Co-authors Nelson Canlas and Maria Isabel Cabel Moreno-Go. Source: Musawah, R. (2025, February 12). Si Migoy, Ang Batang Tausug: A celebration of Tausug heritage and identity. Adobo Magazine Online. https://www.adobomagazine.com/arts-culture/si-migoy-ang-batang-tausug-a-celebration-of-tausug-heritage-and-identity/

Renowned as the “People of the Sea,” the Tausug stand among the most influential ethnolinguistic groups in the Philippines. Their legacy is deeply intertwined with the rhythms of the ocean, their mastery of seafaring and trade shaping centuries of cultural and economic exchange. At the heart of their storied past lies the Sultanate of Sulu, a formidable maritime kingdom that once commanded vast territories across the southern Philippines and northern Borneo, leaving an enduring imprint on the region’s history.

For centuries, the Tausug have demonstrated remarkable resilience, resisting Spanish, American, and Japanese colonial rule while preserving their rich traditions. Their cultural identity is reflected in their ukkil (woodcarving), pis siyabit (woven textiles), pangalay (traditional dance), and kulintang music, all of which remain vibrant today. It is also very much alive in Tausug food traditions.

This enduring heritage is celebrated in Si Migoy, Ang Batang Tausug, a beautifully illustrated children’s book written by GMA News Anchor Nelson Canlas and Dr. Maria Isabel Cabel Moreno-Go, with artwork by Danielle Florendo. The book was launched in Quezon City on February 1, 2025, and holds special significance as both authors trace their family roots to Jolo, Sulu. Their personal connections lend authenticity to the book’s storytelling, ensuring that Tausug customs, values, and daily life are faithfully depicted.

Told through the eyes of Migoy, a young Tausug boy, the book offers readers a glimpse into Tausug traditions, particularly their cuisine, which plays a central role in their culture. Beyond showcasing traditional dishes, Si Migoy, Ang Batang Tausug highlights the community’s deep sense of honor, hospitality, and resilience, fundamental traits of Tausug identity.

The book is written in Tagalog, English, and Tausug, to support inclusivity and accessibility. It also becomes available to a wider audience, fostering greater cultural appreciation and understanding.

Through Si Migoy, Ang Batang Tausug, Nelson Canlas and Maria Isabel Cabel Moreno-Go ensure that the stories, traditions, and values of the Tausug people continue to be celebrated and passed down to future generations, inspiring pride and connection among readers everywhere.

REFERENCES

Musawah, R. (2025, February 12). Si Migoy, Ang Batang Tausug: A celebration of Tausug heritage and identity. Adobo Magazine Online. https://www.adobomagazine.com/arts-culture/si-migoy-ang-batang-tausug-a-celebration-of-tausug-heritage-and-identity/

Son, K. (2025, February 1). Nelson Canlas launches children’s book “Si Migoy, Ang Batang Tausug.” GMA News Online. https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/artandculture/934806/nelson-canlas-launches-children-s-book-si-migoy-ang-batang-tausug/story/

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (1998, July 20). TAUSUG | Philippines, Sulu Archipelago, Moro People. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Tausug