CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Feb. 24 โ The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) – 10, through the Local Governance Regional Resource Center โ Region 10 (LGRRC-10), conducted a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on the proposal to position and develop Northern Mindanao as a film industry production and site location hub at the DILG Regional Office 10.
The activity gathered key stakeholders from the creative industry, local government units (LGUs), media, and academic institutions to generate insights, policy recommendations, and collaborative strategies to support the development of Northern Mindanao as a competitive and sustainable film production destination.
DILG-10 RD Bruce A. Colao heads the focus group discussion. (photo courtesy of Steven PC Fernandez)
The initiative recognized the potential of the creative economy as a driver of regional growth. By promoting Northern Mindanao as a filming location, the region is expected to attract investments, stimulate local enterprises, create employment opportunities, and strengthen tourism and cultural promotion efforts.
The proposal aligns with DILGโs mandate to assist LGUs in advancing local development initiatives and enhancing economic resilience.
During the discussion, participants provided inputs on policy support mechanisms, infrastructure readiness, investment incentives, capacity-building needs, and inter-agency coordination. The exchange also identified opportunities and challenges in positioning the region within the national film production landscape.
The dialogue gathered representatives from the creative sector, academe and regional policy stakeholders to surface practical insights on industry readiness and governance alignment.
1 Filmmaker & Educator Joe Bacus was one of the active discussants during the FGD. (RMB)DSWD Undersecretary Fatima Aliah Quibranza Dimaporo stressedthe importance of creating enabling environments where creative professionals can thrive within fiscally responsible and socially responsive governance systems.
The session was enriched by the participation of Mr. Jhonny Paul Lagura, Regional Chairman of the Northern Mindanao Regional Creative Industries Development Council, Consultant on Innovation Governance and Head of the Center for Digital Iligan Innovation and Sustainability (CDIIS), DSWD Undersecretary Fatima Aliah Q. Dimaporo, the Integrated Performing Arts Guild delegation led by Executive Director Dr Steven P.C. Fernandez, and film makers Marcos Mamay,ย Joe Bacus and Jeff Balsamo. ย
The participants from the Film Industry pause for a memento. (RMB)
Joining them were representatives from USTP Claveria Arts and Culture, Pasundayag Community Arts & Production, Inc., Mindanao State University- Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT)and CDO Journalists and Influencers, among other stakeholders from the creative sector.
Key areas explored included strengthening the full production ecosystem such as script development, animation, post production capacity, incentive structures, streamlined local processes, and inter agency coordination. Participants emphasized that positioning Northern Mindanao as a competitive production destination requires multisectoral alignment, infrastructure readiness, policy support, and measurable economic impact.
Insights gathered from the Focus Group Discussion are expected to inform strategic recommendations for advancing the regional creative economy while ensuring that growth remains inclusive, sustainable, and aligned with local governance frameworks.
The outputs of the activity will be submitted to the Regional Development Council (RDC) 10 Economic Development Committee for consideration, particularly on advancing the identification and development of potential film production sites where both international and local film industries may thrive in Northern Mindanao. (By A. Tiglao| DILG 10 CPIU & CDIIS)
Top bloggers and influencers recently were invited by the North-Min Auto Dealership Inc. (NMADI) to a Getting to Know You (GTKY) afternoon tea with its outstanding executives and employees who helped make the Cagayan de Oro based firm secure its 9thDealer of the Year Award (DOYA) from Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC).
Hosted by HR Manager Jay Miguel Alacha, the casual chat was graced by Abrille Hector A. Vallar, Service Manager, andย Jerson T. Manlaran, Service Technical Trainer.
Abrille Hector A. Vallar, Service ManagerJay Miguel Alacha, HR ManagerJerson T. Manlaran, Service Technical Trainer
Mr. Vallar shared how NMADI fosters a corporate culture of TEAM Excellence which encouraged the members of the Service Department to work as a team, rather than individuals. Mr. Manlaran, who has mentored NMADI technicians who performed brilliantly in the annual Isuzu Service Olympics held among IPCโs various dealers across the country,ย echoed a similar paradigm that was a significant factor in making NMADI a nine-time DOYA Champion.
The outstanding employees present were Sales Executive Grant Endriga (Elite Truck Meister and Top 2 Truck Elite; Sales Executive Beverlyn Ranis (Top 7 Truck Elite) in the 2025 DOYA held recently at Metro Manila,
Grant Endriga and Beverlyn Ranis in a conversation with CDO Bloggers & Influencers.
and Technician Sani James B. Maghanoy, who has twice been the No. 1 Isuzu Service Technician during Isuzu Service Skills Olympics (2024/2025); and has also twice represented Isuzu Team Philippines (2024/2025) at the Isuzu I-1 Grand Prix World Technical Competition, an annual global event organized by Isuzu Motors in Japan.
Sani James Maghanoy chatting with CDO Bloggers President Vany Barcelona.
This prestigious technical skills competition held annually among Isuzu service technicians from around the world is aimed at showcasing and elevating the standards of vehicle servicing, diagnostics, and repair across Isuzu dealerships worldwide.
Team Philippines at the 2025 Isuzu I-1 Grand Prix World Technical Competition, held at the Pia Arena MM in Yokohama City, Japan last October 29, 2025
For the 2025 Isuzu I-1 Grand Prix World Technical Competition, held at the Pia Arena MM in Yokohama City, Japan last October 29, 2025, Team Philippines was represented by Maghanoy and Jay Ar Alcuizar Jumawan, both from NMADI, with Joeminel Cutcharo of Isuzu Philippines as their coach. Their participation marks another milestone for NMADI and showcases the Philippinesโ technical excellence in Isuzuโs international competition.
CDO Bloggers and Influencers with Ms Cheila Marie L. Agustin, NMADI Support Services Head. (photo courtesy of AwesonChenS)
Among the bloggers and influencers who joined the interaction were Vany Barcelona ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย (MumzyVanyCDO); Chen Siwagan (AwesomeChenS); Judy Teves (BogiesWonderland); ย JenJacqs Agbon(NotesAfterCoffee); ย Ruby Caberte(TheRUBYPost); Vincent Tom Udasco (Metro CDO PH/CDODev.com); Gabriel Kent Llenas (Kentot Travels); Karen Chayne Sanchez (CDO Lifestyle); Francis N. Mansibugan Jr. (Juanderful Kagayan); Rob Gunayan (Cagayan de Oro Today); Frederick Anthony Palarca (Trip ni Tonio); and Mike Baรฑos (Metro Cagayan de Misamis).
North-Min Auto Dealership, Inc. (NMADI) or better known as Isuzu Cagayan de Oro with Isuzu outlets in Butuan, Dipolog, Pagadian and Valencia, has cemented its status as the most decorated dealer group in the history of the Isuzu Dealer of the Year Awards (DOYA), securing the prestigious title back-to-back in 2024 and 2025.
