Gallery 1: Gumapac, Jolina B.

Hello, hello good morning beautiful tourists! How are you today? I hope you are all doing
great and also, I hope you are all in a good mood to learn and see the artefacts that I will be going
to discuss later on. Before we start our tour, I would like to introduce myself, I am your tour guide
Jolina but you can call me by my nickname Ada if you want. In this museum, I would like to
inform all of you to wear your facemasks, and let’s observe proper social distancing to avoid
spreading the virus. Holding the artefacts is PROHIBITED and lastly, I wish everyone will lower
their voice when talking. So, are you ready? If you’re ready, then give me a thumbs up! This way
please.

Everyone knows that every establishment has a history, right? So here, this is Prince
Karim Aga Khan IV. He donated and made the construction of the museum possible that is why
the building was named after him. On November 23, 1963, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV and the
co-founder of the Aga Khan Museum which was Dr. Mamitua Saber and Dr. Antonio Isidro the
first MSU President visited the said museum. The Aga Khan Museum was opened to public on
March 23, 1969. The person who gives brief remarks before the ribbon cutting was the pretty girl
right here, she is Gemma Cruz-Araneta. And, Dr. Saber, ex-senators Domocao Alonto and
Mamintal Tamano was with her that time to listen. Mrs. Isidro and Mrs. Linang Mandangan,
Gemma Cruz-Araneta cuts the ribbon with the most famous Moro weapon which is the Kris to
officially open the museum and they were assisted by Dr. Antonio Isidro. Since M’ranaw people
are fond of accessories, here, we can see the Baor. A traditional ornate M’ranaw chest used as a
storage for valuable things. They can put their gold accessories and many others.

Senator Ahmad Domocao Alangadi Alonto, Sr. was a recipient of the 1988 King Faisal
Award for Service to Islam. This portrait was given to his son, His Excellency Ambassador Adnan
V. Alonto, by the Secretary of the King Faisal International Prize, King Faisal Foundation, His
Excellency Abdulazis Alsebail, during the 58" Founding Anniversary of the Mindanao State
University in 2019. As I have said earlier, the Kris was used to cut the ribbon to officially open
the museum to the public. This weapon is the most famous Moro weapon especially in wars since
machine guns and other high-tech guns weren’t their thing during their times. It is also a symbol
of a man’s status and rank in society.as you can see here, the blades of Kris are wide at the base,
double-edged, and can be waved.

In this area, we have the Kolintang Ensemble. The first instrument in the Kolintang
ensemble is the Kolintang. It is composed of eight graduated sizes of small brass gongs laid
horizontally on a stand called “Langkongan”. On the right right side, we see the
Debakan/Dadabowan it is a large drum carved from wood with a drumhead made out of goat skin.
And as you can see, the Debakan is the only instrument in the Kolintang ensemble that is not a
gong. These two brass gongs also call ed as Agong, Pemalsan and Penanggisa’an are formally
played as a pair by two gentlemen. The last instrument of the Kolintang orchestra is the Babendir.
This instrument is a brass gong smaller than the two main gongs that I have introduced earlier.
This huge lantern up here is called Manggis. It is a cubical bamboo frame-work tied with boxes of
various colors and sizes. Manggis is a special sport among Meranaos and is usually set on special
occasions such as enthronements, grand weddings and others festive occasions. Every box that
tied in the Manggis has corresponding prizes. The higher the box, the bigger the prize.

As we all know, our Maranao brothers and sisters are very workaholic, diligent and hard-
working. So, I will start discussing in this area. M’ranao before experienced being a farmer or even
being a fisherman. That was their way to survive and live. As you can see here there are artefacts
that can proved that they are really hard-working. First, I will introduce to you the mediums for
fishing that M’ranaw people used in their times. There are two types of fish nets here which are
the Biyala and the Libot. Libot is also a fish net but it should be handled by two persons. Here are
the two fish traps. Sokob is a fish trap for mudfish, the other one is Bo’o. Bo’o is a fish trap for
catching smaller fishes. As you can observe, Bo’o has a smaller spaces compared to Sokob since
Bo’o is used to catch smaller fishes. Moving on, here you can see other mediums of the M’ranaw
in terms of farming. I’ll be introducing to you the Parabowat. A wooden plow carved with okir.
Of course, if you’re farming you should have a hat for protection, right? So, we have this Sayap.
A meranao traditional hat used mostly by farmers and fisherman.

