Maranaw Shops in General City - Philippines

A collector of ethnic art will be least satisfied visiting the Maranaw shops found in the historical site of Intramuros and the busy Claro M. Recto Avenue in Manila. A trip to the tuna capital of the Philippines, General Santos City, will bring an ethnic art enthusiast closer to the artists who are known for the sophistication and intricate weaving, wood, and brass craft. A row of Maranaw shops along Cagampang Street showcase the craftsmanship of the Maranao, also spelled Maranaw. The line of stores are found right across one of the cleanest public markets in the country, the General Santos City Central Public Market.

Once in the city, one can easily get there either through walking or through boarding one of the multicabs that serve as public transport. Cagampang street is not far from the Freedom Park and the Carlos P. Garcia Park. From these parks, one can take either Zapote Road or Fiscal Gregorio Daproza Avenue then turn right to President Quirino Avenue. At the corner of Magsaysay Avenue, one can make a right turn then move on towards Saging. Take a left turn to Saging and then move on to the very first corner, which is Cagampang Street. One also has the option to take a left turn upon reaching Magsaysay Avenue and then make a right turn upon reaching the very first corner, which is Mansanitas Street. Cagampang Street is nearby so one can get off the vehicle and make a short walk to one of the Maranaw shops.

The line of Maranaw shops are a colorful sight because of the various handwoven textiles put on display in front of each store. The most common item in all Maranaw shops is the versatile and multi-purpose tube skirt or 'malong.' The Maranaw or people of the lake, primarily, use the ornate and colorful tube skirt to wrap their newborn, as well as their dead. The 'malong' can also be used as a swimsuit, tablecloth, curtain, stretcher, bag, and head gear.

The cost of a Maranaw tube skirt is dependent on the material and the design used. Maranaw shops offer options for tourists and art collectors. Mass-produced tube skirts measuring 72 inches wide and 65 inches long and made of Chinese cotton are popular with tourists because these sell for only 150 to 300 pesos. The handwoven 'malong' measure longer and are much thicker because these are specifically made for the Maranaw who live new Lanao Lake. The designs found on the handwoven tube skirt are very much intricate and take several months to complete. The 'okir' or scroll and geometric patterns used are distinctive for men and women. The 'okir a dato' is the ornamental design for men and 'okir a bay' is for women. Handwoven tube skirts may have another handwoven colorful strip or 'langket' sewn into it. The strips carry a zigzag design or 'okir a impangkat.' Wide strips are sewn vertically while narrow strips are sewn horizontally. Tube skirts may also carry abstract designs representing plants, animals, or objects found near the lake. Cotton is often used for handwoven tube skirts. The designs, though, bring up the prices to P1,500 or even as high as P10,000.