Over the years, NMADI has now been recognized nine times as Dealer of the Year, a record within the Isuzu Philippines dealer network and a testament to consistent operational excellence and strong customer focus. At the 2025 DOYA, IPC reaffirmed NMADIโs industry leadership with top placements across multiple categories, showcasing its all-round performance: Overall Dealer of the Year (2025) ; 2nd Place in Service OperationsExcellence; and, 3rd Place in Sales Operations Excellence.
NMADI General Manager Nyle B. Balasabas emphasized that the consistent performance of NMADI as IPCโs DOYA would not have been possible without the individual excellence of its team members.
For 2025, the following Individual excellence awards from NMADI staff were recognized:
โข Truck Elite Meister Award : Sales Executive Grant Endriga.
โข Truck Elite Award : Grant Endriga (2nd place) and Beverlyn Ranis (7th Place), underscoring NMADIโs strength in professional sales and customer servicing.
Beyond DOYA success, NMADI also excelled at the Isuzu Skills Olympics 2025, one of IPCโs flagship technical competitions aimed at elevating after-sales service standards nationwide:
โข Dealer Grand Champion โ top overall performance among participating dealerships.
โข Technician Category Champion, with technicians whose skills have positioned them at the forefront of technical excellence.
โข Two NMADI technicians, Sani James Maghanoy and Jay Ar Alcuizar Jumawan, with Joeminel Cutcharo of Isuzu Philippines as their coach, were honored as Team Philippinesโ official delegates at the Japan I-1 Grand Prix Technical Skills Competition, held at the Pia Arena MM in Yokohama City, Japan last October 29, 2025. Their participation marks another milestone for NMADI and showcases the Philippinesโ technical excellence in Isuzuโs international competition.
โNMADIโs representation this year underscores the growing reputation of Mindanao-based dealerships in global competitions,โ noted GM Balasabas. โTheir journey is both a source of pride for the local community and an inspiration for future technicians.โ
Earlier, Sani James Maghanoy made history by representing the Philippines and NMADI at the Isuzu World Technical Competition – Commercial Vehicle Category on October 30, 2024 in Japan. Competing with participants from 34 countries, this marked a historic first for NMADI. Joining him as observers were NMADIโs Isuzu Service Skills Olympic (ISSO) Champions, Rey Mark Lopez (Service Advisor) and, underscoring our commitment to service excellence. The following year Reynald Macagba represents NMADI in the Light Commercial Vehicle Category.
“At NMADI, weโre setting global standards in automotive serviceโchoose us for excellence!” said GM Balasabas.
โข In recognition of its longstanding collaboration and contribution to skills development, NMADI received an Appreciation Award from Isuzu Global Services Corporation during its 10th anniversary.
โStrategically, NMADI continues to be a top performer in commercial vehicle sales, maintaining the largest volume of Isuzu brand-new unit sales in Mindanao, and serving as the largest brand-new Japan truck dealer on the island โ a key pillar in sustaining Isuzuโs market leadership in the region,โ GM Balasabas stressed.
โThese achievements occur in the broader context of Isuzu Philippinesโ continued dominance as the No. 1 truck brand in the Philippines for over two decades, with IPC reporting sustained truck market leadership driven by durable products and a strong dealer network that consistently upholds the Isuzu brand promise,โ he noted.
By Mike Baรฑos (as related by Salika Maguindanao-Samad)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY โ In the wake of the infamous Marawi Siege of 2017 which displaced thousands from this Islamic City of Mindanao, real-life couple Salika and Jardin Samad gathered together their fellow Meranaws under the banner of Maranao Collectibles.
At an evacuation center in Iligan City, it dawned upon them that the art ofย langkitย weaving has long been suffering and slowly dying primarily because of the neglected cultural valuation of weaved products in the country. The neglect contributes to the slow production rates, high-priced products, and low income opportunities which bring financial instability to Meranaw weavers. Driven to revive this dying tradition, they humbly started their social enterprise by building makeshift equipment made of bamboo pipes and scraps and teaching the evacuees the art ofย langkitย weaving.ย (British Council Philippines, 2017)
Salika shares her journey during the recent Okir Art Exhibit II (RMB)
Retracing their humble beginnings, Salika shared their journey toย become one of the most respected voices in the preservation of their history, culture and identity as a people during the recent Okir Exhibit II held at a local mall in a talk dubbed โThreads of Hope: How Meranaw Women Weave Peace for Marawiโs Future.โ
Woven in golden silk, yellow landap is tradionally worn by Sultans, symbolizing leadership, dignity and nobility .Red landap is the color of warriors, symbolizing courage, protection, and readiness to defend the community.Green Landap is for Imam (spiritual leaders) symbolizing faith, wisdom, and guidance, reflecting the community’s deep links to peace and spirituality.Salika Samad weaving on a traditional backstrap loom.
โIf you look at the traditional Malong Landap of the Meranaw people, your eyes are immediately drawn to the Langkitโthose vibrant, intricate hand-woven strips that join the panels together,โ Salika said. โTo the untrained eye, it is a beautiful decoration. But to the community, it is a map of our history. Across the Lake Lanao region, the Meranaw woman has served as the living loom of our civilization.โ
Langkit in Meranaw History & Heritage
As an advocate for the preservation of the vanishing art and culture of Meranaw weaving, Maranao Collectibles endeavors to pass it on to the younger Meranaw generations by helping them appreciate and value its tradition.
Salika learned the intricacies of Meranaw weaving from her mother Saadira Shiek Basmala, who has been nominated by the Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage (BCPCH)-Lanao del Sur for the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) or National Living Treasures Award, which recognizes and supports traditional folk artists. Administered by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), it honors masters in crafts like weaving, poetry, and performing arts who preserve indigenous heritage.
As a Cultural Bearer, she stressed how the Meranaw Weaver serves as the vital bridge and guardian of their cultural soul, at the same time demonstrating their economic resilience.
โBeing a Cultural Bearer means carrying the weight of identity so it doesnโt blow away in the winds of globalization. For the Meranaw woman, this weight is carried in the mastery of Okir. She is not just a performer of the past; she is the architect of our future.โ
โIn Lanao, women weavers are the primary teachers of (the Okir icons) pako rabong (the growing fern) and the naga (sea serpent). These aren’t just shapes; they are a visual language of growth, power, and grace.โ
Although some of the older Meranaw women still practice traditional weaving, they are few and far between since the demand and market for their products were slowly shrinking and vanishing. On the other hand, the younger Meranaws prefer to work somewhere else where prestige and pay were far better.
Intangible Artistry
Salika stresses how Meranaw weavers create their masterworks of langkit and landap without the benefit of manuals, templates and other usual tools to help them hone their craft.