In this area, we have different types of spears for hunting. First is the Pana, a traditional
hunting spear. Sebat is also a hunting spear. The last spear is the Osod. Osod is a Maranaw fishing
spear with five or seven fork like steel arrows supported by hard wood tightly tied with wires to
hold the spear firmly. These spears are used to hunt animals for their food to eat and for wars.
These two tops the Betig and the Salala are actually toys for their entertainment. Betig is a Meranao
wooden top with nails on both ends. The other one is the Salala, a Meranao style top. While the
M'ranaw people are watching their rice fields or while riding their boats when fishing, they also
have an instruments for their amusement to lessen their sadness and not getting bored. The first
instrument that I will be introducing is the Kobing. A Meranao bamboo jaw’s harp. A typr of
mouth resonated instrument consisting of a flexible tongue fixed at one end to a surrounding frame.
Next is the Insi, it is a bamboo flute carved with geometric curvilinear designs. A small bamboo
tube, has a mouth piece with the position of their four (4) finger holes is determined by using the
circumference of the bamboo need as a measuring unit. Here, we have two bamboo percussion
instruments. Sirong a Ganding is a Meranao bamboo percussion instrument used for entertainment
and driving away rice birds. Second is the Togotok is also a Meranao bamboo percussion
instrument used for entertainment and driving away rice birds. This instrument is usually used by
a rice field watcher to fill in the emptiness that he feels while looking at the rice field. This
instrument is a Maranao bamboo xylophone. It is made of bamboo gongs and is used by the
children learning to play the Kolintang. The first step to know how to play the Kolintang is to
practice playing this bamboo xylophone which is called Alotang. So, those are the instruments
made out of bamboo that M’ranaw people played before.

During their times, even nowadays, M’ranaw people has a lot of containers that can also
be possible to be a decorative object because of its okir designs. Just like this one, the Paira’an.
Paira’an is a tobacco container but converted now-adays into a decorative object. Next is the
Lakub, it is used as a container for tobacco or as a decoration and is made of bamboo and painted
with different colors and patterns. As you can see here Maranao people are really artistic. Do you
agree? Of course, M’ranaw people also have wooden kitchen stuff for cooking. Gantang, is for
cereal or rice measurement. Kokora is a Meranao coconut grater. Next utensil is the Bowayowa, a
spice mortar. Since we are talking about kitchen utensils for processing foods, if you don’t eat,
you will die, right? So, we also have Sundok, a grave marker. Look at that, look how artistic they
are. Imagine how hard carving that okir design to a wood?

This time, I will be introducing to you the beautiful miniatures of the Meranao people.
Masgit is a miniature of traditional Meranao mosque, showing Indian and Malaysian influences.
Second is the Lamin, a miniature of a traditional “Meranao Princess Dormitory”. This one, I know
most of you have seen this already in person since this can be seen at our campus. Torogan, a
replica of Meranao traditional “Royal House”. Lepa Boat is a traditional “Sama D’ Laut” or Badjao
house boat found in Bonggao, Tawi-Tawi. If the Badjaos have a Lepa Boat, of course our
Meranaos also have a boat called Awang. Awang is a Meranao boat painted with okir designs.
They also have their replica of their Meranao chess which is called Satoran. The Satoran is an
architectural design of a M’ranao chess. The Satoran pieces are different from those used in
European chess. This one is the Tidora. Tidora is an equivalent to the Tagalog 16-hole “Sungkaan”,
Tidora has 18-holes. Sarimanok is a symbol of royal merry-making used in festivities along with
outdoor multi-colored banners or buntings. Its patterns of pre-Islamic origin are also found in
M’ranao weaving, metal works and other objects. This big wooden jar made from a century-old
post from Tugaya, Lanao del Sur, engraved with a dragon design is called Kabo.

And finally, because of the lovable characteristics of a M’ranao such as being artistic, hard-
working, diligent and religious, many young men fell in love with it. So when people fell in love,
they perform “Pamamanhikan” in Filipino and “Kandiyalaga” in Meranao term. This colorful
Marigay is usually seen during Kandiyalaga. It is an arrangement of Meranao sweet delicacies
showcased on trays. It is decorated wuth shiny and vibrant accents, symbolizing affluence. The
groom to be would present a Marigay as a gift to the family of the bride to be. So, if you have
plans to get married, the grooms should give gifts to the bride because we deserve it. So, I think
that ends the tour of the gallery 1. I hope you learned something new from me and enjoyed the
tour. You can proceed to Ms. Jhohaira for the Gallery 2. Thank you!
 Gallery 2: Esmail, Jhohaira

Lassies and lads. Good day, tourists! I am Jhohaira, one of your tour guides for today. So,
we can see on our right side is the different ceramic that is adopted to Maranao arts, like okir. And,
we can definitely see the designs here. We called it okir a bae and okir a datu. Did you know that
okir a bae's design is used to attract man? And okir a datu's design is made to gain the trust of the
ladies.
This container here is called Bintag a Bolawan. Back then, this container was used as
cosmetic tray and sometimes it can be filled with chew or bettle nuts if there would be visitors in
their house, for the reason that it is easier to foist to the other visitors.

