Mall guests had a rare glimpse of Muslim life and traditions during the launch of Muslims of the Philippines: History and Culture at SM Aura Premier.
Spearheaded by Anak Mindanao (AMIN) through Representative Sitti Djalia Turabin Hataman in partnership with the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and SM, this traveling exhibition is a strong visual display of Muslim history and culture that brings together current research and interpretation by many scholars.
Members of the diplomatic corps led by US Ambassador Sung Kim, Singaporean Ambassador Kok Li Peng, Netherlands Ambassador Marion Derckx, and Vietnamese Ambassador Tuan toured the exhibit curated by Tao Inc.’s Marian Roces.
Other members of the diplomatic corps who graced the event were US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Michael and Eloisa Klecheski, Royal Thai Embassy First Secretary Rathanand Vichaidit and Minister Counsellor Rachaphum Viengsima, and Instituto Cervantes Manila Director Carlos Madrid.
Also present were art lovers Dr. Jaime Laya and Patricia Araneta; as well as members of the Muslim family. The latter included Princess Jacel H. Kiram of the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo, Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) Commissioner Maisara C. Dandamun-Latip, Convenor of Mindanao Solidarity Network Sr. Maria Arnol Noel, National Commission on Muslim Filipino Commissioner Jamel P. Dinil, and action star Robin Padilla,
During the launch, the atrium of SM Aura premier was transformed into a museum of traditional Muslim Attires, weaves, and artifacts that speak and represent Muslim’s rich heritage and way of life.
The Art and Culture Montage featured traditional and contemporary versions of attire worn by Maguindanao, Maranao, Tausug women, as well as the Takan (a Sama-speaking community). Artifacts like the Sarimanok, the legendary bird of the Maranao; Panolong, a wing like design of a vernacular house in Maranao; and musical instruments like the Gabbang, a Muslim bamboo xylophone and Dabakan, a single-headed drum were also a big hit among shoppers.
Another highlight of the event was the musical performance of Professor Aga Mayo Butocan Kanapia Kalanduyan, and Kinsu Dalgan. They performed Binalig in the kulintang tradition of the Maguindanaon while playing the kulintang, the leading melodic instrument, the dabakan drum and gandingan gongs.
AMIN or Anak Mindanao is a Party List Organization composed of the marginalized sectors of the three peoples of Mindanao—the Moro, Lumad and the Christians Settlers.
It was founded upon the principle that tri-people unity is the key to the attainment of lasting peace and development of Mindanao. AMIN believes that the direct participation in the electoral exercise through the Party List System will contribute to the overall advancement of the Mindanao people’s struggle, hope and aspiration for just, peaceful and progressive Mindanao. It is a hope to every Mindanaoan’s dream possible for One peaceful and One progressive Mindanao.
The Muslims of the Philippines: History and Culture exhibit is one of the many exciting cultural events at SM Aura Premier.