Author Archives: darangenwomentoday

We are Meranaos, People of the Lake, from the root word Ranao or Lake. Our Lake Lanao is dying, if it dies, we will no longer be people of the Lake. In fact, our very identity will not make sense … Continue reading →

I  am always in awe of the resilience, courage and determination of the Palestinian people to resist despite all the odds. For almost seven decades, starting from the 1948 Nakba, they managed to put up a resistance against Israel which … Continue reading →

When the December 2014 Sydney hostage-taking happened, Australia responded with ‪#‎Illridewithyou. An FB friend–whom I have never met–all the way from Queensland offered me her home, fearing a backlash against all Muslims–just in case my family needed to feel safe. … Continue reading →

Our home in one of the suburbs of Melbourne,   is the best compromise my family could ever have. It has all the amenities that a first-world country can offer, yet the ambience is like the basak  (countryside)  in the Philippines … Continue reading →

One of the best memories I have of living in the old Dansalan was my family’s friendship with our Christian neighbors, the Carmelite sisters and the Irish priest Father Pong. There were fewer car on the streets which served as … Continue reading →

I am a proud Meranao. I grew up believing in the idea that I am a royalty. When I was a little girl, it was my family’s ‘idal’ to wear one of our royal titles. My late grandmother wanted me … Continue reading →

How can I find the words, When tears blind my eyes? At night, when darkness comes Shall sleep come peacefully To this grieving heart? How can I close my eyes When in Gaza, bombs Lit their evenings? Will a mother … Continue reading →

Ramadhan comes in just a matter of days. The 1.6 billion Muslims all over the world anticipate the coming of the Holy month for a myriad of reasons. It is the time to practice self-discipline, earn manifold blessings as promised … Continue reading →

The Holocaust that claimed the lives of at least five to six million Jews is not really far from memory. There are still living survivors of that despicable event in human history. Yet, despite Hitler’s maniacal designs, the Jews survived … Continue reading →

What is a Hijabi doing in front of Clydes’ Bar at Carlton, Melbourne Saturday night, on the eve of Ramadan? No wonder a couple, perhaps slightly tipsy from alcohol noticed me and had very different reactions. I was peering inside … Continue reading →