MANILA, PHILIPPINES – On February 1, 2025, a remarkable event took place in Quezon City—the official launch of Si Migoy, Ang Batang Tausug, a children’s book that serves as an introduction to Tausug cuisine and culture. Written by veteran GMA News Anchor Nelson Canlas and Dr. Maria Isabel Cabel Moreno-Go, whose roots trace back to Jolo, Sulu, and beautifully illustrated by Danielle Florendo, this book is more than just a tale—it is a statement of identity, resilience, and cultural pride.
Honoring Tausug History and Culture
The Tausug people, one of the major ethnolinguistic groups in the Bangsamoro Region, have a rich history deeply intertwined with migration, trade, and the establishment of the Sultanate of Sulu. Long before Ferdinand Magellan arrived under the Spanish flag, the Tausug had already built a thriving society marked by art, traditions, and culinary heritage. The arrival of Sheikh Karimul Makhdum in 1380, who introduced Islam and established the first mosque in Simunul Island, Tawi-Tawi, was a pivotal moment in their history. However, despite their deep-rooted traditions, the Tausug community has faced systemic marginalization and oppression under colonial rule of Spain and USA, leading to historical erasure of their identity and the Sultanate of Sulu.
Si Migoy, Ang Batang Tausug stands as a response to this erasure, serving as a tool for cultural reclamation and pride. Through the lens of a young Tausug boy, readers—both children and adults—are invited to explore the vibrant flavors of Tausug cuisine and the values that define their people.
Why Si Migoy, Ang Batang Tausug Matters
This book is a significant milestone in Philippine children’s literature for several reasons:
1. A Celebration of Tausug Cuisine and Culture
As the first children’s book to highlight Tausug cuisine, it introduces readers to the flavors of a proud heritage, contributing to the broader understanding of Filipino culinary diversity.
2. Championing Filipino Values
Beyond food, the book explores themes of religious diversity, friendship, and family traditions—values that bind Filipinos together and nurture a sense of community.
3. Trilingual Accessibility
Written in Tagalog, English, and Tausug, this book serves as a bridge connecting Filipinos across regions, languages, and generations, making Tausug culture accessible to a wider audience.
4. A Vision for National Unity
Si Migoy, Ang Batang Tausug is the first in a series celebrating the rich traditions of the Philippines. By fostering appreciation for our shared heritage, it helps strengthen cultural awareness and inclusivity.
Voices of Advocacy and Pride
Co-author Dr. Maria Isabel Cabel Moreno-Go shared her delight for the success of the launching and emphasized the importance of cultural preservation, stating on her Facebook account: “Our family have always believed that there is still a lot to be done to uphold and reintroduce culture, not just in this generation, but to generations to come. We owe it to them. And we’re taking the route to every man and woman’s heart—through food. Every Filipino dish, every version of it, has a history and family story attached to it. Ours is no different.”
During the book launch, Alyssa Sahali, a well-known advocate of Bangsamoro heritage, shared her excitement and the impact of the book on young readers:
“Nakakatuwa kasi may mga batang nagsabi na, ‘Mama, gusto ko ng putlih mandi’ or ‘Mama, ano itong tyulah itum?’ Then the mom said, ‘I-research natin yan anak.’”
However, she also expressed her concern over the discrimination that the Moro community still faces, particularly after seeing online backlash against the book: “These reactions reveal the persistent discrimination that the Moro people continue to face in Philippine society. But they also serve as a call to action—an opportunity to push even harder in educating the nation and reclaiming our identity. This book aims to challenge and reshape the prevailing mindset about the Tausug and Bangsamoro communities, fostering greater understanding and inclusion. Together, we can raise a generation unafraid to embrace diversity and cultural differences, building a Philippines that is safer, more equitable, and truly free for all.”
A Step Toward a More Inclusive Philippines
The launch of Si Migoy, Ang Batang Tausug marks a significant step in recognizing and honoring the cultural heritage of the Tausug people. By introducing young readers to the flavors, traditions, and values of the Tausug community, the book not only fosters a deeper appreciation of Filipino diversity but also challenges the biases and historical erasure that many indigenous communities have faced.
Now available at FullyBooked Eastwood City, Si Migoy, Ang Batang Tausug is more than just a book—it is a movement towards cultural recognition, understanding, and unity. Let us support and celebrate the stories that make up our island nation, the Philippines.