Tourists, this is a Brass Canon. The Maranaos used it against the foreign invaders. It is
called Lantaka in the Philippines, while Leila in Malay.
Now, let's proceed to the most important history that happened here in Marawi. Have you
ever know that the Spaniards attempted to colonize Marawi for three times? This begun in the year
1639 when spanish joint military and religious expeditions was launched against the Meranaos.
Their objectives is to colonize Marawi and Christianized the people living here, but, they didn't
succeed with their plan and the Spaniards were sent back to Iligan in the year 1640. The second
attempt, happened in 1891, in this stage, they succeed to colonized the Marawi, but not the whole
municipality. And lastly, in the year 1895.

Tourists, this is the Dangan. It is an unbladed sword that is usually carried by men during
the royal ceremonies like wedding, enthronement, crowning, etc. And now, let me tell you the
things or weapons that was used by Meranaos during the war and for hunting. These are the
Bangkao, The Kampilan and its two types, the Sosondi'an, and the Da Sosondi iyan. And other
tribe’s hunting spear. Back then, guns are still not introduced, so, they used spear to fight. Palintod,
was the first gun used by Meranaos to fight. Just imagine, they were at a battle field and all you
have is that spear to fight. It must be quiet terrifying for your side.

Now, after the discussion of this tiring war, we will proceed to the things that can be stored
with foods. We all know that refrigerator was not yet invented in those years. These are the things
that Meranaos used before to store their food, and they also use this when they have special
occasions. And, nowadays, most of them were used as decors or an ordinary gifts for newlyweds.
And we can also see in this side the different carpentery tools that Moros used before. Here are
some of the things that they used before to entertain their guests, or in any special occasions. Like
the batidor, a brass canon like that is used in special occasions, and it produced the sound of fire
works. And now, we can definitely see the various kinds of jewelries and other things that was
being used by Meranaos, specifically the royal people in the late times.
 Gallery 3: Bedar, Maguidala-Usman

Magandang Buhay Tourist, My name is Maguidala-Usman M. Bedar II, or Kuya Mhags,

and I'm one of your tour guides for today.
This section contains a map of Lanao del Sur that highlights Lake Lanao and some of the
fish species that can be found in the lake. Lake Lanao, as we all know, is the largest lake in
Mindanao, the second largest in the Philippines, and one of the world's 15 oldest lakes.
Here, we can see the 11 identified extinct fishes in Lake Lanao. The displacement of these
endemic species in the lake is caused by indiscriminate introduction of non-native fish species
initially for aquaculture activities to support local livelihood. However, these introduced species
have become invasive which directly affected the native ones either “by direct predation or
competition,” explained Dr. Sherwin Nacua, NRCP researcher based at the Mindanao State
University in Marawi.
The first thing we see is this Giant Clam, also known scientifically as tridacna gigas. This
is the largest bivalve and can grow to be four feet long. Some shells and their families can also be
seen here.
In this section, we can also see the Hawksbill Turtle, also known locally as Pawikan. This
is the smallest marine turtle species. Its carapace is only 33 inches long. This species is hunted for
its meat and shell. Fun Fact: Pawikan are some of the animals that have been here since the age of
the dinosaurs. That's more than 200 million years! There are only seven sea turtle species in the
whole world. The Philippines has five.
Let us now look at the Philippine Tarsier or Tarsius Philippensis, also known as Mago,
Mamag, or Malmag in the Philippines. It is a nocturnal animal that prefers dense low vegetation
on the outskirts of clearings and forests. Fun fact: Tarsiers can leap up to 5.4 m. (18 ft.). Tarsiers
can rotate their heads nearly 360° by turning their heads nearly 180° in each direction.
Some species can also be found here. The Philippine long-tailed macaque, scientifically
known as Macaca philippinensis, is well-known in the Philippines for matsing. This one species
here is known as the Philippine forest rat, or Rattus everetti. This one here is the Common Palm
Civet Cat, also known as Paradoxurus hermaphroditus, which is a nocturnal animal found in both
urban and forested areas.
The Philippines (Monkey-eating) eagle, Pithecophaga Jefferyi, can also be seen here. With
a 7-foot wing spread, this eagle is easily one of the largest in the world. It is also one of the rarest
and only found in the Philippines. It was once recorded on the islands of Luzon, Samar Leyte, and
Mindanao. A breeding pair will usually nest on the tallest and most visible tree in an area and lay
a single egg every two years.
Moving on, we can see the Philippine Snakes. The Philippines is home to the world's largest
snake, the reticulated python, which can grow to a maximum length of 32 feet. The country also
has the world's smallest snake, the Brahminy Blind Snake (Thylops braminae). The world's largest
snake, the King cobra or ophiophagus hannah, which can grow to be over 18 feet long, is also
found in the Philippines.
The country has seven recognized venomous snake species among its 74 species. Elapids
are coral snakes and cobras, and crotolids are pit vipers. Crotolids are distinguished by their large,
chunky, triangular head, which is distinct from the body. Elapids are difficult to distinguish from
non-venomous snakes. Venomous snakes lack the enlarged loreal scale and have grooved-front
fangs.
Some species are also presented here, such as this Crocodylus, Hydrosaurus Cumingi
(Water Lizard), and Varanus Salvator (Monitor Lizard Egg). We can also see a variety of bird
species here. The Accipitridae family of birds includes hawks, eagles, kites, and harriers. These
are pigeons and doves from the Columbidae family. The Alcedenidae family's kingfisher. And
hornbills of Bucerotidae.
Gallery 4: Sittie Sakia

