Blood Moon

5 • 13 • 2022

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

THE MERANAW* TRIBE
OF LAKE LANAO

*Meranaw is also often spelled as Maranao and Maranaw

Tribu Tur 2020 with Meranaw dancers in Tugaya, Lanao del Sur, Mindanao

Located in Lanao del Sur province in the country's southern island of Mindanao, the Meranaw people express their distinct culture through their many ancestral crafts (wood and metal work, weaving, music, and dance). The epic song called the “Darangen” is listed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List and speaks of the legends born of their culture (love, birth, and death stories) as well as societal rules and etiquette and also displays the singer/storyteller’s improvisational techniques and memorization skills.

Wood carving and shell inlay is masterfully done in the embellishments seen in many features on houses, furniture, and tools in present day Meranaw homes. The motifs that are expressed in the traditional “okir” are a flowing stylized story-telling device that reveal the ancient Meranaw’s observation of the world around them. The symbols depict nature and reflect a cohesion of elements in everyday life.

“People Who Live Around The Lake”

Ancient Lake Lanao, volcanic in origin and is estimated to be around two million years old, is ancestral home to the Meranaw people. Much Meranaw folklore is inspired by this body of water and stories of the lake’s origins are woven into the legend and identity of the Meranaw tribe. Believing that powerful spirits known as djinn are drawn to the depths of the water, it is encouraged to offer coins to appease them before entering the lake.

For more information on the Meranaw tribe, click here.

MUSALAYA’S GIFT

A youth fantasy novel by Conrad J. Benedicto

At the heart of the story is the young Lukat musician Alad, who, along with his friends and his people, encounter fantastic creatures and evil forces in their fight for their lives, territory, and heritage.

To purchase the book click the link below.

Purchase the Book

UPCOMING EVENTS

Join us on May 15 th and hear Conrad’s amazing story and journey! Click below to register:

Conrad Benedicto & Leny Strobel
Book Launch

NURSING THESE WOUNDS

A site-specific, immersive dance performance investigating the impacts of colonization on diasporic Pilipinx health & caregiving

Nursing These Wounds rehearsal

THE LATEST UPDATES ON THE PROJECT

Open rehearsals were held April 21st where folks in the community were invited to view and partake in the process and vision.

We are excited to announce an excerpt performance will be held on June 18 at the Asian Art Museum.

Check the website to stay up to date with the project as it unfolds!

BE A PART OF THE CONVERSATION

What fueled the desire to come to the US for your parents, grandparents, other friends, family members or for yourself ?

I remember my parents discussing starting a new life in the states when I was 6 years old. Our first visit was in 1996 and I could remember how much I liked the cold, foggy weather in Oxnard California. The desire to come to the US was fueled by my parents’ aspiration for their three daughters to find more opportunities in the US. Plans always change, we all migrated to the US permanently at separate times. My father decided to leave his medical practice in the Philippines to have a fresh start in San Francisco. His unexpected departure was difficult but I understood him better through his written letters when I was growing up. My middle sister and I decided we were going to live with my dad in San Francisco when I was 10 years old. I was excited and also scared to start a new life in the states at the time. That’s when I learned plans in life often do not go as planned.

Click the link below to share your experience & join the discussion

Join the Conversation