Marawi City, the capital of Lanao del Sur, is one of the cities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao. It has a colorful culture and overflowing with stunning attractions and destinations. Prior to my solo-backpacking, whenever I share my itinerary, the common response of my friends was "it is not safe in there," that negative statement did not affect my travel plan. From Iligan City proper, I rode on a habal to the Southbound Terminal where I rode in a van to the city; travel time was about 45 minutes to an hour.
Marawi City, Lanao del Sur: List of Tourist Spots, How to Get Here, History.
At first, I felt awkward because I was sitting in between two Muslim ladies. But felt more awkward-eerr when I spoke in tagalog while paying my fare to the conductor. Everyone was starring at me! Actually, that moment was a blessing in disguise, why? Because my seatmates started chatting with me in tagalog. "San ka pupunta?" "May kakilala kaba?" "May dadalawin kaba?" Those questions were thrown at me. I just smiled and responded "Wala, mag-lilibot-libot lang ako sa mga tourist spots dito." They were friendly and welcoming!
The relaxing ground at Mindanao State University.
I alighted at the intersection inside the Mindanao State University. Why? Because I noticed an amazing landscape with a relaxing ambiance (photo above). The breeze was cool and fresh; very conducive for learning. From there, I walked on the street to Aga Khan Museum, where I learned a lot about the culture of the Maranaos.
The facade of Aga Khan Museum
The Aga Khan Museum of Islamic Arts is one of the must visit tourist destinations in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur and it is inside the MSU campus. It was Dr. Mamitua D. Saber who founded the museum on June 13, 1962 and was inaugurated on March 23, 1969. From University Folks Arts Center, it was renamed to Aga Khan Museum to honor Aga Khan IV who donated the current museum building. By the way, Aga Khan Museum holds the largest Filipino Muslim collections in the Philippines.
The reception of Aga Khan Museum
The traditional dresses of the Maranaos.
Aga Khan Museum's objective is to collect and preserve fold art specimens and artifacts of the Muslim groups and other indigenous minorities. To organize a systematic collection that could be useful to scholars, researches of the Philippine Muslim Culture. To encourage research in and lend assistance to the revival and salvaging of folk arts. To spread knowledge about the people of these regions in an effort towards cultural integration. READ: SOLO-BACKPACKING in Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon, Davao del Norte, Compostela Valley, and Davao City
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