Maranao Arts and Culture as seen on Survivor:Philippines

 

Sorry for the long title.

I’m hooked with Survivor series once again. Survivor:Philippines for this 25th season ( Philippines will still be the location for the 26th season), shot at Caramoan Islands in Camarines Sur. It’s lovely to hear Jeff Probst pronounce the tribes names, “Tandang”, “Matsing” and “Kalabaw” ala conyo but it’s the production details that I am really excited. Details. Details. Details. And the symbolisms.

From the tribal names carrying animals namely the rooster, monkey and carabao to their colors representing the colors of the Philippines flag to the emphasis on Maranao arts. The Sarimanok to the tribal council. Last episode, the rewards for the immunity challenge of pillows and blankets I think are malong, design-wise.

The Sarimanok..

A symbol of good fortune among the Maranao, the largest Muslim group in the country, it is depicted as a fowl with long and colorful wings and tail with a fish hanging on its beak. It is a cultural icon not just among the Maranao people but a treasure to Philippine culture.

A brass sarimanok I saw in Davao. I saw a chain on its beak and I believe it is where the missing part ( the hanging fish) should have been. Wish I have the right space to place this art..

 

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As your heart pumps while watching your favorite tribe complete an immunity challenge, pay attention to the two Immunity Idols. Sarimanok is a symbol of good fortune.

And this season’s, tribal council – looks like a bahay kubo but it is actually Maranao inspired. Check the steep roofs with pointy ends.

Photo source: http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee137/diRkdARyL/S25TribalCouncil.jpg

 

When I went to Davao, I sw this type of architecture and it caught my interest. I love seeing these structures.

In a beach resort in Samal
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Davao Airport

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If I have a daughter, this will be her “dollhouse”. No kidding.

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Ok, I want it for myself.  I was blown by the intricate features of this miniature house which is called a torogan, the living quarters of the affluent families in a Maranao society.

Check the details

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This wood carvings is called okir from the walls to the panolong, the “winged” feature ( please throw me the right term).

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The torogan is a cultural treasure but it is fighting for survival. A centuries-old torogan can be found in Marawi City and showing decay. HabagatCentral wrote a wonderful and information post on this. Click here to read the post.

I appreciate the  Survivor team for highlighting Maranao culture and hopefully, it can drive people specifically Filipinos to take notice and learn more about Maranao heritage. And this will lead to further efforts in preserving our heritage.

 

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