Of Ethnicity and Religion: The Essence of Faith and Living in Mindanao

I pinched myself for several times because I thought everything was a dream. It was a dream that I used to have since I had my first experience with the Bagobo-Klata tribe in 2015. Last 2019, I realized something while living in General Santos City. I realized that people, no matter how diverse, thrive hard to belong in the society.

Let me put it this way. I am not religious although I am raised in a Roman Catholic family. But as I aged, I found myself embracing different religions of the world. In this article, I do not want to create biases nor stir conflict among religions. In this article, I want to open up how the essence of faith brings unity amid diversity.

"The Pink Mosque in Maguindanao"

The Many Churches along the Plaza

I lit up a candle when I arrived in General Santos City to give thanks. GenSan Street wasn’t busy, and with their city road plan, it was easy to know where I was heading. Three blocks away from my apartment is a rotunda streamlined with different infrastructures. Unlike Osmeña Circle in Cebu, there are more trees in Plaza Heneral. Their government offices are also nearby promoting accessibility to its citizens. Different churches caught my attention. These churches are within a block-ratio beside each other. At that time, I realized that people were free to choose and change their religion even as they mature.

Of Ethnicity and the Lumads

There are more than 10 ethnicity in Mindanao. These ranges from the Moro people and the non-Islamized indigenous groups. I could say that such a potpourri of culture exists. I have met several lumads while traveling and interacting with them in the hospital. I couldn’t contain my joy every time I speak with these ethnic groups.

"During the Kadayawan Festival in Magsaysay Plaza, Davao City"

"Trying on a T'boli Costume in Lake Sebu"

But, it was in Mindanao State University Museum where I met a T’boli who expanded my comprehension. His words sent shivers to my spine when he spoke, “Take our land away (their ancestral home), and there will be no lumads. Our faith, our life, and our culture are all interlocked. Our land is where we breathe, and we die defending them.” (I stopped writing because I became emotional. His passion of defending their ancestral domain is contagious.)

"We are PEOPLE in MSU - T'Boli, Cebuana, Maranao and T'boli"

The Mosques and the Islam Religion

It was in Iligan City where I had my very first exposure with several Muslims. One weekend, I visited Maria Christina Falls with my colleague. Yet, I didn’t only see magnificent waterfalls but I also experience wearing a hijab for the first time. We stopped at a hijab store, and I asked the kind storekeeper to teach me how to wear a hijab. It was also in the busy market of Roxas in Davao City that a kind Muslim did my hijab before my flight to Cebu. Yes! I wore my hijab from Davao to Cebu with pride! (This experience will be in a separate blog post.)

"Together with a Maranao in Davao City"

Another eye-opener for me was the overwhelming structure of different mosques. It was the first time in my life where I saw different colors of mosques ranging from white to green and even pink! Indeed, Mindanao is an insignia of the Islamic faith in the Philippines.

A Takeaway!

Well, I wouldn’t end this post without mentioning other religions. I had the chance to join with the Seventh Adventist Church and Born-Again Christians. It was also in Mindanao when I had the chance to talk with the Methodists.

"I was lucky to join a Saturday Church with the Seventh Day Adventist Group in Sarangani"

I learned that one’s religion and ethnicity doesn’t matter as long as one exhibits mutual respect. I learned that the culture of indigenous people is intricate and unique. Finally, each tribe is worthy of acceptance and reverence. We coexist to help each other regardless of our origin, color, race, and even religion.

P.S.: I won a Parker pen because I answered a religion trivia question during our 2019 Christmas Party! You see, knowledge comes in handy, while Faith is always intrinsic!

For more Mindanao adventures, please click the places below:

1. Glan, Sarangani

2. Lake Sebu

3. Kalon Barak

4. Kablon, Tupi

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