โWeaving a langkit is a mathematical feat. Without written manuals, these artisans memorize complex sequences of thread. When a mother teaches her daughter to weave, she is saving a world from extinction. The malong is present at birth, at weddings, and at the end of life. By maintaining the standards of this craft, women ensure that every Meranaw, whether in Marawi or abroad, knows exactly who they are.โ
Meranaw women weavers from the Maranao Collectibles meeting at the Samad residence in Marawi City.
As noted by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), these traditional practices provide the social cohesion necessary for a community to thrive. The cultural preservation is not a “hobby.” In Lanao, it is a sophisticated economic driver, she added.
Artisanal Entrepreneurship
When a Meranaw woman masters the langkit, she enters the Creative Economy. A hand-woven Malong Landap is a luxury item, a piece of “slow fashion” that attracts global interest.
Salika has been recognized with the Outstanding Entrepreneur Award for her entrepreneurship, and Maranao Collectibles with the Excellence in Advocacy Award for itsโ advocacy of indigenous crafts, by the National Customers’ Choice Annual Awards which honors top-performing companies, products, brands, and service providers across various categories. The awards are based on customer feedback, reflecting opinions, perceptions, awareness, and expectations related to their daily choices.
This role reached a pinnacle during the Marawi Siege and its aftermath when shops closed, homes and livelihoods lost, women used their backstrap looms to weave a way forward.
Statistics show that when a woman earns an income from her craft, she reinvests nearly all of it back into her family. Her “traditional” work pays for “modern” progressโbooks for school, medicine for the elderly, and food for the table.
According to reports on Post-Marawi Recovery, weaving became a lifeline, providing immediate income when other industries failed.
However, the role of a cultural bearer is increasingly difficult. They face the pressures of cheap, machine-made imitations and a lack of raw materials.
Salika said that when Maranao Collectible opened, they decided to increase the price point of their langkit pieces.
โMany weavers have stopped before because they know that it brings too little money. We have to address that because this will discourage the weavers. We leave it to the buyers if they still want to order. We explain to them that these are handicrafts and not mass-produced,โ she said.
They are now able to produce 200 to 500 meters of fabric in a month, and have clientele from many parts of the country. They have also forged partnerships with distributors. (Ellao, 2020)
A Meranaw woman cultural bearer is the heartbeat of her community. Like the langkit itself, she is the “joining strip” that holds the different panels of our society together. She holds the thread of the past in one hand and the currency of the future in the other. Let us look at these weavers not just as figures of history, but as the entrepreneurs of heritage who keep our spiritsโand our economiesโalive.
Theย Jardin Hybrid Loom, invented by Jardin Samad was hailed as the Grand Winner in the Grassroots Innovation (GI) category at the 2023 Grassroots Innovation and Circular Economy (GiCE) Expo held July 21, 2023 at the Heritage Hotel Manila, Pasay City.ย It is a sleek, sophisticated, and portable backstrap loom that features elevated seating, reducing strain on the weaver’s legs and allowing for better, more comfortable, and more efficient production, specifically designed to address the physical pain and discomfort experienced by traditionalย langkitย weavers who typically work on the floor. It supports the preservation of traditionalย langkitย (Malong weaving) while improving the working conditions and productivity of local weavers. Supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through the Bangon Marawi Support Fund, the innovation bested 14 other contenders in the 2023 GICE Expo, which highlights innovative, sustainable, and community-based solutions.ย
Langkit Festival is celebrated every year with the Charter Day of Marawi City, a legacy started by Mayor Majul U. Gandamra to help revive and sustain the tradition.
12 February 2026, Rome โ The Philippine Embassy in Rome hosted โArias for Eros II: Love Songs from Italy, the Philippines, and the World,โ concert at the Chanceryโs Social Hall, featuring acclaimed Luxembourg-based Filipino baritone Cipriano de Guzman Jr. and distinguished Italian pianist Maestro Simone Maria Marziali of the Accademia Verdiana di Carlo Bergonzi in Busseto.
Filipino baritone Cipriano de Guzman Jr. and Italian pianist Maestro Simone Maria Marziali of the Accademia Verdiana di Carlo Bergonzi in Busseto
Held on the eve of Valentineโs Day, the concert offered an evocative musical journey across cultures, languages, and generationsโcelebrating the universal language of music while highlighting the rich traditions of the Philippines and Italy in song.
Filipino baritone Cipriano De Guzman Jr. -The Filipino Baritone performs the timeless La Vie en Rose.
From the heartfelt strains of โJรบrameโ by Marรญa Grever and the immortal French classic โLa Vie En Rose,โ to the operatic brilliance of Donizettiโs โBella Siccome un Angeloโ from Don Pasquale, De Guzmanโs rich baritone resonated powerfully within the Chancery halls. Italian favorites such as โO Sole Mio, Con Te Partirรฒ,โ and Morriconeโs hauntingly beautiful โCinema Paradiso (Se)โ further enthralled the audience.
The program also paid tribute to the Philippinesโ rich musical heritage, featuring โMinamahal Kitaโ by Miguel Velarde Jr., โPobreng Alindahawโ arranged by Philippine National Artist for Music Lucio D. San Pedro, and the enduring OPM classic โSanaโy Wala ng Wakasโ by Willy Cruzโpieces that drew warm appreciation from both Filipino and Italian guests alike.
During the intermission, Maestro Marziali showcased his virtuosity with stirring piano interpretations from Pucciniโs โManon Lescautโ and Mascagniโs โCavalleria rusticana,โ further elevating the eveningโs artistic depth.
In his remarks, Philippine Ambassador to Italy Neal Imperial said that โThe concert, spanning arias from Italy, the Philippines, and the wider world, reminds us that while our languages may differ, the emotions that move us are shared. In hearing these arias and love songs side by side, we are invited to listen not only with our ears, but with our soulsโto recognize ourselves in one another.โ
Ambassador Neal Imperial presents flowers to Luxembourg-based Filipino baritone Cipriano De Guzman Jr. and Italian pianist Maestro Simone Maria Marziali.
The Ambassador underscored that the concert formed part of the Embassyโs celebration of the Philippinesโ National Arts Month, anchored on this yearโs theme, โAni ng Sining: Katotohanan at Gitingโ (โFruits of the Arts: Truth and Braveryโ). He emphasized that the arts are not merely decorative expressions, but vital forces that give voice to truth, inspire courage, and build bridges across cultures. Highlighting music as one of humanityโs most powerful connectors, the Ambassador noted that long before borders were drawn and treaties signed, melodies traveled across nations, expressing shared human experiences of love, longing, joy, and hope.
The audience applauds the remarkable performance of Filipino baritone Cipriano De Guzman Jr. and Italian pianist Maestro Simone Maria Marziali.
The event gathered members of the diplomatic corps, Italian officials, and leaders from both the Italian and Filipino communities, underscoring the Embassyโs continuing commitment to cultural diplomacy and people-to-people engagement. Through initiatives such as this concert, the Embassy also seeks to highlight Filipino artists based in Europe and promote Filipino talent on the international stage. Through music, the evening strengthened bonds between Italy and the Philippines, demonstrating how culture transcends borders and unites communities.
