CULTURAL villages simulating the lifestyle of Muslim tribes of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) are yet again the highlight of “Pakaradjaan [Celebration]” at the Office of the Regional Center Complex in Cotabato City.
This marks the last founding anniversary of the ARMM. Until December, Pakaradjaan will feature culinary competitions, cultural events and a debate aside from exhibits of mini-mosques around the world and local products from the member-provinces of Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.
Pakaradjaan was established by ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman to showcase the colorful Bangsomoro heritage, history, culture, arts and tradition.
“Pakaradjaan has become a tradition. It is a constant reminder of our unique customs and traditions, which we must keep alive for our future generations. The old traditions of other provinces in the Philippines are already dying because only a few members of the younger generations are willing to nurture them. Many have migrated to the big cities and have adopted a modern lifestyle,” he said.
Hataman noted that the young generation in ARMM have been living up to the traditions. Citing the Yakan weavers from his home province, Basilan, he noted how their artisan products, such as decorative items and fashion accessories, have been accepted in the mainstream.
The Moro Village takes visitors into another world. Each house, which typifies the architecture of the province, was built and decorated by the local government units (LGUs).
The Yakan house is built like a thatched hut, with bamboo posts and trusses, earthen flooring and woven bamboo walls. As a single-room abode, it is elevated from the ground. The doors face the east to attract prosperity. The windows are small to prevent evil spirits from entering the house.
Since there’s no partition, the living room and sleeping area are in one space. The porch is used for entertaining and for rest. The place is decked with colorful textiles, mats, table runners, baskets and pillows.
Although the loom is usually near the door in a typical Yakan house, Yakan weavers conduct their demonstration in the basement. Juhavy Amara, who learned weaving from her grandmother, has imbibed every significant traditional design and can effortlessly replicate them. A restaurant featuring Basilan delicacies offers meals cooked by Nursidra Idris and Misra Indasan. They specialize in sticky rice with kaliya (chicken cassava served with coconut milk), tulingan (fish) and eggplant with okra. The rice is topped by a boiled egg.
Built on stilts, the Tausug house from Sulu typifies the home of a sultan. The central space is the sleeping area while the side area is for conversation. The desyaor, the sacred space, is where the sultan entertains guests and performs rites. The sultan’s quarters are fully decorated with a carved four-poster, carpets and wall tapestry. The host lounges on the bed while visitors sit on the woven mat and partake on the food served in decorative containers set at the foot of the sultan’s bed.
Unlike the calmness and simplicity of the Yakan home, the Tausug house is flashier with carvings and vibrant decorative details.
The Meranaw torrogan from Lanao del Sur features the signature carved beams called panolong, with tendrils and dragon designs. The walls are built with wood panels with okir designs. Although the look is as rich as the Tausug house, it is more formal with the dominance of antique wooden furniture. The resident entertains the guests in the living room over a coffee table. Gold-leafed picture frames, called dadakatan, contrast the deep rich woods.
The Maguindanao house is resplendent with mats and glittery wall décor. No space is left unturned except for the door. A carved canopied bed fit for a sultan is the focal point. The room is filled with carved food containers, offering a buffet of local cuisine. As with the other Moro tribes, Maguindanao cuisine is always served with eggs, which are the equivalent of the noodles for long life of the Chinese. The eggs symbolize abundance, health and fortune.
The Badjao house from Tawi-Tawi is spartanly built with split bamboo flooring and sun-dried cogon. It’s considered a house boat because it is set up on high stilts. Since the Badjaos are fisherfolk, it replicates a fishing village connected by wooden planks by the pier, set against a model of the famous Bud Bongao Mountain.
Visitors will be impressed at how Cotabato City is well-run and is touted as the second safest place in Mindanao. Pakaradjaan also highlights the achievements of Hataman’s administration, particularly in good governance, development of a regional plan, building infrastructure and improving the quality of life.
Pakaradjaan has lined up other special events: August 24—Master Chef competition, September 21 to 23—ARMM Debate competition, October 17—Lanao del Sur Cultural Night, October 24—Tawi-Tawi Cultural Night, October 31—Sulu Cultural Night, November 7—Sheik Makhdum celebration, November 14—Basilan Cultural Night, November 19—ARMM Cultural Night with street dancing competition and peace concert, November 21—Maguindanao Cultural Night, November 26—Moro Walk, December 4 to 7—Moro Film Festival, December 7 to 9—SportsPeace Moro Sports Festival, December 19—Shariff Kabunsuan Festival plus closing program and awards night, fluvial float competition.
All the events happen at the ARMM Compound in Cotobato City and are open to the public for free.