MR. CARLITO CAMAHALAN AMALLA DELIVERS A LECTURE ON SUYAM: AGUSAN-MANOBO EMBROIDERY ART

The Philippine Embassy in Rabat, in partnership with the Université International de Rabat organized a lecture on Agusan-Manobo art and culture on 13 October 2022 as part of its celebration of the National Indigenous Peoples Month.

During the lecture, Mr. Amalla discussed the culture and traditions of Agusan-Manobos through the different patterns of suyam embroidery which depict their daily life, struggles, and aspirations. He also shared the history of Agusan-Manobo weavers and how weaving as a communal activity, served as a medium to pass on traditions from one generation to the next. Finally, Mr. Amalla shared how the Agusan-Manobo weaving techniques have evolved through the years.

Students from various departments such as political science, architecture, aerospace engineering, and mass communication actively participated in the lecture and conveyed their insights on how some suyam patterns of Agusan-Manobo are similar to Moroccan embroidery patterns.

Mr. Amalla made the lecture more interesting as he performed snippets of Agusan-Manobo dance and chant, and as he showed the participants how to put together a traditional Agusan-Manobo attire.

Coffee and herbal teas from Gourmet Farms

In its continuing economic diplomacy agenda to promote the finest of Philippines products, the lecture also featured Philippine dried mangoes, polvoron, and tarts, as well as local coffee beans and specialty teas that were generously sponsored by Gourmet Farms Philippines. Invited guests, especially the university students, found Gourmet Farms' "lagundi" and "malunggay" herbal teas exceptionally "tasty and flavorful". END