With โArias for Eros II,โ the Philippine Embassy once again reaffirmed its role as a platform for cultural exchangeโcelebrating artistic excellence, showcasing Filipino talent, and strengthening the enduring friendship between the Filipino and Italian peoples. END
COMUNICATO STAMPA
L’AMBASCIATA FILIPPINA CELEBRA SAN VALENTINO A ROMA
CON IL CONCERTO โARIAS FOR EROSโ
12 Febbraio 2026, Roma โ L’Ambasciata delle Filippine a Roma ha ospitato il concerto โArias for Eros II: Love Songs from Italy, the Philippines, and the Worldโ presso la Social Hall della Cancelleria, con l’acclamato baritono filippino residente in Lussemburgo, Cipriano de Guzman Jr. e l’illustre pianista italiano Maestro Simone Maria Marziali dell’Accademia Verdiana di Carlo Bergonzi di Busseto.
Tenutosi alla vigilia di San Valentino, il concerto ha offerto un suggestivo viaggio musicale attraverso culture, lingue e generazioni, celebrando il linguaggio universale della musica e valorizzando le ricche tradizioni canore delle Filippine e dell’Italia.
L’Ambasciatore Neal Imperial posa con il baritono Filippino Cipriano de Guzman Jr. residente in Lussemburgo e il pianista Italiano Maestro Simone Maria Marziali.
Dalle melodie struggenti di โJรบrameโ di Marรญa Grever e dall’immortale classico francese โLa Vie En Rose,โ alla brillantezza operistica di โBella Siccome un Angeloโ di Donizetti dal Don Pasquale, il baritono di De Guzman ha risuonato con potenza nelle sale della Cancelleria. Canzoni italiane amate come โO Sole Mio, Con Te Partirรฒโ e la struggente bellezza di โCinema Paradiso (Se)โdi Morricone hanno ulteriormente incantato il pubblico.
Il programma ha anche reso omaggio al ricco patrimonio musicale filippino, con โMinamahal Kitaโ di Miguel Velarde Jr., โPobreng Alindahawโ arrangiato dal Philippine National Artist for Music Lucio D. San Pedro e l’intramontabile classico dell’OPM โSana’y Wala ng Wakasโdi Willy Cruz, brani che hanno riscosso un caloroso apprezzamento sia dagli ospiti filippini che da quelli italiani.
Durante l’intervallo, il Maestro Marziali ha dato prova del suo virtuosismo con emozionanti interpretazioni pianistiche di Manon Lescaut di Puccini e Cavalleria rusticana di Mascagni, accrescendo ulteriormente la profonditร artistica della serata.
Nel suo intervento, l’Ambasciatore delle Filippine in Italia, Neal Imperial, ha affermato: “Il concerto, che spazia tra arie italiane, filippine e del resto del mondo, ci ricorda che, sebbene le nostre lingue possano essere diverse, le emozioni che ci muovono sono comuni. Ascoltando queste arie e queste canzoni d’amore una accanto all’altra, siamo invitati ad ascoltare non solo con le orecchie, ma con l’anima, a riconoscerci gli uni negli altri“.
L’Ambasciatore ha sottolineato che il concerto rientrava nelle celebrazioni dell’Ambasciata per il Mese Nazionale delle Arti delle Filippine, incentrate sul tema di quest’anno, “Ani ng Sining: Katotohanan at Giting” (“Frutti delle Arti: Veritร e Coraggio”). Ha sottolineato che le arti non sono semplici espressioni decorative, ma forze vitali che danno voce alla veritร , ispirano coraggio e costruiscono ponti tra le culture. Sottolineando la musica come uno dei piรน potenti strumenti di connessione tra l’umanitร , l’Ambasciatore ha osservato che molto prima che venissero tracciati confini e firmati trattati, le melodie viaggiavano attraverso le nazioni, esprimendo esperienze umane condivise di amore, desiderio, gioia e speranza.
L’evento ha riunito membri del corpo diplomatico, funzionari italiani e leader delle comunitร italiana e filippina, sottolineando il continuo impegno dell’Ambasciata nella diplomazia culturale e nel dialogo interpersonale. Attraverso iniziative come questo concerto, l’Ambasciata si propone anche di dare risalto agli artisti filippini residenti in Europa e di promuovere il talento filippino sulla scena internazionale. Attraverso la musica, la serata ha rafforzato i legami tra Italia e Filippine, dimostrando come la cultura trascenda i confini e unisca le comunitร .
Con “Arie per Eros II”, l’Ambasciata filippina ha ribadito ancora una volta il suo ruolo di piattaforma per lo scambio culturale, celebrando l’eccellenza artistica, valorizzando il talento filippino e rafforzando la duratura amicizia tra il popolo filippino e quello italiano. FINE
North-Min Auto Dealership, Inc. (NMADI) or better known as Isuzu Cagayan de Oro with Isuzu outlets in Butuan, Dipolog, Pagadian and Valencia, has cemented its status as the most decorated dealer group in the history of the Isuzu Dealer of the Year Awards (DOYA), securing the prestigious title back-to-back in 2024 and 2025.
Over the years, NMADI has now been recognized nine times as Dealer of the Year, a record within the Isuzu Philippines dealer network and a testament to consistent operational excellence and strong customer focus.
At the 2025 DOYA, IPC reaffirmed NMADIโs industry leadership with top placements across multiple categories, showcasing its all-round performance:
Overall Dealer of the Year (2025) โ championing sales, service, parts operations, and dealership management.
2nd Place Excellence in Service Operations โ reflecting service volume intake, workshop efficiency, trained technicians, and high aftersales quality, and
3rd Place Excellence in Sales Operations โ demonstrating strong market performance and effective sales and marketing programs
Individual excellence from NMADI was also recognized
โข Truck Meister Award to Sales Executive Grant Endriga.
โข 2nd Place Truck Elite Award to Grant Endriga,
and 7th Place Truck Elite Award to Beverlyn Ranis, underscoring NMADIโs strength in professional sales and customer servicing.
Beyond DOYA success, NMADI excelled in the Isuzu Skills Olympics 2025, one of IPCโs flagship technical competitions aimed at elevating after-sales service standards nationwide:
โข Dealer Grand Champion โ top overall performance among participating dealerships.
โข Technician Category Champion, with technicians whose skills have positioned them at the forefront of technical excellence.
โข Two NMADI technicians, Sani James Maghanoy and Jay Ar Jumawan, were honored to represent the Philippines at the Japan I-1 Grand Prix Technical Skills Competition, highlighting global-level competency and technical mastery.
โข In recognition of its longstanding collaboration and contribution to skills development, NMADI received an Appreciation Award from Isuzu Global Services Corporation during its 10th anniversary.
