bRaSSwArEs . . . a cEnTurY oLd aRtWoRkS iN cOtAbAtO cITY

Metal works in the sultanate is one of the oldest craft in Cotabato City and Maguindanao which is believed to have started centuries ago.  This can be attested by private collections, shops and museums aside from the exquisite works of brasswares found in the city.

Like any other countries in the world, we are just proud about this cultural heritage and brasswares found here is one that is ancient and have made the city known for.  It is like one of the artworks made and flourished hundreds of years ago.

Brass and brasswares was one of the sought-after items  in the bygone days. It may sound so surprising but I almost became like a currency in that it could be traded  practically for anything.

The brassware role was important in the people lives that a man who wished to tie the marriage-knot had to give his dowry in the form of brass gongs and cannons. Fines and debts were also paid in brass articles, particularly gongs and cannons.

Gradually the possession and the use of brassware grew into such significance that it was looked upon as the yardstick of a person’s wealth in the same way as one is today judged by the amount of the money one has in the bank.

 

Brass work is much older than other crafts in Cotabato City and therefore it is familiar in the Old homes of Maguindanaon and Maranao of Cotabato, especially the rich and powerful  according to the history and records.

CitY's FruiTStanD nOw a VarietY StanD

For those who are pioneers of Cotabato many places in the city has become part of many Cotabateños daily life and routine.  The Cotabato fruitstand which in the early 80’s were just shanties where you see  variety of fresh fruits produced in South Central Mindanao.

The city was one of the economic hubs in Mindanao during those years, many residents, businessmen and tourist finds the best quality of fruits here.  The stalls were donated by Coca Cola which was handled by  Cotabato City Central Pilot Elementary School since it is located beside the school.

In 1985, the stalls became semi permanent and with lights later it has evolve into a variety of stands like the bakeshop, fax and Xerox services and many others.  The long stretch of stalls also includes the city’s barbeque stands that were earlier featured.

After the stalls went on fire several months ago, the stall were constructed into a more permanent and durable structure which can stand for a longer period of time. 

My oNe MoNtH BlOgSary

Time flies so fast, it seems it just days ago but today I is my 1^st month Blogsary.  I couldn’t believe that I am blogging for one month now and for sure I am not stopping.  I am beginning my leap now so expect for more events, new discoveries, many adventures and so much more.

Your visits, follows and comments is pushing me more to give you interesting topics and many surprises about my home, my place, my city . . . .COTABATO CITY.

My sincere appreciation and gratitude for your time spend to take a glimpse and browse about all of my posts.  I also thank those special people who have contributed many information and time to share their ideas and facts to me.

I thank all of you and I have wishes that you continue your support in my upcoming posts and requests which will contribute to make this undertaking a success.

Today, we also celebrate my father’s death anniversary.  I am praying for him and pay respect for he has become the biggest part of me.  You will always be remembered PAPA.

a DaY oF rEMeMbRAnCe . . . .mAgUiNdAnAO MaSsACre

Today was declared by President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III as the  National day of Remembrance  for the victims of Maguindanao massacre under the Presidential Proclamation 73.

Exactly a year ago, 57 Filipinos, including 32 members of the media, were killed while en route to the local Commision on Elections office to file a gubernatorial certificate of candidacy for Esmael Mangudadatu, vice mayor of Buluan town.

This was the time Mangudadatu was contesting the candidacy of Andal Ampatuan Jr., who is part of Maguindanao’s ruling political family and who is now the principal accused in the massacre case.

I had the opportunity to attend a mass offered for the victims who still seeks justice of the horrible incident in the history of media and political. 

Many members of the National Union of Journalists in the Philippines here in Cotabato City attended the mass held at the lobby of the Notre Dame Broadcasting Corporation and it was followed by lighting of candles in support to the call for justice.

Fr. Elmer Dela Cruz officiated the mass and Mr. Edwin Fernandez, NDBC’s station manager also joined the gathering. 

CaVes in tHe HeArT of CoTabAtO

The only caves in the country that is right in the heart of the city are the Kutawato Caves. It’s various entrances; all within traffic is a rarity that can only be had in the “ Heart of Mindanao- Cotabato City”.

These caves were also the source of the city’s present name for “kuta” means fort and “wato” means stone hence the name fort of stone, which later became cotabato. Kutawato caves with its walls of white, beige and brownish shade glitters in the dark and echoes a colorful past dating back to the days when no foreign foot yet trampled upon this island.

This caves had given sanctuary to the natives when the Spaniards tried to convert them into the castillan faith and has thus served the purposed when Filipino guerillas fought the invading force of the Japanese Imperial Army during the Second World War.

When the Japanese firepower proved superior to that of the natives, the caves then used as an armory and even as a garrison. Within its confines, tortured and oppressed souls that thirst for freedom and democracy echoed their faint moans and cries that were buried in its bosoms, muted for over half a century.

Formally re-opened and blessed on September 19, 1996, the outwait caves of cotabato city has once again reverberated the voices of the cotabateños; this time however, in a peacefully happy tone.

Located at the foot of the “Tantawan” or P.C. hill, the cave is reputed to be seven kilometers long and of formidable, solid rock. Having four major entrances, each gaping mouth offers unique experience to its visitors.

Source: http://www.skyscraperlife.com/luzviminda-cities-places/52-cotabato-mindanaos-cradle-civilization.html