Mindanao – Filipino Arts and Culture Society of Alberta

Pavilion Coordinator: Marietta Pangan

Sharon Nolasco: Artists Coordinator

Mario Leo Concepcion: Music Coordinator

Maria Luisa Moreno: Technical Coordinator

The southern region of the Philippines, encompassing the vast islands of Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago, has been the resilient home of Filipino Muslims since the 14th century. Their history is a testament to their unwavering strength, a crucial component of the country’s historical development.

The Muslim ethnic groups in Mindanao and Sulu are united by ideological solid and geographical ties. They are culturally linked to Southeast Asian Muslim countries and, with a 500-year political history in the Philippines, have the most extended political experience among all groups.

The culture of Philippine Muslims is a fascinating fusion of Islam and Adat, a blend that harmoniously combines pre-Islamic culture with the philosophical interpretation of Islam. With eleven groups in the region, their shared language is still actively spoken, fostering a strong sense of community.

Their music, dance, and costumes are a captivating kaleidoscope of Arabian and Indo-Malayan influences, intriguingly capturing the unique mosaic of Filipino culture.