ARMM’s Pink Mosque – Masjid Dimaukom, Maguindanao
In this #RoadtripMindaNow adventure series we visited the Pink Mosque or Masjid Dimaukom of Maguindanao. Tara!
Part IV
Bright Pink Everywhere
We then further traveled down to South Cotabato along the Shariff Aguak-Cotabato City Road. The view from both sides of the road were just endless rice plains, coconut trees and some bungalow type structures.
But with all of this violence notwithstanding, the Masjid Dimaukom or the Pink Mosque, now stands as a symbol of peace and love in Maguindanao. This Mosque located in Datu Saudi Ampatuan Municipality, and stands on a donated land from the Dimaukom Family. Construction was spearheaded by their mayor as a gift to the locals of Maguindanao.
It took around forty-five (45) minutes from the Blue Lagoon in Datu Odin Sinsuat. We were then welcomed by the very distinct bright pink colored walls, flags, buildings, and even the lone rotunda.
Everything is painted in color pink. Not from afar, a big pink colored facade, adorned on both sides by two towers with silver crescent moons read: AHLAN WASAHLAN, MASJID DIMAUKOM.
Then it stood out in the middle of the compound: the Pink Mosque. It was intriguingly colored in such a way that anyone who passes by this municipality will eventually get curious to check out this mosque.
The Mayor had it colored in such a way, since his wife love the color pink which means peace and love. He is yearning to change the image of Maguindanao with this Pink masterpiece. Hoping that this will be a catalyst for change, unity and brotherhood in this side of Mindanao.
The Other Side of Maguindanao
It was a hot and humid afternoon, and upon hopping off the van, we couldn’t kept ourselves from being bewildered with this pink colored structure.
This is a two-story structure completed in 2013, just in time for the Eid al-Adha, one of the major religious holidays of Islam. Masjid Dimaukom is adorned with several domes and minarets.
The towers and domes are bedecked with silver crescent moons and spires. Moreover, the structure has golden accents on its windows and cornices that runs around the Masjid walls.
Definitely, it feels like you are on the other side of Maguindanao, void of all the negativity and fear.
I roamed around and took pictures of this pretty in pink masjid. Locals who just finished their daily prayers, went about their usual washing routine at the adjacent ablution area. They even greeted us as they left the compound.
Sultan Kudarat, A Glimpse
After almost half an hour we pushed even further down going back to General Santos City. We also made sure to stop by the imposing provincial capitol of Sultan Kudarat province located in Isulan.
Then just before the sun sets, we have already arrived in General Santos just in time before the Davao bound express bus departs.
It may be a short sojourn, a day to be exact. I find the locals accommodating more than ever, that although we differ in culture, you can still feel the hospitality and care towards complete strangers. There is nothing to be afraid of.
With the land of Mindanao, being known as the land of promise, this still holds true to everyone who experiences her firsthand.
Wa-Alaikum-Salaam, Mindanao!
How To Get There
- The Masjid Dimaukom or Pink Mosque is located in Datu Saudi Ampatuan in Maguindanao.
- If from General Santos City Airport, take the Husky buses bound for Cotabato City passing through Koronadal City, Tacurong, and Isulan. Alight at the Datu Saudi Ampatuan Municipal Hall (140 kilometers). When everything turns into pink, you’re in the right place. (Fare: 200php-250php, 3 hours travel time)
- If from Cotabato City, take the Husky Bus bound for General Santos City, around 42 kilometers away and tell the driver to drop you off at the Datu Saudi Ampatuan Municipal Hall. (Fare: 105php-150php, 50 minutes to an hour travel time.)
- From the Municipal Hall, seek the assistance of the local tourism coordinator or just ask the staff at the gate of the Pink Mosque which is just a few meters away from the rotunda.
- There are no entrance fee to be collected but it is encouraged to leave tips at the gate where you will register.
- Be respectful of their culture and follow the rules.
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TransitPinas would like to thank Sir Mark Anthony Plecerda of Buen Viajeros for the hassle free #RoadtripMindaNow day tour arrangement!
The 2018 #RoadtripMindaNow Adventure Series
Updated as of April 05, 2018
