ART APPRECIATION FINAL OUTPUT

What: Video Documentary

Instructions:

1. Choose a historical landmark in the Philippines

2. When, where and who built the landmark?
3. Who initiate the creation of the building?
4. How much does it cost?
5. What is the purpose?
6. For whom?
7. Impact to Filipinos/ Conclusion
8. Must be in English and 5 to 7 minutes.

SCRIPT

VIDEO: We are surrounded by millions of infrastructures; you may be inside of one for sure but
little did we know that just like us these structures are product of time and history.

Just like the famous Grand Mosque in Cotabato.

Muslim..

Hindus…

Mosque..

Mindanao..

Most of you might already have something in mind. 5-6? Hijab? War? Many wives? CD?
Bichara?

VIDEO: I will not stop you from having those thoughts but let me introduce you to the rising star
in the promise land of the Philippines, the Grand Mosque…

Mindanao is considered to be the most dangerous place to live in because of the different
disputes and wars

..that’s why there are a lot of Muslims decided to live in the upper islands of Luzon and
Visayas…
VIDEO: Despite of these challenges Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah together with the Bangsamoro
Regional Government initiated the construction of the well-known mosque in Brgy. Kalanganan
II in Cotabato City, Mindanao which are now considered to be a historical landmark in the
Philippines.

It was in year 2008 where its construction began and was finished on April 2011. It took 3
consecutive years to create a landmark that became the center of the Muslim Community.

The Grand Mosque is originally named as the Sultan Jahi Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque. It was
considered to be the largest mosque in the Philippines and second largest in Southeast Asia
with the capacity to accommodate 15,000 people.

The construction was done by Manila based firm New Kanlaon Construction, Inc. with Richard
Harris Jordan as the project manager. According to data, there were 300 workers hired to
construct the mosque.

VIDEO: Fun Fact

It was built in a lot donated by Maguindanao First district Representative Didagen Dilangalen.

Going back to the structure, the Golden Mosque was designed by a local architecture firm
headed by Architect Felino Palafox.

The mosque’s domes are painted in gold and their tips are in crescent moons symbolizing their
religion’s identity.

The building’s minarets stand 43 meters high and is lit at night which serves as a guide for
aircraft pilots flying near the area.

The building itself occupies an area of 5,000 square meters.

The construction of this famous landmark was initiated by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and the
Bangsamoro Regional Government.

It was believed that the temple costs 48 Million US Dollars and around 53% of which are funded
by Sultan Bolkiah of Brunei while the rest was funded by the Philippine government.

VIDEO: Many of you might ask, so what?

Why do they build this?

The Grand Mosque built in Cotabato City was built in an attempt to help develop the Muslim
community in the Southern Philippines region of Mindanao. Cotabato City is a destination with a
rich history dating back to the 15th century when Arab missionaries introduced Islam to the
native tribal groups.
VIDEO: FUN FACT

Despite being a Muslim place, the architect and designers of the mosque are Christians, how
symbolic it is that two religions are working together

You might be wondering, is this exclusive for the Muslim community?

VIDEO: NO.. everyone is welcome to visit the mosque but of course you are expected to follow
their rules and beliefs inside as a sign of respect.

So now, what do we get from having this structure?

Uh.uh.. don’t belittle it..

Most Filipinos might not appreciate it much especially non-muslim people but this structure is
made to established camaraderie not only to Islamic members but also to other people. They
want to create a connection within and outside their religion. Also, the Grand Mosque played a
big role in improving the tourism in Mindanao because of its popularity.

VIDEO: Let’s appreciate not the goal of making the structure but also the exquisite and
statuesque design it gives. Let’s be proud of those Filipino Architects and Engineers behind,
aside from making sure the safety of the occupants and aesthetics of the building they also
made sure to bring out the best of the Muslim’s identity with their designs.

VIDEO: It’s me Perry, your future Engineer. Let’s support local engineering and design.