my "malong"

The malong is a woven Maranao multi-colored cloth
bearing variety of okir designs. The well-organized
shapes indicate the weaver's village of origin. The garment can function as
blanket, bedsheet, dressing room, hammock, prayer mat and for cultural events of
the Maranaos. A newborn is wrapped in a malong and as he grows this piece of
cloth becomes a part of his daily life. When he dies, he is once again wrapped
in a malong.
The malong has evolved into its modern use, a quick way to
gather things by strapping the four corners forming a big pouch. It was said
that the plight of the Maranaos can retold with a malong. At the height of the
war in some parts of Mindanao, the villagers
evacuate with their things packed in malong. - source wikipedia

my doctor friend "Jo", just came from Iligan today, its far far southeastern part of Manila, somewhere in Mindanao, its where most muslim people live and Islamic religion is widely distributed. She brought me back this gorgeous malong. Its like a big cloth fit for two people actually. I asked her why she bought me a large one. She replied, "well, i don't think u will be single for the rest of your life so, so i chose fit for two..well u never know.."

Anyway, i loved it. U can make use of many things with it. U can use it as long skirt, house dress, a sling bag or even a blanket too. I love the print too, Jo knows I love red and orange shades. Of course its all about flowers. If malongs do tell one's story, maybe mine will be a flowery tale.