Strategically, NMADI continues to be a top performer in commercial vehicle sales, maintaining the largest volume of Isuzu brand-new unit sales in Mindanao, and serving as the largest brand-new Japan truck dealer on the island โ a key pillar in sustaining Isuzuโs market leadership in the region,” declared NMADI General Manager Nyle B. Balasabas.
“These achievements occur in the broader context of Isuzu Philippinesโ continued dominance as the No. 1 truck brand in the Philippines for over two decades, with IPC reporting sustained truck market leadership driven by durable products and a strong dealer network that consistently upholds the Isuzu brand promise,” he added.
Cagayan de Oroโthe City of Golden Friendshipโstands at the edge of a powerful new chapter. As 2026 dawns under the blazing banner of the Year of the Yang Fire Horse, the city feels the stirrings of momentum, courage, and long-awaited breakthroughs. This is not a quiet year. It is a year that asks us to move, to believe, and to rise together!
Remarkably, this fiery cosmic rhythm aligns with CDOโs own Metal Tiger spiritโbrave, resilient, and unafraid of the spotlight. United in a rare Triple Harmony, these energies suggest not chaos, but purposeful acceleration. While Fire can feel intenseโhot, fast, and demandingโFeng Shui reminds us that with wisdom and care, even the strongest flames can bring light, warmth, and lasting prosperity.
The Heartbeat of the City
Born under fortunate skies, Cagayan de Oro carries a quiet royalty in its bones. It is a city meant to be seen, heard, and followed. Commerce, intelligence, visibility, and leadership flow naturally here. Even when delays arise or restlessness stirsโas it sometimes must in growing citiesโthese are not failures. They are signals. With mindful adjustments to space, rhythm, and intention, every obstacle becomes a stepping stone toward something better, fairer, and more enduring.
2026: The Fire Horse Awakens
The Yang Fire Horse brings passion, speed, independence, and the courage to leap where others hesitate. It favors bold decisions, innovation, and honest effort. For the city of Cagayan de Oro, this is fuel for long-held dreams: modern growth, cultural pride, and a stronger voice in the region.
Midway through the year, the energy naturally asks for a pauseโnot a stop, but a breath. This is a sacred moment for repair, reflection, and strengthening foundations. By honoring this rhythm instead of resisting it, the city can surge forward in the latter half of 2026 with much clarity, better unity, and renewed strength.
Golden Harmony Through Classical Feng Shui
To make the most of this fiery year, balance is keyโnot suppression, but refinement. The Five Elements offer gentle, hopeful guidance:
Wood rises as a great healer. Expanding green spaces, planting trees, and weaving nature into daily city life allows Fire to transform into growth rather than exhaustion. Shade, leaves, and living landscapes cool the air and calm the spirit, reminding people that progress can be beautiful and humane.
Water carries wealth and continuity. Caring for the Cagayan River through regular, community-led cleanups does more than protect natureโit restores faith. Clear water symbolizes prosperity that flows freely, reaching every home and livelihood without stagnation or loss.
Human harmony anchors everything. Music, art, festivals, and peaceful gatherings give Fire a joyful outlet. When people laugh, dance, and create together, restless energy becomes inspiration. Unity becomes the cityโs greatest shield.
Metal provides quiet protection. In the southern and Uptown areas, touches of white, gold, and circular forms bring structure and resilience. These elements stabilize the heat of Fire, allowing good fortune to settle instead of scatter.
Every Citizen Has a Role
The brilliance of 2026 is not reserved for a fewโit belongs to everyone.
Those born under Tiger, Horse, and Dog energies naturally step into leadership, courage, and initiative this year. Their confidence inspires momentum.
Dragons are visionaries now, especially when focused on shared prosperity and long-term wealth in the Southeast. Big dreams, when rooted in ethics, lift entire communities.
Boars and Rabbits quietly nurture the cityโs life force through care, beauty, and greenery. Their influence restores softness and peace.
Snakes and Goats bring culture and creativity to the forefront, transforming intensity into celebration and meaning.
Monkeys and Roosters protect order and abundance, reminding the city that cleanliness, discipline, and smart systems are acts of love.
Rats and Oxen steady the emotional field, encouraging calm, mindfulness, and grounded thinking when things move fast.
Each contribution matters. Harmony is built from many hands.
A Hopeful Path Forward Picture a greener Cagayan de Oroโcooler streets, deeper shade, and parks alive with families. Imagine a river that sparkles again, carrying not just water, but trust and shared responsibility. Hear music drifting through public spaces, softening stress and strengthening connection.
Gaston Park (CIO)Plaza Divisoria (Aicy Soriano)Vicente de Lara Park (PIO)Cagayan River by Carlo Romero.
Leaders can ignite a citywide Green Shield, turning urban forestation into a living legacy. Communities can protect abundance through Living River cleanups that invite pride and participation.
Businesses can support Serenity Sessionsโart, music, and quiet cultural moments that remind people why progress is worth pursuing.
2026 is not merely a year on the calendar. It is an invitation.
An invitation for Cagayan de Oro to grow wiser, kinder, and more radiantโwithout losing its soul.
By embracing Feng Shui not as superstition, but as conscious stewardship of space, energy, and people, the city calls in a future rich with innovation, compassion, and unbreakable friendship.
The Fire Horse runs fastโbut together, with balance and hope, Cagayan de Oro can ride it toward a future that truly shines.
Anyone wishing to consult Sir Richard Yu can set an appointment through happybuddha999@gmail.com or leave messages on Viber and/or WhatsApp at 09278442538. Messages only, calls will not be entertained.
After starting as a social enterprise, Cagayan de Oroโs upscale furniture maker now has a proper showroom to showcase its beautifully crafted products.
Twin Head Furniture & Home Dรฉcor opened its biggest showroom to date on February 12th at the Ground Level, CV Roa Wing of the Ayala Centrio Mall (beside BPI).
Bert and Tess Acut, with son Nicolo and family, cutting the ribbon to their newest showroom. (RMB)
It was a significant milestone for owners Engr. Peleberto โBertโ and wife Tess after seventeen years, when they first ventured into furniture making in Camaman-an, after a neighborโs furniture shop closed down, leaving its workers jobless.
โSince we were constructing our house at that time, we invited their workers to do the carpentry and furniture works of our residence, but then when we considered how this would leave them jobless after they were done, we decided to go into small-scale furniture making with three carpenters to continue providing them with a livelihood,โ Bert recalls.
Originally, the couple had an RTW distribution company, Cardinal Gears which specialized in signature items in several boutique sized outlets in the cityโs malls. But the stiff competition from other boutiques in the cityโs malls and the proliferation of ukay-ukay stores constrained them to focus on furniture making instead.
They opened their first showroom at the 3rd floor of the Ayala Centrio Mall when it first opened its doors in November 9, 2012. Two years later they moved to the 3rd floor Bridgeway of the same mall since it offered greater exposure and foot traffic.
Twin Head Showroom at the North Wing of SM CDO Uptown.
