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MAGUINDANAO DEL NORTE, Philippines – Near the forested mountains and the still waters of Lake Marayag in Matanog town, the holy month of Ramadan has culminated in a reaffirmation of identity and faith, as the community celebrates Eid’l Fitr, the festival marking the end of Ramadan, on Monday, March 31.
Despite rapid development elsewhere, this remote community clings to tradition.
Midway through the fasting month, young boys chased native chickens, their laughter ringing through the air. The birds were destined for a steaming bowl on the table at iftar, the evening meal breaking the daily fast. Nearby, wisps of woodsmoke mixed with the golden light of sunset, curling from the communal kitchen where the Widows of War (WOW) of Matanog prepared the evening feast.
NIGHT MARKET. The Padian or Night Market in Matanog, Maguindanao del Norte during a Ramadan night where people flock to enjoy local food and night activities. Ferdinandh Cabrera/RapplerThese women, known for their resilience, are the backbone of the community gatherings. Their hands move swiftly, expertly seasoning beef rendang, sautéing shrimp, frying chicken to a crisp, and preparing sticky rice delicacies. Their signature Matanog coffee, rich with history, fills the air.
“We’ve learned to rely on generations of culinary wisdom. Even without tasting, we know how much salt and spice to add. It’s a matter of faith, in both our cooking and our devotion,” said Ina, one of the cooks.
FAVORITE. Beef Randang, an Iranun and Maranao dish and the favorite food prepared for the grand Iftar. Ferdinandh Cabrera/RapplerGrand Iftar
Lake Marayag sits near the Maguindanao del Norte-Lanao del Sur border, home to the Iranun tribe. Before the Grand Iftar, a groundbreaking ceremony for Masjid Al-Birr, a mosque or place of worship for Muslims, takes place near the town hall – a timely gift from the World Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY-Philippines), an organization supporting Islamic education and community building.
“A masjid is essential for nurturing practicing Muslims, a best hadiyah (gift, often given as an expression of goodwill or devotion) for this season. It’s a place to learn, to pray, to connect with faith,” said WAMY legal adviser Anwarul Wadud.
At sunset, the call to prayer reverberated across the lake. The community gathered at Masjid Abdul Aziz Moksin’s open grounds, where a shared meal awaited beneath a sky streaked with hues of orange and red.
“We feel at home here. It’s good to join the community prayer and meal for the Grand Iftar. We miss this when we’re away,” said Lailanie Imaricor, 34, who brought her three children, including a nine-month-old baby.
BLEND. A view of Lake Marayag in Bayanga Norte, Matanog Maguindanao del Norte, where the lake scenery blends with the surrounding mountains and community. Ferdinandh Cabrera/Rappler“It feels joyful. It feels good because this doesn’t happen often, dining with your constituents on a holy event,” said town Vice Mayor Sanaira Ibay-Imam.
“Through Ramadan, we show our unity. There is no poor, no rich, no datu or sultan – everyone is equal,” added Sultan Saipona Zaman.
Festival of lights
After the final Amin of Taraweeh prayers, the faithful drifted toward the lakefront, where the local Festival of Lights transformed the night into a spectacle. By 8 pm, the shoreline glowed.
Children race through twinkling pathways, their laughter echoing over the water. Smartphones flash, capturing the moment.
“We wished we had this when we were young. Now, the children don’t have to travel far to experience something like this,” said town Mayor Zohria Bansil-Guro.
Late-night cravings led many to the Padian booths, where each barangay showcased culinary specialties and handcrafted goods.
Soul cleansing
While other towns marked Ramadan with carnivals and basketball tournaments, Matanog fostered introspection. From Monday to Thursday, the pavilion near Lake Marayag hummed with Quranic recitations as children compete in a Qur’an reading contest, guided by clerics and encouraged by their families.
“Ramadhan is not for the noise of a basketball court but for quiet contemplation. It is a time to understand its depths and live its wisdom,” Zohria said.
ENJOY. Children and their guardians enjoy the illuminating Festival of Lights in Marayag Lake in Matanog, Maguindanao del Norte. Ferdinandh Cabrera/RapplerBest Ramadan gift
Each Ramadan is a time for patience and reconciliation. In this spirit, a long-standing clan feud, or “rido,” between the Mondi and Maskara families came to an end in Parang town, a neutral ground for both sides.
Facilitated by elders, security forces, and local leaders, the reconciliation was seen to likely restore peace to Matanog and Barira towns.
“If our leaders had not intervened, things would have spiraled out of control and turned bloody. Even with our deep-rooted sense of maratabat (honor), we recognize the wisdom of mediation,” said Sheikh Ali Tago, chief negotiator of the rido settlement.
Zohria underscored the role of women. “In our Muslim tradition, women possess unique persuasive power. Their presence during conflicts often acts as a calming influence.”
Lieutenant Colonel John De la Cruz, commander of the Marine Battalion Landing Team 2, agreed: “This holy month is the perfect time to mend ties. Peaceful dialogue is the key to resolving disputes.”
The hard-won peace was sealed with another kanduli, a communal feast often held to celebrate milestones or foster unity, celebrating the blessings of Ramadan and the strength of the community as they welcome Eid’l Fitr. – Rappler.com
