Historical Sulu is a look into the past of Sulu as a polity. Often associated with the establishment of the Sulu Sultanate by the 15th century; we believe the pre-sultanate and pre-Islamic past and its wealth of non-political entities are also as interesting and worth researching.
Geographically, Historical Sulu represents not only the current Province of Sulu, but the whole breath, width and depth of the Sulu Archipelago, Zamboanga Peninsula, North Borneo (now Malaysian Sabah) and Palawan and the Sulu Sea.
Beyond historical narratives, peoples and cultures, Historical Sulu is also about its unique geography, from the millions of years ago when Sulu Archipelago was one huge island to the climate change and disaster risk of the current geographies. It also about the region's flora and fauna, many are endemic and endangered.
It is also about traditional diplomacy and trades with sovereign states, old and new, around Equator Asia and with SE Asia, Mainland China, and the rest of the world.
It also about the painful period of Western colonialism which show the demise of sovereign Sulu and to what royalists and independent advocates as continuing Filipino colonialism or Manila Imperialism.
My Bangsamoro 'State'
In the beginning ... T'was an identity of who I am not, imposed by a colonizer envious of my independence, prestige and honor. I was his shadow, forsaken; an enemy thought vanquished, an Iberian nemesis reborn reminiscent of the African Moors. Through the sword and the cross, through words and the pulpit, through every scheme imaginable, I was always the antagonist. Over ages this name remains, reminder of our forebears' sacrifice - Life forsaken, blood spilled, in combat or alone.
As the tide turns against colonialism, so added new meaning, new identity, an empowerment to a long neglected but proud race. Moro - one who fights for his right and land! 13 identities fused by one faith!
These days, a twist is at hand. Bangsamoro, not anymore an identity, not anymore an cultural grouping. The name has evolved from being a pariah into the mainstream consciousness, a political and legal jargon emerging out of the peace process. A apt recognition for an unconquered portion of this republic! There was much brouhaha when ARMM was born and to end as a failed experiment. 22 years of existence gone wrong? What is then our guarantee of this evolving political entity? Will it be just physical changing of the guards or a 'hijrah' from 'jahiliyah' to righteousness? I pray, because as a Moro this is what I do. But I am also reminded by my faith that change will not come unless we change what is in our heart.
In the end, I believe, Bangsamoro is a consciousness, a frame of mind. My body is my Bangsamoro. My family, my home is my Bangsamoro. My neighborhood is my Bangsamoro. What my mind thinks, my heart feels, my hands act on, they all reflect my Moro state. In this intangible world, my Bangsamoro will live forever, uncontrolled, undefined, free from the limitation of legal and political constructs, free from the ethnic and cultural stereotypes and prejudices. In this conscious realm, I can be creative, critical and reflective to my heart's content. In this state, I keep my hindsight about the past unobstructed, my present unhindered and my future infinite. Here lies the true esssence of my Bangsamoro state!
As the tide turns against colonialism, so added new meaning, new identity, an empowerment to a long neglected but proud race. Moro - one who fights for his right and land! 13 identities fused by one faith!
These days, a twist is at hand. Bangsamoro, not anymore an identity, not anymore an cultural grouping. The name has evolved from being a pariah into the mainstream consciousness, a political and legal jargon emerging out of the peace process. A apt recognition for an unconquered portion of this republic! There was much brouhaha when ARMM was born and to end as a failed experiment. 22 years of existence gone wrong? What is then our guarantee of this evolving political entity? Will it be just physical changing of the guards or a 'hijrah' from 'jahiliyah' to righteousness? I pray, because as a Moro this is what I do. But I am also reminded by my faith that change will not come unless we change what is in our heart.
In the end, I believe, Bangsamoro is a consciousness, a frame of mind. My body is my Bangsamoro. My family, my home is my Bangsamoro. My neighborhood is my Bangsamoro. What my mind thinks, my heart feels, my hands act on, they all reflect my Moro state. In this intangible world, my Bangsamoro will live forever, uncontrolled, undefined, free from the limitation of legal and political constructs, free from the ethnic and cultural stereotypes and prejudices. In this conscious realm, I can be creative, critical and reflective to my heart's content. In this state, I keep my hindsight about the past unobstructed, my present unhindered and my future infinite. Here lies the true esssence of my Bangsamoro state!
My Bangsamoro 'State'
In the beginning ... T'was an identity of who I am not, imposed by a colonizer envious of my independence, prestige and honor. I was his shadow, forsaken; an enemy thought vanquished, an Iberian nemesis reborn reminiscent of the African Moors. Through the sword and the cross, through words and the pulpit, through every scheme imaginable, I was always the antagonist. Over ages this name remains, reminder of our forebears' sacrifice - Life forsaken, blood spilled, in combat or alone.
As the tide turns against colonialism, so added new meaning, new identity, an empowerment to a long neglected but proud race. Moro - one who fights for his right and land! 13 identities fused by one faith!
These days, a twist is at hand. Bangsamoro, not anymore an identity, not anymore an cultural grouping. The name has evolved from being a pariah into the mainstream consciousness, a political and legal jargon emerging out of the peace process. A apt recognition for an unconquered portion of this republic! There was much brouhaha when ARMM was born and to end as a failed experiment. 22 years of existence gone wrong? What is then our guarantee of this evolving political entity? Will it be just physical changing of the guards or a 'hijrah' from 'jahiliyah' to righteousness? I pray, because as a Moro this is what I do. But I am also reminded by my faith that change will not come unless we change what is in our heart.
In the end, I believe, Bangsamoro is a consciousness, a frame of mind. My body is my Bangsamoro. My family, my home is my Bangsamoro. My neighborhood is my Bangsamoro. What my mind thinks, my heart feels, my hands act on, they all reflect my Moro state. In this intangible world, my Bangsamoro will live forever, uncontrolled, undefined, free from the limitation of legal and political constructs, free from the ethnic and cultural stereotypes and prejudices. In this conscious realm, I can be creative, critical and reflective to my heart's content. In this state, I keep my hindsight about the past unobstructed, my present unhindered and my future infinite. Here lies the true esssence of my Bangsamoro state!
As the tide turns against colonialism, so added new meaning, new identity, an empowerment to a long neglected but proud race. Moro - one who fights for his right and land! 13 identities fused by one faith!
These days, a twist is at hand. Bangsamoro, not anymore an identity, not anymore an cultural grouping. The name has evolved from being a pariah into the mainstream consciousness, a political and legal jargon emerging out of the peace process. A apt recognition for an unconquered portion of this republic! There was much brouhaha when ARMM was born and to end as a failed experiment. 22 years of existence gone wrong? What is then our guarantee of this evolving political entity? Will it be just physical changing of the guards or a 'hijrah' from 'jahiliyah' to righteousness? I pray, because as a Moro this is what I do. But I am also reminded by my faith that change will not come unless we change what is in our heart.
In the end, I believe, Bangsamoro is a consciousness, a frame of mind. My body is my Bangsamoro. My family, my home is my Bangsamoro. My neighborhood is my Bangsamoro. What my mind thinks, my heart feels, my hands act on, they all reflect my Moro state. In this intangible world, my Bangsamoro will live forever, uncontrolled, undefined, free from the limitation of legal and political constructs, free from the ethnic and cultural stereotypes and prejudices. In this conscious realm, I can be creative, critical and reflective to my heart's content. In this state, I keep my hindsight about the past unobstructed, my present unhindered and my future infinite. Here lies the true esssence of my Bangsamoro state!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)