Four years ago (August 22, 2022) , they opened another outlet at the North Wing of the SM CDO Uptown Mall but their latest move to the ground floor of the Ayala Centrio Mall (from the 3rd floor Bridgeway) is their boldest yet, seeking better opportunities presented by the superior location and space which finally afforded customers the chance to view their upscale furniture in their proper perspective.
The furniture business was not really new to Bert when he and Tess ventured into it, since his father was already operating a backyard business making rattan furniture back in their ancestral home in Malitbog, Bukidnon.
However, they chose to focus instead on wooden furniture when they started their furniture making in their residence backyard in 2009 in Barangay Camaman-an.
At present, their operation has a work force of 30-40 workers but when they started they only had 3 carpenters using hand tools and everything was hand-made.
To keep up with the growing demand for their products, the couple invested in machineries and equipment like the CNC (Computer Numerical Control) router machine that automated their wood carving tasks with pre-programmed software, designed to precisely cut, grind and shape intricate designs which increased their production speed, accuracy, and repeatability.
In this they were greatly assisted by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-Misamis Oriental) through its SETUP 4.0 4M (Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program) that alsoย helped them acquire a portable kiln drier for their raw materials, table planer, table saw with molder, jet dust collector, and drill press in 2017. โWe are very grateful to DOST who really helped us acquire our equipment like for instance we now have a kiln drier for which 80% of our products are kiln dried to a moisture content of 14% which is the industry standard. This process kills bukbok (wood-boring beetle), termites and other insects which are present in the raw lumber,โ Bert said.ย
DOST Misamis Oriental Provincial Director Engr. Junelyn Louvena B. Ruiz said the package enabled Twin Head to improve productivity by 152%, design execution become easier and more precise, thanks to the CNC Machine, and the production of kiln dried lumber drastically improved from one month to only 14 days.
Twin Head Production Area in Camaman-an, Cagayan de Oro City. (DOST-Misamis Oriental)
Most of their raw materials are sourced from industrial tree plantations around Mindanao.
DOST also deployed consultants under it Manufacturing Productivity Extension Program (MPEX) To ensure further that the machinery and equipment are properly utilized and maximized.
โWe also availed of the MPEX consultants who greatly helped us improve our production process with the machines we availed of under SETUP,โ Bert noted. Most of their raw materials are sourced from industrial tree plantations around Mindanao.
In addition to kiln-drying the raw lumber they use for their products, Twin Head also uses Termite Buster, a proprietary chemical formulation they themselves developed in-house, to treat all of their wood products and guarantee theyโre pest-free for the next 15 years.
โThat separates us from other furniture makers. We donโt just kiln dry, we also treat,โ Bert notes.
Named after the Acut family boys, Nicolo and Froilan, Twin Headโs premium quality furniture products have gained the patronage of mostly high end customers from government and business who are repeat buyers and who prefer bespoke items not found in other homes and business establishments.
โKagay-anon buyers are choosy and willing to spend, no matter if itโs expensive, as long as your workmanship is good, they will like your furniture, and that has been our experience,โ Bert disclosed.
โAround 70-80 percent of our furniture products are for custom-made with designs our customers personally specify,โ said Nicolo, the eldest of the coupleโs two sons who now manages the production and design. Although an international studies graduate, Nicolo chose to take another four year course in interior design at the Philippine School of Interior Design in Taguig City, where furniture design was one of the subjects.
To further emphasize the up market niche of their target market, Twin Head has pointedly labelled their furniture designs after classical names like Alegria, Athena, Cassandra, Glenda, Grace, Alexandros, to mention a few.
As the current Vice President Manufacturing & Industry of Oro Chamber, Bert declared he would like to organize fairs and exhibitions, as well as a sectoral association of furniture makers like the CFIP in Cebu. Although Twin Head hasnโt yet participated in furniture trade fairs and exhibits, they previously joined MSME, builders, and architectsโ events such as the Oro Chamberโs Oro Best Expo.
The Oro Best Expo (Cagayan de Oro Business Enterprises, Services, and Trade Exposition) is Northern Mindanao’s longest-running and largest annual trade exhibit, designed to boost economic growth by showcasing top Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), local products, services, and innovations. Organized by the Oro Chamber and the City Government, it serves as a premier venue for regional business networking, and investment promotion.
Queried about the furniture industryโs prospects for the medium term, Bert replied: โAs long as the regional economy continues developing, thereโs a future for the furniture industry in Northern Mindanao, particularly Cagayan de Oro.โ
After over a decade as a commercial airline pilot for Philippine Airlines (PAL), Kagay-anon Patrick Roa seemed to have attained his childhood dream of flying the friendly skies.
However, he chose to voluntarily retire from PAL just a few months shy of his 50th Birthday, to pursue flying that demanded more than the sedate routine of flying commercial airliners.
Patrick Roa as a commercial pilot for Philippine Airlines.
โThis decision was driven by clarity. Having built a strong foundation in scheduled airline flying, I recognized that the next phase of my professional life needed to be intentional. I chose to redirect my career toward complex, high-responsibility aviation missionsโwork that demanded greater technical depth, adaptability, and a broader international scope,โ the intrepid flyer explained.
Into the Wide Blue Yonder
What made his decision to retire even more remarkable was that it came at the height of the global COVID-19 pandemic, when global aviation was still reeling and many professionals chose stability despite salary reductions and economic uncertainty. The world was in turmoilโvaccines were not yet available, uncertainty was everywhereโand he was stepping away from a stable career to embrace risk and change.
โThat moment marked less an ending than a recalibration. I was seeking a meaningful challenge and carefully evaluated the timing, risks, and potential rewards of such a move. For me, however, the timing felt right. It was time to pivot. It felt, quite simply, like jumping out of the boat and choosing to swim in the open water. I made the decision and formally retired,โ he recalls. All this to the soundtrack of Gnarls Barkleyโs โCrazyโ, which he was listening to at the time.
To facilitate his Strategic Requalification and Industry Engagement, he reestablish his global mobility by reactivating his FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) Airline Transport Pilot License by completing an Airbus A320 Flight Crew Transition Course in Florida.
To elevate his industry engagement, he also joined the Philippine Chapter of the Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA) as its Chapter Chair and was later nominated to the Board of Governors.
โOur advocacy efforts focused on securing extended quarantine bubble exemptions for flight crews, raising awareness of the safety risks posed by illegal charter operations, and strengthening industry education, he noted.
In partnership with WingBox Aviation, the Chapter launched โBridging the Gap,โ a free online educational outreach program which attracted more than 5,000 registered participants. Another of his major projects with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) was the revision and implementation of a Helicopter Route System to enable Helicopter IFR Night Operations within the Manila Control Areaโan effort aimed at improving operational safety and civil defense resilience.
In June 2022, he was elected as the first Filipino Director and Vice Chairman of the AsBAA that expanded his involvement from operational execution to strategic governance, policy engagement, and regional collaboration, particularly as the industry began navigating emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, hybrid-electric propulsion, and the commercial space economy.
