Bridging Narratives: A Story of Cultural Pride and Understanding
Bridging Narratives: A Story of Cultural Pride and Understanding
Bridging Narratives:
A Story of Cultural Pride and Understanding
Location
Manila, The Philippines
Focus
Reintegration
IMplemented by
Teach Peace Build Peace Movement (TPBPM)
Through the Teach Peace Build Peace Movement (TPBPM), the Bangsamoro Gallery Exhibit created a space for dialogue and cultural exchange, enabling Bangsamoro youth like Sahanie (pseudonym) to embrace their identity with pride while fostering greater understanding among university students, helping challenge stereotypes, promote social cohesion, and strengthen peacebuilding through intercultural dialogue.
On March 11 and 12, 2026, the Teach Peace Build Peace Movement (TPBPM) held the Bangsamoro Gallery Exhibit at De La Salle University in Manila. The event served as a bridge between the Bangsamoro culture and university students, including “Sahanie,” (pseudonym) a Muslim intern who assisted with the programme.
The gallery was designed to introduce the Bangsamoro narrative to university students in Metro Manila to counter the “constant negative news” often associated with Muslim Mindanao. By showcasing the richness of the culture and the universal values shared across faiths, the intervention aimed to combat the social “judgement” that leads minority youth to hide their identities and to create a safe space for “important dialogues” that humanise the “other”.
The transformation was visible in how the exhibit shifted the internal feelings of the Bangsamoro youth and the external perceptions of the student body. For Sahanie, the exhibit was a turning point in her own self-expression.
It’s new for me to see that many people can truly appreciate my culture. I used to hide it to avoid judgment, but now I feel a sense of excitement and pride.”
— Sahanie, Muslim Intern Assisting with the Programme
This personal shift was met with a parallel opening of minds from the students. One participant noted how the exhibit served as a necessary alternative to media stereotypes:
The exhibit is a breath of fresh air from the constant negative news. I believe more universities need to experience this, as there is much to gain from it.”
— Activity Participant
Another student reflected on the realisation that religious differences are often overshadowed by shared commonalities, noting the potential for peace:
I’m honestly surprised there’s a similarity with a lot of religions. If only people knew this, a lot of world conflict would be prevented. This shows how important dialogues are.”
— Student, Activity Participant