* Lanao del Sur: A Glimpse of the Golden Sun

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Lanao del Sur: A Glimpse of the Golden Sun



Manila Bulletin March 24, 2010,

At the heart of Mindanao, there lies a peaceful province bounded by undulating hills and placid lakes. Lanao del Sur may not be most people's idea of a summer getaway, but its modest charms and picture-perfect destinations can prove to be a cool reprieve during the warmest months of the year.

Nestled in a mountainous terrain of 39 municipalities and one city, the province actually traces its origin to an area near the lake, thus the name "Lanao." But more than its intrinsically vast natural resources, the hospitable character of its people are among its best features. The major inhabitants of the area are the M'ranaos, or people by the lake.

Marawi City is the capital, and to this day it remains to be a melting pot of cultures in the south. It houses a discerningly simple shopper's paradise called the "Padian," or literally defined as a market. On this side of the town, you can find the most brilliant quality and beautifully colored satin and silk clothes used for the Muslim wardrobe and apparel. This is also where a vast array of imported Asian wares competes for attention with local handicrafts, such as brass, woodcarving, and woven products. There are reminders of its exotic past all over the place as a trading port where Malays and other Asian tribes used to barter with the locals. You will likewise get to enjoy the so-called Summer Capital of the South with its cool and comforting breeze. You can cap off your day by making a detour at the Mindanao State University, which is situated in the area.

There's also a renowned municipality of Lanao del Sur, called Tugaya. Many of its residents are craftsmen and artisans of various pursuits. Each household specializes in some form of art or craft that is part of traditional Maranao culture: back-strap loom weaving, tapestry weaving, and other kinds of handmade textile manufacture; foundry casting of various forms of brass or bronze vessels, instruments, and decorative items; wood-carving and mother-of-pearl in-lay work; metalwork and silver — and goldsmith — all of which utilizes the traditional Maranao form of decoration called "Okir."

Lanao del Sur is blessed with forests, springs and rivers abundantly scattered in the municipalities of Picong, Tamparan, Taraka, Bayang, Madalum, Balindong, Masiu, Lumbatan, Butig, and Bacolod-Kalawi. As you navigate around Lake Lanao, you will see the architectural splendor of the M'ranao Torogan, commonly referred to as Royal Houses, and other forms of traditional houses especially in the areas of Tuca and Masiu.

Mayor Amin Dimaporo Balindong is behind the transformation of Picong municipality, and for the entire province, it is Gov. Mamintal "Bombit" Alonto Adiong, Jr.  Mayor Balindong is a descendant of Lanao's proud and legendary Sultanate system that helped establish the royal and noble beginnings of its neighboring municipalities. Furthermore, it has the Islamic Center of the Philippines, the largest dome in the country, and even the tallest minarets.