Entry into Global Aviation Projects
With limited immediate opportunities in corporate aviation, Roa accepted his first post-airline contractual assignment as a ferry pilot in October 2021, delivering an Airbus A319 from Mississippi through Alaska and Russia to Taiyuan, Chinaโfollowed by a 30-day isolation quarantine.
Shortly thereafter, he was contacted by Nomadic Aviation Group for another demanding mission into Myanmar. At the time, he was blissfully unaware that Nomadicโnewly reformed from the merger of Jet Test and Transport and AviaCrewโwas the worldโs leading aircraft delivery and flight test organization, conducting approximately 300 to 400 flights annually in close partnership with major global lessors.
What he initially viewed as a transitional role quickly evolved into something far more substantial and he found myself immersed in a previously unseen dimension of aviation: international ferry operations, aircraft delivery, acceptance flights, and post-engineering modification flight testingโoften in unfamiliar airspace, on unfamiliar aircraft, and with no margin for complacency.
Multi-Type Expansion and Leadership Transition
Over the next two years, he expanded his operational scope by adding type ratings on the Boeing 737 (all series), Boeing 757/767, and Airbus A330, significantly broadening his previous narrowbody and widebody capabilities in ferry and flight test roles.
โIn March 2023, I was invited to join Nomadic Aviation Groupโs Operations Management team and was appointed Flight Test Manager. In this role, I became responsible for overseeing complex international ferry projects, acceptance flights, and post-modification flight test programs across both Airbus and Boeing platforms. This marked a transition from performance-based demonstration test flying toward more formally structured flight test engineering methodologies.โ
Transition to Test Pilot
To formalize this trajectory, Roa applied with the National Test Pilot School (NTPS) in Mojave, California, fully aware that the Technical Pilot Course only admits a maximum of four students annually and maintains a multi-year backlog of qualified candidates.
โI first focused on qualifying for acceptance, knowing that timing would ultimately be beyond my control,โ he admits. โIn May 2023, while having lunch in Sรฃo Paulo, Brazil, I received an email informing me that a seat had opened for the February 2024 class. The news was unexpected and overwhelming. I accepted immediately, and only later realized what I have just gotten myself into.โ
Flight Test Specialization
With less than ten months to prepare, he immersed himself in extensive academic pre-study covering aerodynamics, physics, algebra, calculus, differential equations, and certification flight testing criteria under U.S. FAR Parts 23 and 25, along with their European EASA CS-25 counterparts. Preparation became a parallel discipline to his operational responsibilities.
Large-Scale Program Leadership
In January 2024, Roa assumed operational leadership of Airbus A320 ferry flights supporting LATAM Airlines Groupโs On Air WiFi project involving their fleet of over 200 Narrowbody aircraft.
This included establishing a dedicated Nomadic Aviation Group South American crew base in Sรฃo Paulo, Brazil; managing a multinational pilot workforce operating under FAA, ANAC, DGAC-Chile, and Cayman licenses and validations; and expanding the scope of operations to include LATAMโs Boeing 787 and 767 freighter conversion, ferry, and experimental modification programs across five continents
Defining Milestone
In February 2024, Roa attained a career defining milestone as he became the first Filipino to earn certification as a Technical Flight Test Pilot after completing the NTPS Technical Pilot Course in Mojave, California, formalizing his extensive experiential knowledge. Through structured training and data-driven methodologies, he transitioned from being a pilot who performed test flying to one trained with a deeper understanding of the discipline behind itโrisk management, repeatability, and engineering intent.
High-Performance and Supersonic Training
By AprilโMay 2024 he achieved a long-time dream when he completed his Supersonic and High-Performance (HIPer) Jet Upset Prevention and Recovery Training with Flight Research Inc., a division of NTPS, and flew legacy military jet trainers, including the Northrop T-38 Talon and Aermacchi MB-326 Impala.
The Northrop T-38 Talon is a two-seat, twinjetsupersonicjet trainer designed and produced by the American aircraft manufacturer Northrop CorporationThe Aermacchi or Macchi MB-326 is a light military jet trainer designed and produced by the Italian aircraft manufacturer Aermacchi.
โThis phase of training proved particularly demanding. Conducted under the close supervision of a former Space Shuttle astronaut, the margins for error were minimal-if any,โ he stressed. โMy instructor was former Space Shuttle astronaut Bill Oefelein. Bill was a former Top Gun instructor and Naval Test Pilot prior to joining NASA.โ
With URRT Hi-Per instructor Bill Oefelein, a former Top Gun instructor, Test Pilot, and Space Shuttle pilot astronaut.
โTest pilot training involves flying different unfamiliar aircraft that demanded total presence and respect. Extracting good data, evaluating handling qualities and performance. The experience was both physically and mentally exacting, reinforcing the principle that growth remains inherently uncomfortableโas it must be.โ
He relates how he never imagined that leaving the airline was the best thing that happened to him.
I went back full circle to the things I only dreamed of doing but gave up on. Even getting accepted into Test Pilot School is a crazy story-waitlist is at least three years, only 4 students max, they will select qualified applicants, and youโll also need a US DoD ITAR Clearance, the โshort, fast courseโ is only offered once a year or three times every two years. I went almost a year not watching any inflight movie or even Netflix!โ
Present Day Perspective & Purpose
Today, Roa operates as a globally deployable technical flight test pilot and aviation project manager, with over 14,000 flight hours, experience across more than 60 aircraft types, along with experience in board-level industry leadership and governance.
โMy career now sits at the intersection of flight test, fleet transition programs, safety governance, and international aviation strategy,โ he noted.
โThe milestones and numbers matter less than the perspective they have provided. I have learned that mastery is never static, credibility is earned daily, and the most meaningful careers are shaped by deliberate, risk-conscious choicesโnot inertia. This chapter of my life has been defined by intention: choosing challenge, embracing responsibility, and continuing to learn long after it would have been easier to stop and simply watch the sunset.โ
โIf my story can show anything, itโs that success is not reserved for the fewโitโs available to all who are willing to put in the hard work, to push through the challenges, and to hold onto their vision, no matter how daunting it may seem.โ
โI lived it and I made it. And I know others can too!โ
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY โ The recently concluded 2nd Okir Art Exhibit held at a local mall has further reinforced the growing popularity of the Meranaws of Lanao del Sur unique art form.
Okir is a distinctive geometric and flowing design style from the Southern Philippines, particularly among the Iranaon peoples (Meranaw, Maguindanao, and Iranun) featuring intricate plant-inspired motifs like vines, leaves and folk figures like the Sarimanok and Naga traditionally used in carving, weaving, and painting on wood, metal, and textiles.
It is usually found in the torogans (royal residences), tapestries, wooden chests, gongs, brassware, and the grip, guard, pommel, and scabbard of traditional blades like the kampilan, kris, and gunong.
