Singkil Dance
Agus River
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MARAWI CITY
The Islamic City
Area: 22.6 sq km
Population (1995): 114,389
Avg. Population Growth Rate: 4.2%
No. of Barangays: 96
History
Marawi was formerly part of the municipality of Dansalan. Its name was derived from the Maranao term rawi, which means reclining, and refers to the lilies that bend northward on the banks of the mouth of the Agus River.
The municipality of Dansalan was established under the Moro Province in 1907.
In 1940, Dansalan became a chartered city, but was not inaugurated until 1950. In 1956, Dansalan City was renamed Marawi City through a congressional act.
In 1980, it was officially renamed the Islamic City of Marawi, with a 90 percent Muslim population.
As Lanao del Sur's capital city, Marawi serves as the province's commercial, educational, cultural, religious, and political center.
People and Culture
Marawi City is predominantly Muslim. Maranao is the most widely spoken dialect and is understood by Muslims and Christians alike.
Since Arabic studies came to be widely taught among the city's students, a great number of the population can read, write and speak Arabic.
A number of schools still use English as the medium of instruction.
Area Profile
Marawi City is bounded on the north by the municipalities of Kapai and Saguiaran, on the south by Lake Lanao, on the east by the municipalities of Bubong and Ditsaan Ramain, and on the west by the municipalities of Marantao and Sauiaran.
Rolling hills and valleys and a placid lake dominate the city's landscape.
Due to its high elevation, its weather is cool (in tropical terms) and pleasant, distinguished by an even distribution of rainfall throughout the year.
Commerce and Industry
Most industries in the city are resource-oriented. They include rice and corn mills, hollow-block manufacturing, goldsmithing, and saw milling.
Small and cottage-size enterprises are engaged in garment-making, mat and malong weaving, woodcraft, brassware making, and blacksmithing.
EVENTS
Maulid En Nabi. The entire Muslim world celebrate the feast, the birthday of Prophet Muhammad . This is movable feast on which the Sultan or Datu of the place is oblige to give for his people. Some of the Maranaos celebrate it ahead of the set day and the rest on the specified date, birthday of Prophet Muhammad .
Ramadan. The muslims seem eagerly looking forward this 12th month of the year. They believe that they have to spend what they have earned for the rest of 11 months in the whole month of Ramada. Not only looking for the best foods in town but searching for the best kitchen utencils. Some have been accustomed to buying new equipment and keep the old ones during this month. On the very first night, others called it Pegang, special foods displayed in new beautiful glasswares were being served happily. Some believed that once you begin with the above, surely the following nights will be repetitions. Giving and praying during this month will be rewarded a thousand times than the rest of the months.
Wedding Day. Wedding cost a lot wherein the presence of both the bride and groom´s parents, relatives and friends are necessary. The celebration varies from the class of the family where the couple belongs. Food served and money is divided among the crowd. Festivity started one week before the crowning of the Sultan, Bae and datus. People are invited together in this occasion wherein food is served in abundance. It is therefore the best time for the coronation of the nobility such as Sultan and other Datus.
Morod A Miskin. Is a feast given to the poor of the community. Food is prepared and people are invited including the Sultan to partake the feast.
Morod A Lomalayag. Feast given by travellers or sailors after they have returned from a trip in thanksgiving for their success and safety.
INTERESTING DESTINATIONS
Aga Khan (Mindanao State University, Marawi City). Named in honor of King Aga Khan who contributed to the realization of the museaum. Historical development of the country is bank on the large space upon the conservation of cultural materials. It has huge, collection of indigenous art, displayed ethnic music tape recorded, the native folk dances from different regions of Mindanao, Sulu and Palawan, the native tools and weapons used by the Muslims and different artistic designs of houses are the main attractions of museum. Indegenous art and cultural material are being diaplayed.
Moncado Colony (Moncado, Cadingilan). Named in honor of Hilario Camino Moncado, a native Filipino, leader, an organizer, author of books and lecturer of humanities. He graduated with honor at the age of nine at India Collage of Mystery and Psychics. Moncado monuments and wild animals monuments can be found here.
Torogans and Sambitory old Building (Amito, Dayawan, Marawi City, Sambitory building, Barrio Naga, Marawi City). The feeling of the unique natural setting of the Maranao in Marawi City is manifested by the presence of many large "Torogans", an antique royal high roofed with curving designed houses of Maranao.
Beautiful Rolling Hills and Mountains. They are found in Marawi City. Signal hill, Arumpac hill and Mt. Mupo are considered beautiful but mysterious. Angoyao hills served as natural watch over tower to the water of the Lake Lnao. Mt. Mupo is known for its untouched trees, beautiful and perfect cone.
Lake Lanao. Marawi lies in the rolling terrain commanding majestic view of the fascinating Lake Lanao. The 2nd largest deepest lake in the Philippines.
Bagang Beach (Caloocan, Marawi City). It is located 2 meters away from the commercial site of the city; filled rocks and boulders, trees in the lakeside that served benches and the latter as shades. Besides are floating woods, where the brgy. residents take a bath and ablution. Ideal for picnics, nice place for boating and swimming because of the clear water.
Agus River. Located in between Saduc and Lilod, Marawi City. Swiftest river in the country, its famous cataract is the Maria Cristina Falls, outlet of Lake Lanao to Illana Bay.
Golf Course. Located at the Mindanao State University, Marawi City. A 9 hole course laid out on the gentle greenery of Mindanao State University. Visitors who play golf will enjoy playing at the greenery ground, one can relax and breath the clean country, air and bath under the gentle sun.
Kilometer Zero Point Marker. An important lamdmark in Lanao del Sur, from which all distances in Mindanao are measured. This is similar to the measures of distances in Manila which begin at the Rizal Monument in Rizal Park.
Mindanao State University (MSU). Marawi City draws the most number of visitors within Lanao del Sur in which the MSU is located. Founded in1962, it serves as an educational institute and a center of social and cultural integration.
ETHNIC DANCES
Kini-kini. A special artistic way of walking of Maranao women, as dramatized in their dances.
Singkil. A world famous dance which has for its basic accompaniment the clapping of two bamboo poles. An interesting footnote to Maranao dances: The women are not allowed to dance with the men
How to get there:
PAL and other airlines has daily flights every day from Manila to Cagayan de Oro City. From Cagayan de Oro, collective taxi for 4 to 6 passanger who share the fare goes to Marawi.
From Cotabato City, the seat of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and Region XII, you can either take plane of 30-minute flight or you can go by land. Should you choose to take a plane,it will bring you to Baloi Airport at Baloi, Lanao del Norte. Then take a PU jeep to Marawi, about 30-minute ride. If you choose by land, then you have to choose either via Malabang or via Davao - Butuan - Cagayan de Oro City - Iligan City tri before you finally reach Marawi.
If you want to reach Marawi City by water transportation, from Manila, you can take about direct to Cagayan de Oro City for two days or to Iligan City for two and a half days. Also, from Manila to Cebu City to Iligan then from Cagayan or Iligan, PUj´s can take you to Marawi City.
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