25 June 2014 - As celebrations of Philippine Independence continue, the Philippine Consulate General New York launched the cultural exhibit called Mindanao: Land of Treasures last June 18 at the Gallery Lobby of the Philippine Center.
A ringing of the gong ceremony – which in Mindanao tradition signifies victory and celebration – participated in by Phl Consul General Mario De Leon, and members of exhibit co-sponsor organizations Kinding Sindaw Melayu Heritage Group (Kinding Sindaw) and Mindanao State University Alumni (MSUA) signaled the formal opening the show, which will run until June 27.
In his remarks, Consul General De Leon highlighted the importance of Mindanao in the Philippines’ history and heritage. He cited the existence of the sultanates during pre-colonial period; the contributions of Mindanaoeños to the richness of Filipino culture – in literature, education, music, fashion, visual and performance arts. He also mentioned recent developments in Mindanao that give the region a promising outlook for the future: the landmark signing of the Bangsamoro Peace Agreement in March, and the inclusion of Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary in Davao Oriental in the list of World Heritage List. He ended his speech with the wish that Mindanao lives up to its nickname, the Land of Promises.
The Consul General drew the audience’s attention to the antique and traditional artifacts such as clothing, jewelry, accessories, house decors from the tribes of Maranao, Maguindanao, T’Boli, Yakan on display courtesy of Kinding Sindaw, and the wall dedicated to up-to-date information on geography, economy and tourism of Mindanao courtesy of MSUA, giving guests a crash course on the characteristics, wealth and news about the region. He also acknowledged Surigao native and now Davao-based designer Ann Pamintuan who loaned two oversized horse statues to the exhibit, which symbolizes the Tboli’s regard for horses as an indicator of economic stature, and the indigenous people’s tradition of horse fighting.
A musical and dance revue featuring court and ritual dances from the various tribes in Mindanao, as well as excerpts from the Maranao epic Darangan was presented by Kinding Sindaw to cap the event. END