SHOWCASING MORO CULTURE AND ARTS

Many said that Moro arts and crafts became extinct. Elder Moros said that Moro culture and arts will fade away if elder pass away.

Culture and tradition in its purest form - untainted by the latest “what’s in and what’s out” - is very vital for Moros. Showcasing it to the new generation will bring a clearer picture of their roots and of their past, and more so, equip them with a better understanding of the landscape of their present and future endeavors.

Very alarming to me is that Moro culture and traditions are portrayed by Non-Moro in many stage shows, where, many innovations on it were present…even wearing very short dresses.

This reality challenged me to bring the advocacy and action of sustaining Moro Culture and Arts through. With Php193,000.00 funding from GoP-UN ACT for Peace Programme, I partnered with Sarangani Center for Muslim Women whose Chairperson was Bai Matabai S. Diamad and conducted a four (4) day Moro Culture and Arts Skills Training and Enterprising Workshop with inclusive provision of moro musical instrument sets like gandingan, agong, kulintang, debakan, etc. at Durian Garden, Polomolok South Cotabato.

40 young women and men Moros were trained and able to know the roots and history on each Moro Culture and Arts such as:

• Almost extinct Moro Songs;
• Moro musical instruments playing i.e. agong, debak, gandingan, and kulintang;
• Different types of wearing Malong and their uses;
• Different types of wearing Tubao; 
• Various Royal dancing with proper choreography

After the training, Gov. Miguel Duminguez of Sarangani through the Sarangani Provincial Tourism Office supported the group of Sarangani Center for Muslim Women to Represent Sarangani Province in showcasing Moro Culture and Arts during WOW Philippines at Manila.

  

The Malapatan Performing Arts showcase their talents in the Liwanag ng Kapayapaan School Foundation, Inc. owned by Mr. Robin Padilla on February 6, 2009;

On March 7-8, the group also presented during WOW Philippines show at Clamshell II, Intramuros, Manila. Prominent Guests from Department of Tourism, USAID, and other Local and International Groups applauded the presentation given by the Malapatan Performing Arts. They are amazed with the presentation since all dances have narration telling dance description, history, and origin.

Be a proud peace and development loving Moro. We must always be!