SOUTHERN
PHILIPPINES
A Filipino Muslim Royal Wedding
in Southern Philippines
Photos by HADER GLANG
Article by JOHN L. SHINN III
L.A. Zamboanga Times
Long before the arrival of the Spaniards, Chinese and other Westerners to the 1,107-island archipelago known as the Philippines, there existed the "Islamic Empire of Sulu" under the rule
of the Sultan (and his Royal Family) of the Sultanate of Sulu in what was then called the Sulu Archipelago.
The Islamic Empire of Sulu --- or the "Sulu Empire" for short --- was located in what is now known as the Sulu group of islands in Southern Philippines --- not far from the island of North Borneo --- where for centuries a Filipino Muslim tribe known as the Taosugs fiercely defended
their people, religion, culture. tradition and heritage by rejecting any influences from the
outside, Western world.
Even the discovery of the Philippine Islands in March 16, 1521 by Spanish explorer Ferdinand Magellan --- and the influx of foreign influences that followed it --- did not really affect nor influenced the Taosug culture that much.
Today, the Taosug people are proud of their heritage, culture and especially their religious
beliefs as Filipino Muslims. In these modern times, many of the tribe's old ways and traditions
are still being practiced and stricly observed.
And it makes them even prouder that they were able to preserve much of it despite the brutal wars waged against them in the early days by the Spaniards during the Galleon Trade, the Americans at the turn of the century, the Japanese during World War II --- and now even by
their own government in Manila.
But amid all the chaos brought about by three decades of civil unrest in Sulu, the Taosug
people of Southern Philippines still live by --- and stricly observe --- the Taosug tribe's centuries old ways, beliefs and traditions.
While Westerners succeeded in wiping out entire nations by killing its people and destroying
their culture and substituting it with their own by force---the Taosug tribe in Southern Philippines are proud --- as Filipino Muslims --- that they valiantly protected and defended their culture and history from any outside influences for centuries now.
The Muamar Salamaddin Tulawie - Nurwiza Indanan Sahidulla wedding in Jolo last year --- which was done in the same tradition as their forebearers did centuries ago --- is a living testament to the Taosug tribe's rich culture and history.
A Filipino Muslim Royal Wedding
in Southern Philippines
Photos by HADER GLANG
Article by JOHN L. SHINN III
L.A. Zamboanga Times
Long before the arrival of the Spaniards, Chinese and other Westerners to the 1,107-island archipelago known as the Philippines, there existed the "Islamic Empire of Sulu" under the rule
of the Sultan (and his Royal Family) of the Sultanate of Sulu in what was then called the Sulu Archipelago.
The Islamic Empire of Sulu --- or the "Sulu Empire" for short --- was located in what is now known as the Sulu group of islands in Southern Philippines --- not far from the island of North Borneo --- where for centuries a Filipino Muslim tribe known as the Taosugs fiercely defended
their people, religion, culture. tradition and heritage by rejecting any influences from the
outside, Western world.
Even the discovery of the Philippine Islands in March 16, 1521 by Spanish explorer Ferdinand Magellan --- and the influx of foreign influences that followed it --- did not really affect nor influenced the Taosug culture that much.
Today, the Taosug people are proud of their heritage, culture and especially their religious
beliefs as Filipino Muslims. In these modern times, many of the tribe's old ways and traditions
are still being practiced and stricly observed.
And it makes them even prouder that they were able to preserve much of it despite the brutal wars waged against them in the early days by the Spaniards during the Galleon Trade, the Americans at the turn of the century, the Japanese during World War II --- and now even by
their own government in Manila.
But amid all the chaos brought about by three decades of civil unrest in Sulu, the Taosug
people of Southern Philippines still live by --- and stricly observe --- the Taosug tribe's centuries old ways, beliefs and traditions.
While Westerners succeeded in wiping out entire nations by killing its people and destroying
their culture and substituting it with their own by force---the Taosug tribe in Southern Philippines are proud --- as Filipino Muslims --- that they valiantly protected and defended their culture and history from any outside influences for centuries now.
The Muamar Salamaddin Tulawie - Nurwiza Indanan Sahidulla wedding in Jolo last year --- which was done in the same tradition as their forebearers did centuries ago --- is a living testament to the Taosug tribe's rich culture and history.
The
28-year-old groom Muamar Salamaddin Tulawie,
and the 23-year-old bride Nurwiza
Indanan Sahidulla,
in a
modernized Tausug wedding ensemble. The
bride is
wearing a 24-karat golden veil.
The bride
performs the Pangalay, a traditional Tausug wedding dance.
The groom
kisses the hand of his father-in-law during the wedding.
The
couple sharing the groom’s traditional food of eggs, crabs, fried
chicken, Tausug cake and rice given to the
bride.
A
traditional union: It is one of a celebration of love and life.
Prior to
the wedding, the bride performs a traditional Tausug
bath.
The
bride.