More Mindanawon Than We Admit explores the history, culture, and heritage of the very diverse people of Mindanao and how it especially manifests within the purview of Filipino identity. The region and its people have always been portrayed differently from the rest of the country, creating certain biases either by chance or design that putting their identity at the forefront also creates an invisible barrier that disconnects them from the rest of the archipelago.

The book’s contributors, esteemed researchers, historians, philosophers, anthropologists, and even architects and artists, bring their unique perspectives and expertise on the subject, promising its readers a provisional understanding of the people, places, and practices of the past and how they affect the present.

The Mindanawon identity is explored, especially the need for it to be given a name, unlike the people of Luzon and Visayas. The region’s historical path to peace is also discussed, emphasizing the variety of ways one can pursue harmony between people as well as creating spaces where peace can be pursued and enforced. Light is shed on the lives of the aging Mindanawon lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual (LGBTQIA+) members, which often remain unperceived, sometimes even in the eyes of their fellows within and outside of their localities.

Mindanawon identity is also examined through creative works and literary studies. The anthology realistically puts the perspective of the artists’ fear for their safety and their desire to give justice to the subjects of their work. It also begs the question of wanting to present one’s culture to the world and challenging cultural stereotypes while also helping to perpetuate these stereotypes themselves. Biases are also relevant, as certain works cannot be brought together or translated without a loss of meaning.

More Mindanawon Than We Admit contains valuable insights into how Mindanao’s culture has evolved and at the same time remained integrated into both the historical and cultural narrative of the Filipino people. In part, its essays highlight the region’s journeys and contributions towards the larger and encompassing Filipino identity, characterized by its people’s stories, struggles, and triumphs. These aspects of life are shared with the rest of the country in one way or another, pointing out that the more we embrace our diversity—in part by being a Mindanawon—the more Filipino we become.

The book is like Mindanawon identity itself: complicated, colorful, and diverse. Although it is a glimpse of Mindanao, the book is also a significant publication to break the many stereotypes we have of the region and its people. The greatness of Mindanawons shines in its pages and every Filipino should be proud that they are part of our overall identity.

—Michael Charleston “Xiao” Chua