Kultura ng Pag-uukir at Pag-uuma in 2nd Episode of Buhay na Buhay

Senator Loren Legarda enjoins the public to watch the second episode of Buhay na Buhay, featuring the Muslim Filipino’s Kultura ng Pag-uukir at Pag-uuma (Poetic Mysticism and Devotion to Islam), on Saturday, February 24, 5:45pm, on GMA News TV.

Legarda said that this episode explores the deep and spiritual connection of Muslim Filipino artistry and craftsmanship to their religion—that the intricate and complex designs of their clothing, architecture, textiles, and even music and dance, exhibit their reverence to Islam.

“We have eleven Muslim Filipino ethnic groups. While each group cultivates its own distinct expertise and aesthetic, perhaps, the essence of Islamic Filipino arts and crafts are to reveal their very connection with Allah,” Legarda said.

The Muslim ethnic groups in the Philippines are the Maranao, Maguindanao, Iranun, Tausug, Yakan, Sama, Sangir, Kaagan, Kolibugan, Jama Mapun, and Molbog.

The episode features Tugaya, Lanao del Sur, a barangay known for its craftsmanship because of the people’s expertise in weaving as well as in carving wood and molding metals to come up with musical instruments and metal wares.

It also showcases the elaborate designs of the malong by the Maranao, which signifies its value to the life and culture of the groups. Such complex designs are also evident in the weaves of the Yakan.

The episode also looks into the Pangalay dance of the Tausug, which is perceived to mimic the organic movement of ocean waves and a flock of birds.

“We want to foster greater understanding with our Muslim brothers and sisters and one way is by appreciating their very culture and art. This episode offers us a glimpse of the spiritual journey of an Islamic Filipino to express and demonstrate his faith through complex artistry,” Legarda said.

Buhay na Buhay, produced by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), is an engaging and informative series that introduces the eight living cultures of the Philippines.

Legarda, the program host, presents the groundbreaking study of Professor Felipe De Leon Jr., former NCCA Chairperson, in this eight-part weekly series written by Floy Quintos and directed by Jeypi Salonga of Business Unusual Media Solutions (BUMS) Inc.

“The Philippines is a culturally diverse country. We continue to unravel artifacts and ways of life of our forefathers, and we have been constantly learning about our rich heritage, culture, and the arts. We are always in pursuit of deepening our understanding of the very soul and identity of being a Filipino. Through this series, we will also experience and witness how our culture continues to bebuhay na buhay,” said Legarda.

Buhay na Buhay is a product of academic and scholarly work presented in an engaging manner through an interesting narration and video documentation. It is presented in the Filipino language so that more Filipinos would better grasp the different facets of our culture.

Buhay na Buhay airs every Saturday, 5:45 p.m., on GMA News TV.