Pananawon:

Envisioning Mindanao
of the Future

Sam Alexis G. Huertas

12 - Pyxis
Introduction
I envision Mindanao to be a region bursting with boundless
possibilities and dynamic transformations. As we step into this new
era, Mindanao stands as a beacon of progress, resilience, and unity.
The once fragmented communities have come together, forging a
path toward sustainable peace and inclusive development.
 The artwork depicts a
vibrant and modern
cityscape, representing
the progress and
development of Mindanao.
The buildings, or
skyscrapers, are found
everywhere, implying that
many industries have
developed in the region.

"Harmony Unveiled"
At the center of the artwork stands a
sculpture shaped like an open hand. The
sculpture is holding an open book. The
hand symbolizes unity, peace, and
cooperation among the diverse
communities of Mindanao. The book
signifies education and cultural
preservation in Mindanao. Books serve as
repositories of traditional stories, legends,
myths, and historical accounts, helping
preserve and pass on cultural knowledge
from one generation to another. The
sculpture shows its role in knowledge
dissemination, cultural heritage
preservation, and fostering creativity and
understanding among individuals in the
region.
Surrounding the sculpture are lush green spaces and a
large Narra tree behind it, showcasing Mindanao's natural
beauty and environmental sustainability efforts. The Narra
tree is a native tree in Mindanao that symbolizes unison
and unity. It is highly regarded for its strength, resilience,
and cultural significance among various indigenous
communities in the region. The Narra tree's majestic
presence and its ability to grow harmoniously in diverse
environments make it a fitting symbol of unity in
Mindanao. These elements reflect a harmonious balance
between urban development and nature conservation.
The roots of the large tree are also embracing the
cityscape and the sculpture, implying that Mindanao will
receive the blessing of nature from its surroundings while
also fostering industrial development.
There are different pieces of art hanging from the tree. These
are motifs of different cultures and people from Mindanao.
Starting from the left is the T'nalak, a traditional textile art form
practiced by the T'boli people of Mindanao, particularly in South
Cotabato. Next is Okir, a distinct decorative carving style that is
commonly seen in the traditional architecture, woodwork, and
other crafts of the Maranao and Maguindanao people. Next is
Pis Yabit, the prized handwoven cloth of the Tausugs of Sulu.
Usually used as a head covering, it is made from cotton or silk,
square in shape, and provided with geometric patterns. Lastly,
a musical instrument called the Kudyapi, a two-stringed
instrument in the shape of a boat played like a lute or a guitar,
is common among Mindanao's indigenous groups and goes by
many names. Hanging indigenous motifs from a native tree like
Narra can symbolize a strong sense of cultural pride and
identity and also signifies the unity between groups. It
highlights the significance of keeping these cultural expressions
alive and passing them on to future generations. The
combination of indigenous motifs and the Narra tree, a native
species, can symbolize the harmony between nature and
culture.
The artwork is illuminated with dynamic lighting
effects, creating a sense of energy and progress.
The colors used are vibrant and symbolic,
representing hope, optimism, and the aspirations
of the people of Mindanao for a bright and
prosperous future. This 3D model art is a concept
that aims to celebrate the cultural richness, unity,
and potential of Mindanao, while envisioning a
future that embraces progress, sustainability, and
harmony among its diverse communities.
Catalog