TUBOD, Lanao del Norte (PIA) — The province here celebrated the colorful and vibrant culture and tradition of Maranaos (People of the Lake) as part of the weeklong celebration of the 65th Araw ng Lanao del Norte.
The celebration of Maranao night started with a traditional Pagana Maranao, a feast that symbolizes the highest form of hospitality among the Maranao people. Highlighting the unity between Muslim and Christian communities, guests who are not from Lanao del Norte were invited to experience the warmth and hospitality of Maranaos.
Traditionally, Pagana Maranao is celebrated for special guests during significant events like enthronements, weddings, graduations, and religious feasts such as Eid’l Adha and Eid’l Fitr, as well as for returning pilgrims from the Hajj.
“The Pagana Maranao is a traditional Maranao celebration for the royal families. This practice is only observed during celebrations of royal families,” Gov. Imelda “Angging” Quibranza Dimaporo said.
Meanwhile, Allan Datusapalao, public relations officer of the Provincial Community Affairs Division, emphasized that the Maranao Night celebration, which is a cultural preservation effort, is integral to preserving Maranao heritage through food and customs.
Flavorful Maranao cuisine
A native food arrangement known as “dulang” displays the cuisine, placing traditional dishes on brass food trays known as “tabak.” Maranao cloth, known as ‘ampas’, covers these trays, adorned with gold or silver accents that symbolize prestige and nobility.
Given the Maranaos’ Muslim faith, all food served strictly adhered to Halal principles, which meant pork was prohibited. The cuisine showcased a delightful fusion of flavors and spices. One highlight was ‘kuning’, yellow rice colored by locally sourced turmeric powder known as ‘kalawag’, often served with boiled eggs. Another standout dish, ‘inaloban a isda’, featured grilled tilapia immersed in a spicy coconut gravy enriched with ginger, chillies, and sibujing—a unique local onion variety.
‘Piaparan a manok’ offered a taste of chicken cooked in coconut milk with turmeric and ‘palapa’, a spicy Maranao condiment made from onion bulbs, ginger, and chili pepper simmered in coconut oil. Meanwhile, ‘piaparan a odang’ showcased shrimp cooked in the same flavorful coconut sauce. The Maranao version of Rendang features rich carabao or beef meat seasoned with palapa, making the dish aromatic and flavorful. Furthermore, ‘pisasati a bakas’ are smoked tuna fish nuggets that are enjoyed during celebrations.
The banquet also showcased various Maranao delicacies known as “mamis.” Among them, ‘dodol’ stands out as a Maranao treat made of sticky rice flour and coconut milk. ‘Tiyateg’, on the other hand, had a crispy texture from frying a blend of rice flour, egg, and coconut milk, then bathed in sweet syrup.
‘Paborot’, made from ground sticky rice rolled into balls and fried, is then coated in rich caramelized sugar. ‘Tamakonsi’, resembling a soft and twisted dough knot, offered a chewy delight similar to a pretzel. ‘Lokatis’, a unique blend of pretzel and donut, featured a soft, pastry coated in sugar. Lastly, ‘broa’ completes the delicacies as a sponge biscuit or bite-sized cake , ideal for pairing with coffee or tea.
Night of cultural performances
The Maranao night also showcased the Maranao people’s talents and skills, deepening appreciation for their vibrant culture and traditions. The evening featured awe-inspiring performances, including the melodic tunes of kulintang (a traditional instrument), kambayoka, or oratorical singing (a unique form of rhythmic and poetic storytelling), and a captivating Maranao band led by Yna Ramos.
Talented youth from Marawi City, the Salimpokaw Cultural Ensemble, mesmerized the audience with their graceful Maranao dances, including malong-malong, sipa sa manggis, fan dance, sayao sa kasingkil, and more. Notably, Salimpukaw was a semi-finalist on “Pilipinas Got Talent” in 2017 under the name “Salimupukaw Ko Masa.”
Hanifa Gambao said her interest in Maranao culture stems from her upbringing and the desire to preserve and educate others about their heritage.
“Minsan po ay gumagawa kami ng content ng mga sinaunang kwento ng Maranao. Ang aim namin ay hindi makalimutan ang aming kultura, kaya pinapakita po namin ang tamang kultura ng Maranao,” she said.
(Sometimes, we create content about the ancient stories of the Maranao. Our aim is to ensure that our culture is not forgotten, so we showcase the proper culture of the Maranao.)
Derived from the name ‘salimpukaw,’ which means awaken, the group strives to preserve Maranao traditions by conducting educational workshops in schools. They aim to educate students about Maranao culture and history through storytelling and dance, ensuring the continuation of these rich traditions for future generations.
Celebrating unity among Christians and Muslims
Achmad Taha, a provincial board member, emphasized the province’s unity between Christians and Muslims. He said the Maranao Night celebration showcases the harmony and equal treatment of all communities in the province.
Meanwhile, Board Member Sidick Dibaratun highlighted the importance of cultural preservation through traditional Maranao performances.
“Sa atong pagsaulog sa Maranao Night, mahimo kining usa ka instrumento aron atong mapadayon ang atong panaghiusa, kalinaw, ug kalambuan sa atong probinsya,” he said.
(In our celebration of Maranao Night, this can be an instrument for us to continue our unity, peace, and progress in our province.)
Moreover, former 2nd District Representative Abdullah “Bobby” Dimaporo expressed gratitude for the collective efforts of the provincial leaders and encouraged continued cooperation and mutual support among the residents to sustain peace and order. (LELA/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)
