As a melting pot of
crisscrossing cultures, Mindanao is a land of diverse heritage, where one can
savor a myriad of cuisines each distinct to every region. In Davao City, where
there are 11 known tribes, a culinary movement aimed at promoting olden
traditions of preparing food is slowly partaking in the local gastronomic
scene.
Maa to Ro—a
Lumad-themed restaurant serving traditional cuisines of the Bagobo Klata tribe
is quickly generating positive word-of-mouth raves. Translated to “Let’s eat” in English, Maa to Ro serves Mindanaoan tribal
dishes aimed to preserve and promote the culinary culture of the tribe to diners
in search of sumptuous bold flavors.
Owner Kessia Tar—herself, a
member of the Bagobo Klata tribe—explains their process of food preparation. “Our food is authentically native and are
prepared laboriously, using only the fresh ingredients like vegetables, spices
and herbs that are picked right outside in our garden. The food is then slowly
cooked to achieve its ultimate taste”.
Preserving Bagobo-Klata Cuisine
Situated in Purok Rose,
Baguio District and near two of Davao's most popular tourist destinations; the
Philippine Eagle Center and Malagos Garden Resort, Maa To Ro is built with a
traditional vibe—thanks to the mostly bamboo interior—that summons a homey atmosphere
as if the guests are invited inside the humble homes of the Bagobo Klata
people.
Serving a mouth-watering set
of native dishes such as the Lol'lot which is served with meat (fish,
chicken or shrimp) grated with coconut and spices that are stuffed inside a fire
heated bamboo. Another favorite is the Pletek to Pandan which is chicken
wrapped in pandan leaves and prepared with an assortment of herbs and spices.
Probably the most unique dish is the Pancit to Iyog because instead of
using noodles, strips of coconut flesh are used in lieu of pancit noodles.
The other bestsellers like
the Pas
ni Mor (stir-fried shrimps with corn), Ginataan Ngo Monok (chicken bathed in coconut milk and
cooked with a local twist) are also some of the restaurant's must-tries.
If you are a foodie and committed
to exploring Filipino cuisine, then Mindanao with its rich cookery culture
should be a great place to start. And what better way to kick-off your
gastronomic journey than getting a taste of Bagobo-Klata's food culture here at
Maa To Ro.
School of Living Tradition
Another special thing about
Maa To Ro is the tribe's weaving school built at the back of the restaurant. Called
as the "El’lom", the weaving center provided another
advocacy avenue for Kessia Tar to preserve the dying tradition of Bagobo-Klata
weaving.
“Few
years back, as a young Bagobo, I am really in thirst to know more about my
tribe, but everyone would just tell me "During the olden days, our elders
used to this and that" but us the younger generation could not see how it
was made because no one makes it. Our traditions were not passed on; thus, we risk
becoming a diminishing tribe. So now, our goal is to bring back our weaving
tradition for the next generations to see, experience and learn. We set our
journey in bringing back the lost tradition-the weaving. Because it plays a big
part of our identity. This would also provide sustainable livelihood to the
people in the community and the people of Bagobo Klata” Kessia
Tar explains.
As the guests enjoy their
food, children belonging to the Bagobo-Klata performs a special traditional
dance number accompanied by the upbeat kulintang drumming of the elders—this
time promoting the other aspects of the tribe’s culture; the art of dance and
music.
 |
| The adorable Bagobo-Klata kids Argie, Mara and Gab |
Summing it all up; great
food, fascinating weaving workmanship and music and dance performances, dining
at Maa To Ro indeed brings forth a total cultural experience.
