Visit Quiapo's Muslim Town and taste authentic Maranao food via this virtual tour
Exploring new cultures help broaden our knowledge, shatters biases, and makes us view things from a different perspective.
It results in understanding and appreciation of traditions and beliefs that might be different from ours.
And what better way to immerse in different cultures than by traveling and experiencing it firsthand?
Unfortunately, COVID-19 and the resulting pandemic grounded all types of travel both on the domestic front and overseas.
This dilemma gave way for virtual tours to flourish, allowing the public to still go on a journey albeit online.
It certainly is not the ideal kind of experience, but this will do, at least for now.
Speaking of which, an exciting virtual tour puts the spotlight on the Islamic traditions of our Muslim sisters and brothers.
Virtual immersion
The Quiapo Muslim Town in a Box promotes cultural understanding through a virtual tour of the Muslim community in the busy district of Quiapo in Manila.
“We were already doing the Quiapo Muslim Immersion tour two years ago in 2018, and it really started to pick up. People were interested because it was near Metro Manila, and they didn't have to go far to experience something new and to learn something new, especially the culture of the Maranao people, which was originally from Mindanao,” Ann Marie Cunanan, founder of Meaningful Travels PH, told GMA Lifestyle.
The pandemic halted all that and it took Ann and her team months before pivoting to virtual operations.
“The idea of the virtual tour has been floating for a while but we were a bit hesitant if people would appreciate it. After some time, we just decided to give it a try, and we conceptualized a tour wherein they can learn about the culture, and we will navigate the place and show the place through videos, Google maps, and our stories,” she explained.
The tour covers a wide gamut of subjects such as the history of Islam in the country, the history of Quiapo as a Muslim community, and places to eat and shop around Quiapo Muslim Town.
“In addition to history, religion, and Halal concerning tourism, food, and fashion, we also cover the Philippine Shari'ah law,” said Amanah Busran Lao, tour facilitator and a Shari'ah lawyer.
“Shari'ah is one of many misconceptions that we feel need to be addressed, especially when it relates to Muslim women or women in general.”
Authentic Maranao delicacies
Giving the tour a more intimate and interactive element is the inclusion of a food box composed of Maranao dishes delivered to the homes of tour participants.
“What we offer is food that they can buy and find in Quiapo Muslim Town. Some of the food in the box are bought in Quiapo, while some are cooked in our own kitchen because we want to serve the food hot when it is sent to the participants, but the bulk of the ingredients and items are from Quiapo,” shared Ann.
“We send a full set meal with Maranao soup as the appetizer, pater rice wrapped in banana leaf.
“By the way, it is not the usual pater, it is chicken turmeric rice pater.
“Then we have the main dish which is chicken piaparan, and we also give dessert to counter the spiciness of the palapa. We also give the participants a tub of palapa spice which is something that you really have to taste and discover.”
Mutual respect
The tour aims to give participants the complete experience by making the most of whatever available resources at this time.
“Many attendees appreciate the discussions, especially because they are assured that the tour is a safe space for discussion,” said Jerome Carolino, sales and operations executive.
“Some participants have questions about Muslims that they really cannot ask on a normal day, but they can ask freely from our expert guides.”
Ann hopes that the tour will be instrumental in breaking down misconceptions and encourage dialogs based on mutual respect.
“Through that conversation, we can be more compassionate, be more respectful of our differences and also realize the similarities and commonalities with the other person,” mused Ann.
“I think the problem of the world today is that there are so many racial biases and discrimination against each different group.
“If we, Filipinos, can start in our own backyard to be more respectful and understanding with the culture and practices of our Muslim brothers and sisters, then we can bring more harmony and peace in our country.”
Visit Meaning Travels PH on Facebook to learn more about the tour and access the link to book.
GTV's travel show Biyahe ni Drew recently sampled Maranao delicacies courtesy of the Quiapo Muslim Town in a Box tour. Watch the segment here: