The Heart of Tradition: The Keeper of the Okir

By Mike Baños (as related by Salika Maguindanao-Samad) CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY –  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 …

Meranaw Artists & Artisans open to modern tech but not at the expense of tradition

Okir Art Exhibit 2026 CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – 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, …

Okir Art Exhibit to showcase Lanao’s Meranaw Heritage

3 – 5 February 2026 | 4th Floor Event Center | SM CDO DOWNTOWN The Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur, through the Provincial Tourism, Culture, and the Arts Office (PTCAO), will be staging the second edition of its OKIR Art Exhibit on 3-5 February 2026 at the Event Hall of SM CDO Downtown, Cagayan …

Passing the torch for Meranaw Heritage  & History : New Guardians of the Sagayan

Islamic City of Marawi, Lanao del Sur- The Meranaws of Lanao should consider themselves lucky their cultural heritage would not be lost to the all-pervasive pressure of acculturation thanks to the efforts of the official government body protecting and promoting the rich history, culture, arts, and traditions of the Bangsamoro people in the Bangsamoro Autonomous …