M'ranao culture shines in Karimbaran sa Ranao '12

MANILA, Philippines - Amidst all the festivities and merrymaking, the celebration of the 53rd founding anniversary of Lanao del Sur remained true to its roots by making religion and culture the true highlights of the week-long festival.

With the theme Karimbaran sa Ranao 2012, this year’s Araw ng Lanao showcased more than just activities in dance, music, arts and athleticism. Instead, it was made even grander by focusing the spotlight on the culture and heritage of the people of Lanao — the M’ranaos.

The Araw ng Lanao told the tale of Lanao del Sur’s history, as well as how province managed to keep up with the times and progressed through the years.

“We are now on the verge of economic progress,” said Gov. Mamintal Adiong Jr.

The M’ranaos value highly its religion and culture, as shown by their strong adherence to commonly observed perceptions and old ways.

The M’ranaos have shared their culture for years through legends of the Lake Lanao, sophisticated weaving techniques, artworks, metal crafts and wood carvings. And there was no better time and place to showcase this portfolio of unique heritage but during the celebration of Araw ng Lanao.

Those who took part in the festivities got to see, feel and taste the rich cultural heritage of the M’ranao people with its famous native decors such as brass and malongs as well as mouth-watering M’ranao delis on display throughout the celebration.

“There were products and services put on sale by locals and entrepreneurs in booths set up by the line agencies during the celebration,” Gov. Adiong Jr. said.

A series of traditional music and dances like Kakolintang, Kasipa sa Minggis, Kasipa sa Abun, Kambayoka, Kasayaw sa Singkil and Kanggarotay were also put on show by talented M’ranao performers from different municipalities like Lumbatan and Lumbayanague.

The province also displayed its tradition and history through the cultural parade participated by Lanao del Sur’s five division schools, wherein students and teachers headed by Superintendent Zenaida Ampatua and Dr. Gloria Galo wore M’ranao landap malongs in different colors.

Various sports tournaments such as basketball, badminton, tennis and volleyball were held during the fiesta. Apart from these, variety of contests like on-the-spot essay writing, extemporaneous speech contest and the inter-high school competition on the spot poster making contest for Lanao public and private schools were also held.

Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao acting Gov. Mujib Hataman, accompanied by Lanao Sur Gov. Bombit diong, Jr , Vice Gov. Arsad Marohombsar, RLA speaker Ras Mitmug , assemblyman Zia Adiong, Samerah Gutoc-Tomawis and the 13 board members headed by Che Alonto Balindong, Boyet Alonto and SK Federation Pres. Mujam Adiong, sponsored a very successful Freestyle concert.

The festivities and merrymaking may have come to an end for this year’s Araw ng Lanao celebration, but better things are well on its way for the M’ranaos — people who have never failed to look back and show gratitude to its history and cultural heritage.