak Mindanao Party-list (AMIN) is presenting another exhibit on the ethnic culture of Mindanao at the atrium of the SM Aura in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

Dubbed “Muslim in the Philippines: History and Culture,” the exhibit will be inaugurated by Anak Mindanao Party-list Representative and Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) First Lady Sittie Djalia TurabinHataman tomorrow.

The exhibit is a traveling show co-sponsored by SM Malls. Its first stop was at SM North-Edsa mall in Quezon City, where it attracted hundreds of shoppers who checked out the ethnic fashions being modelled by a group of youth cultural dancers. Mall goers also had the chance to enjoy the traditional tribal music performed wit indigenous instruments.

The exhibit was designed by curator Marian Pastor Reyes of TAO Inc. As with the first show at SM-North-Edsa, the exhibit at SM Aura will display several artifacts from the various tribes that inhabit Mindanao, from the Yakans to the Maranaos. Throughout the booth young cultural dancers will be garbed in traditional Muslim attire as a musician performs ethnic music using the indigenous instrument from Maguindanao called the Kulintang.

Rep. Hataman is the wife of ARMM Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman who hails from Basilan, has been championing Mindanao’s tribal culture. She has also wanted to present Mindanao’s colorful heritage to the Filipino people, hence this traveling exhibit.

“With this show, we hope the Filipinos of Luzon will learn more and understand the Mindanao culture, which has been thriving in the Philippines for over a thousand years now. That is why we included a timeline that follows the history of Mindanao, particularly the member provinces of the ARMM, which covers Basilan, Maguindanao, Lanai del Sur, Sulu and Tawi-TawMindanao culture showcased at SM Aura, such as weapons, musical instruments, and decorative items from the Maranaos, Maguindanaos, the Tausugs and Yakans, among others. Most of the items are from the personal collection of Rep. Hataman.

The exhibit presents Muslims in a different light, and not primarily part of a religion.

After the exhibit at SM Aura, “Muslim in the Philippines: History and Culture” will move on to other major SM malls in Metro Manila and in other SM malls located in the major cities of Luzon.