It’s a significant cultural expression, with distinct male (Okir-a-dato, curvilinear) and female (Okir-a-bai, geometric) forms, showcasing the indigenous originality and skill of the Meranaw people, reflecting their distinct culture and identity.
Okir remains a vital part of Filipino cultural heritage, with ongoing efforts to promote it and encourage younger generations to learn the craft, as it faces threats from modern influences.
Modernization vs Tradition
During the recent 3-day exhibit, I had the chance to interview leading artists and artisans about the encroachment of modern technology on their traditional okir crafts.
Edris Tamano, an Okir artist, architect, and cultural advocate whose works highlights the significance and intricacies of Meranaw Okir design, said modernization has definitely seeped into the traditional construction methods like their Torogan.
Ar. Edris Tamano, the foremost authority on the Okir Art of the Iranaon people, lectures during the Okir Art Exhibit 2026. (RMB)
โFor our traditional Torogan, instead of using the usual wooden joinery, they are now using bolts and nails. Like for example the Torogan in Iligan City, the traditional wooden posts have been replaced by concrete. However, they still simulated the wood with wood grain finishes which looks like wood from a distance. Even the beams and girders have now been replaced with concrete.โ
He attributes the acculturation of modern construction methods since the traditional wooden carpenters and artisans have mostly died out or have moved out to greener pastures.
โThus, these days itโs hard to find the original classic okir designs. The okir they now use are called by some as mestizo. For one component we call armalis, we have the pako, the dapal, and the todi. When they build now, they only use the pako and the todi, and skip the other parts of the okir,โ Tamano laments.
Three examples of the Okir illustrated in paintings by Edris Tamano. (RMB)
In the context of traditional Maranao architecture, armalis refers to a specific, asymmetrical motif used in the woodcarving (okir) decorations of a torogan (the royal house of the Meranaws). It is described as an asymmetrical growing fern pattern which is part of the intricate okir carvings found on the panolong, which are the prominent, flared, and carved floor beams that protrude from the front and sides of the torogan.
Along with other patterns like the naga (sea dragon) or sarimanok (mythical bird), the armalis motif contributes to the overall aesthetic that makes the torogan appear to be floating, often compared to a royal vessel. The torogan itself is a symbol of high social status, power, and leadership, usually belonging to a datu or sultan.
Tamano also attributes the gradual erosion of the traditional okir to the lack of its proper documentation as an art form and philosophy, which could have served to preserve its practice and culture, especially for those learning the building trades. Although Tamano has already written a book about the Okir, its origins and philosophy that has made it an integral part of the Meranaw Heritage and Culture, he still has to find a publisher to date.
Traditional Tapestries
Another renowned Okir artworks of the Meranaw are their tapestries and ceremonial umbrellas which are festooned with beads and sequins such as the Mamandiyang, Ampas, and Payong o Diyakatan.
Some examples of the Meranaw Ampas and Mamandiyang by Pendocina Omar of the Raheemah Peace Weevers Cooperative.
The Mamandiyang is a sequin decorated tapestry most often seen in Torogans, weddings, and enthronement which lend a regal air to these events. The Ampas are beaded fringes used in the Pagana Meranaw (traditional feast) usually colored yellow, shaped in round, square or star forms, and adorned with beads and sequins used to cover ceremonial food trays (tabak). Not the least, the ceremonial Payong o Diyakatan is a ceremonial parasol decorated with embroidery, tassels, sequins and beads, symbolizing power and prestige, especially during enthronements. It is also used in traditional Meranaw dances such as the world famous Singkil.
Pendocina Omar, a Meranaw traditional beader masterfully skilled in hand-sewing beads and sequins for these tapestries, is a member and officer of three womenโs cooperatives which produce excellent examples of fine entirely hand sewn traditional Meranaw tapestries, made with beads and sequins such as the Mamandiyang, Ampas, and Payong o Diyakatan.
She said they definitely cannot use sewing or similar machines to produce their products which have to be sewn entirely by hand, except for hemming their tapestries. A skilled Mamandiyang maker usually takes two months to finish the 17-meter tapestry, which are sold for a mere P10,000.00 for two months work. A Diyakatan usually takes 20 days to produce (10 days if rush) but again only retails for P8,000.00.
The vast difference between local prices was best illustrated by Ms. Omar who once produced a Mamandiyang for a customer when she was still working in Saudi Arabia that sold for 10,000 riyals, or P156,000 at the current exchange rate of P15.60 to one Saudi Riyal.
Keeping the Spirit of Okir
But perhaps the dilemma of adopting modern technology to produce Okir-embellished Meranaw artworks is best described by Lantong Pangcoga, a Master Artisan skilled in the carving of traditional Meranaw Okir art forms such as the Baur, Gador, Lotoan, and Panulong.
While he already uses modern power tools such as the table saw, planer, lathe, and grinder in his workshop at Tugaya, Lanao de Sur to basically prepare his raw materials, he and his workers continue to carve and inlay their exquisite wooden artworks entirely by hand.
Lantong Pangcoga of LN Collectible Handicraft of Tugaya. Lanao del Sur shows off a Kampilan with its hardwood scabbard decorated with hand carved Okir motifs, carabao horn hilt, brass grip and naga pommel. The exquisite mother of pearl inlaid gadors, lotoan and table name plate are all entirely hand made. (RMB)
โCarving the wood and installing the shell inlays require years of practice to perfect by hand, and cannot be mechanized,โ Pangcoga stressed.
Although there are already computer controlled power tools that can do their work faster and cheaper, he is apprehensive this would ultimately lead to the deterioration and eventual disappearance of their wood carving and inlaying skills.
Traditional Meranaw Mother of pearl inlaid wooden gadors, frames, chess sets, and blades hand made with Okir motifs by Lantong Pangcoga of LN Collectible Handicraft of Tugaya, Lanao del Sur.
(Photos courtesy of the Lanao del Sur Tourism Public Information)
โWe will not only lose our skill to carve and inlay if we use machines, but even more important, we will lose the spirit of Okir, which is the culture and heritage of our people,โ he cautions.
Lantong Pangcoga has been nominated for the prestigious Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) or National Living Treasures Award, the highest state honor given to a Filipino in recognition of his outstanding work as a traditional folk artist.
A recipient of the National Living Treasure or Manlilikha ng Bayan is โa Filipino citizen or group of Filipino citizens engaged in any traditional art uniquely Filipino, whose distinctive skills have reached such a high level of technical and artistic excellence, and have been passed on to and widely practiced by the present generations in their community with the same degree of technical and artistic competence.โ
Indeed, Master Lantong isn’t just a skilled Okir Artisan, but has also been mentoring younger Meranaws in the art under the School of Living Traditions (SLT) championed by the Bangsamoro Commission on the Preservation of Cultural Heritage of Lanao del Sur (BCPCH-Lanao de l Sur)
