CULTURAL RHYTHMS | Student performers from schools across Lanao del Sur showcase synchronized choreography inspired by the legendary Sarimanok during the inaugural Ranaw Street Dance Showdown at the Sarimanok Sports Stadium. The competition, a highlight of the 67th Araw ng Lanao del Sur celebration, promotes Meranaw traditions and culture while encouraging the youth to celebrate their cultural identity. (Photo: APB/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)
TheMonitorMindanaoToday.com | Lanao Sur launches Ranaw Street Dance Showdown to promote Meranaw culture among youth
By: Apipa Bagumbaran
MARAWI CITY — Seven contingents from the three Schools Division Offices in Lanao del Sur brought Meranaw culture to life through performances of dance, music, and storytelling as the province launched its first Ranaw Street Dance Showdown Thursday at the Sarimanok Sports Stadium.
Held as one of the highlights of the 67th Araw ng Lanao del Sur celebration, the competition featured performances inspired by the Darangen epic and the legendary Sarimanok, showcasing the creativity of young Meranaws while promoting the province’s cultural traditions.
Vice Governor Mohammad Khalid ‘Mujam’ R. Adiong, chairperson of the 67th Araw ng Lanao del Sur celebration, said the event marks the beginning of what the province envisions as a signature cultural festival that will showcase Meranaw heritage and strengthen Lanao del Sur’s tourism identity.
In his message during the July 30 showdown, Provincial Governor Mamintal A. Adiong Jr. said the competition highlighted the richness of Meranaw culture through the performances of the seven contingents.
“Ang kompetisyon ngayon ay nagtatampok ng pitong grupong nagbibigay-buhay sa alamat ng Sarimanok sa pamamagitan ng sayaw, musika at makulay na pagtatanghal ng ating kultura,” the governor said.
He also thanked government agencies, organizers, volunteers, participants and visitors for supporting the 67th Araw ng Lanao del Sur celebration, saying their participation reflects the enduring pride of the Meranaw people in their culture and identity.
“Ang inyong suporta at pakikiisa ang nagpapatunay na buhay at patuloy nating ipinagmamalaki ang ating mayamang kultura at pagkakakilanlan bilang mga Meranaw. Nawa’y maging inspirasyon ang araw na ito upang lalo pa nating pahalagahan ang ating pamana at diwa ng pagkakaisa,” he said.
Ahmad Nouraldinn A. Tamano Jr., provincial tourism officer and head of the Provincial Tourism, Culture and the Arts Office (PTCAO), said the competition was designed to introduce younger generations to the richness of Meranaw culture by drawing inspiration from the Darangen, the UNESCO-recognized epic of the Meranaw people.
“Ang kultura ng Meranaw ay sobrang yaman, kaya pinapakilala natin sa kabataan ngayon kung ano nga ba ang kultura ng Meranaw, ano nga ba ang Darangen. Ito ang konsepto ng ating street dance,” Tamano said.
Tamano said the recently approved Tourism Development Code of Lanao del Sur institutionalizes the Sarimanok Festival as an annual celebration, with the Ranaw Street Dance Showdown becoming one of its centerpiece events.
“Dahil sa pag-apruba sa ating Tourism Development Code of Lanao del Sur, magiging annual celebration ang Sarimanok Festival at kasama rito ang Ranaw Street Dance Showdown,” he said.
Organized by the Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur through the PTCAO, the competition brought together contingents from schools under the Marawi City, Lanao del Sur I and Lanao del Sur II Schools Division Offices.
The participating contingents were Lanao Agricultural College of Lumbatan; Masiricampo Abantas Memorial National High School of Wao; Ganassi National High School; Marawi City National High School; Marawi Islamic College; Angoyao National High School; and a combined contingent from Pooni Lomabao Memorial National High School, Ragayan National High School and Poona Bayabao National High School.
Masiricampo Abantas Memorial National High School emerged as the inaugural grand champion of the Ranaw Street Dance Showdown. Angoyao National High School placed second, while the clustered contingent from Poona Bayabao finished third.
Masiricampo Abantas Memorial National High School also dominated the special awards, winning Best in Choreography, Best in Indigenous Peoples Presentation, Best in Meranaw Attire, Best in Migrant Attire, and Best in Musicality. Lanao Agricultural College received the Most Disciplined Contingent award.
The Ranaw Street Dance Showdown is expected to become a regular feature of the province’s annual cultural celebration, providing a platform for young Meranaws to showcase their talents while promoting the traditions, artistry, and identity of Lanao del Sur. (APB/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)
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