A kaleidoscope of colors will be unleashed as Muslim Mindanao celebrates the founding of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) with a splash.
Now on its 27th year, the ARMM is pulling all the stops to showcase its Muslim heritage in a series of events that locals and tourists will enjoy. Food festivals, film screenings and a supermodel search are being organized.
The anniversary celebrations, which started in November, continue this month in Cotobato City, the ARMM’s regional center since 1990 when the autonomous government was established.
Its elective chief executive is reformist Regional Gov. Mujiv Hataman, whose wife is Anak-Mindanao Partylist Rep. Sitti Djalia Turabin.
Intact culture
It was in the 14th century when the Arab trader Karim Makhdum set foot on the islands of the Sulu archipelago, a good 200 years before Ferdinand Magellan arrived at Mactan Island in Cebu. In time, the people of Mindanao embraced Arab culture.
Not even the Spaniards could convert the region, and through the American colonial rule and the Philippine republic, Muslim culture has remained intact.
The anniversary celebrations include festivals highlighting the lifestyles of various ARMM provinces. Celebrated in Basilan, the Pakaradjaan Festival is a colorful street dancing parade held to present the fun side of the island province.
This event happens at the Office of the Regional Center complex, seat of the ARMM. The complex is an attraction in itself, given its unique architecture, a fusion of modern and traditional Muslim styles.
But the best time to experience the celebrations is on the second week of December when ARMM’s provinces present their respective cultural shows.
The province of Maguindanao kicks off the series on Dec. 12 at Cotabato City’s Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex (SKCC), followed by presentations from Lanao, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.
A fluvial procession at Rio Grande de Mindanao in Cotabato on Dec. 19 culminates the celebration.
Sights
In between these presentations, tourists can explore the sights of Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao. There’s the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Masjid, which is the city’s Muslim center of worship. It reportedly cost $48 million to build. One of the most imposing landmarks in the city, the mosque is as tall as a 15-story building.
Christianity is well-represented in the city, too. The oldest church in Cotabato is the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Built in 1872 by the Jesuits, the church features classic Spanish architecture.
For nature lovers, Lanao del Sur has many scenic views to offer; it’s also blessed with cool weather and an iconic lake, the largest in Mindanao. Camping, water sports, spelunking, mountain trekking and bird watching are activities that appeal to outdoorsy types.
—CONTRIBUTED
