Ramos Beach Resort (Photos: Courtesy of Mr. Mon Corpuz)

Sulu's Jewel Islands - Klasrum Ng PagAsa 

Bangas Beach
Brgy. Bangas, Panglima Tahil, Sulu

Bangas Beach is also popularly known as Ramos Beach, (named after former President Fidel V. Ramos) who frequent the islands for diving.

Bangas Beach is one of the dive site for the 1st Sulu Dive for a Cause organized by Naughty Loose Divers and Marine Battalion Landing Team 11 on Feb 22-25, 2013.

Proceeds of the cause was used in building a 3-room classroom primary school building dubbed as "KLASRUM NG PAGASA" (Classrooms of Peace) in Brgy. Pansul, Patikul, Sulu which was completed through "Tabang-tabang" (Bayanihan in Tausug) in time for the commemoration of 27th EDSA People Power Revolution last Monday.

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SAGAYAN FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS
By; Dulce Santos
(February 10, 2013)

The Province of Maguindanao, under the leadership of Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu, is celebrating the Sagayan Festival 2013 from February 10-14, 2013. This is the 2nd year that the Municipality of Buluan, conducted this flamboyant and lively event, drawing thousands of spectators, visitors and participants around the province and the ARMM. The Sagayan Festival has become the trademark annual celebration of the Province of Maguindanao, supported by all the nearby municipalities in the area. Like all the other festivals, the Sagayan depicts the local culture of Maguindanao, the history of its people and the traditions that persisted in the Moro life through the years. The province has recreated this festival to foster harmony among the people in their pursuit of lasting, sustainable peace in Maguindanao.

This year the theme of the festival is "Maguindanao's Culture and Traditions for a Better Understanding and Harmony...A glance." The opening activities on February 10, 2013 started with a street parade, messages from the local officials of the province and guest speakers. Several activities, including performances from the Maguindanao Dance Troupe, and a list of other relevant activities served to enliven the celebration.

The Sagayan, originally known as the Moro war dance, is interpreted to also represent the warding off of evil, and purification of the self. Over the years, the Sagayan has remained a part of the Moro merrymaking, especially during weddings.

In support to the Sagayan Festival, the DOT-ARMM sent a contingent from the office to cover the affair, led by the newly-appointed Regional Secretary, Sittie Jehan Mutin-Mapupuno. We witnessed the excitement of the people as they watched the parade of colorful costumes, graceful dancers wielding swords and using beads and other accessories to create noise. It was a memorable sight to behold and we were all caught up in the fun-filled festivities. Due recognition should be given to the local officials for continuing their efforts in significantly increasing the appreciation of the people towards Sagayan, and making us realize that there is beauty, grace and even, reverence behind the facade of this ritualistic 'ancient war dance'.

Kariyala Festival 2013

                The municipality of Wao in Lanao del Sur celebrated its 52^nd Kariyala Festival. A dance festival of ceremonial gatherings and merry making for a bountiful harvest, being a municipality of cast agricultural lands suitable for all kinds of agricultural crops, it is also a thanksgiving for peace, prosperity and progress to the Almighty. 

With this year’s theme: “Wao Celebrating its Excellence through Strong Governance and Effective Partnership. The week-long festivities include Street Parade, Showtime Dance Contest, Search for Mutya ng Wao 2013,  Agro Fair that is participated not only by the people of Wao but also from the neighboring municipalities, Sports fest and Kalilang Contest which showcases Muslim dances and the playing of Kulintang and Agong.

The Highlight of the Festival was the Kariyala Showdown. Unlike the previous showdowns where it is participated by the different schools in Wao, this year, NGO’s and Government Agencies in the municipality are the participants. They showcased the distinctive cultures and heritage of the various ethnic tribes residing in Wao (Addy Alonto/2-26/13)