The Philippines' "Malong" Fashion

It was in 2015 when I attended the South Philippine Union Conference Pink and Women's Ministries Convention in Valencia City, Bukidnon. Aside from the several amazing and informative lectures that I attended, we had this cultural night. Since I came from Iligan City, we were assigned to feature the "Malong Attire" of the Maranao Culture.

What is a Malong?

A Malong is a 61-62 inches long and 70 inches wide fabric which is a traditional dress for the Maranao, Maguindanao, Samals, and many Tausug (Cojuanco, 2004). You can wrapped this Malong into your body. It's a like a dress, actually. It comes different colors and designs.

Malong as a blanket :)

Personally, I don't usually wear Malong but I use it often as a blanket when I'm attending camp meetings. It's comfortable and it's great coz' I can snuggle on it. It protects me from some cool weather and keeps me away from mosquitoes! You may also use it to wrap it on your head as a protection from the scorching heat of the sun.

Malong as a cultural gem

As a woman growing up in Lanao del Norte, I'm proud of this Malong attire. I appreciate the blending of cultures in my place. Even if I'm not a Muslim Maranao, I do promote solidarity among the different peoples in Mindanao. Malong reminds me of where I came from. It is a cultural heritage that must be treasured.

So, what happened on that Convention? (Going back...)

Well, on that women's convention, the Lanao del Norte / Iligan City group were privileged to showcase the Malong Attire through a simple fashion "ramp". It was beautiful to behold women wearing the Malong in different styles.

If you want to purchase Malong, just go to Iligan City and buy it for an affordable price. Some Malongs are just less than 500 pesos. :)

Mabuhay!

Thanks @vanny for encouraging me to steem!

@steemph :) #pinoytayo
http://www.philstar.com/sunday-life/257152/how-use-malong-let-me-count-ways (by T. Cojuangco)