Assalamualaikum, Turistas! I’m Ate Barbie and I will be your last tour guide for today.
Here, in front of you is an Antique copy of the Noble Holy Qur’an. This was distributed at the end
of the Holy Month of Ramadhan (in 1893) by the authority of Sultan Abdul Hamid II (Istanbul,
Turkey) of the Ottoman Empire at the time.

On your left side is the instrument used for making Langkit. So, what is Langkit? Langkit
is a M'ranao word meaning a strip of multi-colored fabric, woven or embroidered to decorate or
enhance the design or style of the malong, a multi-purpose long, skirt -like or barrel-form Maranao
garment with open ends, both the top and the bottom. We also have here the Meranao Blouses.
Are this what they used to wear daily? NO. They only use this for special occassions.

Ladies and Gentlemen, this area is where our Meranao Dining Set is, we have here the
Tabak a brads food tray, Todong a food cover, Kararao a drinking water container,
Tangla/Panalagadan a water-pot stand, Sakdo a drinking water dripper and ofcourse the Doda’i
used for spitting or for washing of hands before and after eating.

This here is the Panggao, the Meranao elevated “royal” family bed. If I’m not mistaken,
the internal setting of Torogan was mentioned earlier by Ms. Gumapac your tour guide from the
first floor. Which as you enter the “Royal House” you’ll immediately see Panggao and the dining
area because it doesn’t have any division. I know some of you, specially the meranao’s are aware
that meranao men are allowed to have four (4) wives. How do they have privacy then? So, we have
this Kolambo, a curtian like decorated with the traditional design called Libot and Olapolap. In
terms of lovemaking or whatever it is that you are doing, you just pull down the Kolambo for
privacy.

Moving on, as you all can see, each of these mannequins are wearing different ways of
clothing with different design and patterns. However, their common clothing is that they all have
malong in it, so these are actually the Indigenous people costume came from different tribes. For
instance, we have here the “Benaning a Landap” from Meranao tribe. Why color yellow? It’s
because Meranao portrays elegance and royalty. We also have here the “Landod a Pandi” this are
from the Tausog tribe. Why red? Because it is said that the Tausog’s are ‘Taong Isog’ or ‘Brave’
that’s why it’s red and red symbolizes bravery. Usually, the moro setting specially for the clothing
of women, a color usually portrays a behavior or a trait.
 The Sultan’s Outfit. Everyone is familiar with the Datu and Bae, right? So, this is what
they usually wear. Kandatu and Kambae is a part of Meranao’s Culture. As what I conducted in
my research, there’s a specific time for a family to be enthroned as the Sultan & Bae-A-Labi.
Usually, prominent or the royal ones are those who wore this kind of clothing and as what I’ve
said earlier, yellow for Meranao tribes portrays royalty that’s why these costumes are colored
yellow.

This umbrella here or the Payong a Diyakatan is a Meranao ceremonial parasol decorated
with different colors of sequins and beads. It is used in special occasions like royal processions.

In this section, is the Inauguration Gown of Dr. Antonio Isidro the first president of
University of Mindanao and now called as Mindanao State University. Together with this
inauguration gown is the five pesos bill he won from Dr. Floyd by challenging Former President
Dr. Isidro.