Going South To Mindanao

Mindanao, Southern Philippines is a wondrous place mainly because it is home to some of the purest unbroken lineages of indigenous Filipino people.

Last year, as I was starting to plan my trip to the Motherland, I came across a performance in New York City by a dance company called Kinding Sindaw.

Their mission is to “assert, preserve, reclaim and re-create the traditions of dance, music, martial arts and storytelling of the indigenous peoples of Southern Philippines.”

What I learned about Mindanao from Kinding Sindaw really surprised me.

The show was called POSAKA, meaning “heirloom” in English. Four indigenous artists were featured from the communities of Maguindanao, Meranao, Tausug and T’boli. 

During the show, I watched a special performance by T'Boli cultural bearer Lyn Buti (pictured above ☝🏼). She talked about a mysterious Full Moon Ceremony that she does every month for her community.

The moment I heard her speak, I knew she would become a pivotal part of my journey back to the Motherland.

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