Pink Mosque: A Spark Of Hope In A Divided World

Sometimes, being an unconventional thinker feels more like a curse than a blessing. My mind is always filled with ideas that seem bizarre and even blasphemous to some people. One of those so-called unusual ideas is about religion. While I was religious at several points in my life, I always thought it created more walls than bridges. How many wars in history have been caused because we cling too tightly to our beliefs? Isn’t faith meant to guide and inspire? Why, then, has something meant to unite people sometimes led to suffering and division between communities and countries? But on my recent trip to Mindanao, I found a glimpse of hope: the Pink Mosque or Masjid Dimaukom.

The moment I saw its bubblegum-pink gates and exterior, I knew it wasn’t an ordinary place of worship. 

It’s not as grand and majestic as the Grand Mosque of Cotabato or as historic as the centuries-old churches in Bohol. 

But it exudes a different aura, a unique color symbolizing peace, love, and harmony. 

It gave me hope that maybe, just maybe, faith doesn’t have to be a dividing force.

My Pink Mosque experience in Mindanao

The Journey to the Pink Mosque in the Philippines

Our Maguindanao day tour had been a blast so far. 

First, we stopped by the Grand Mosque of Cotabato, and its sheer size and beauty left us in awe. 

Then, we visited the People’s Palace, where we were warmly greeted by officials and locals alike. 

From the palace, we traveled for hours to reach our next stop, the Pink Mosque, which our tour group said was the highlight of the trip.

On our way to Masjid Dimaukom, I saw the communities and locals of Maguindanao.

And all I saw were humans: people who, like me, were navigating this chaotic world, doing their best to survive and find meaning. 

I didn’t see differences. 

I didn’t see labels. 

I just saw people living their lives, each with their own struggles, joys, and stories. I

Through travel and reading, I realized how pointless discrimination is. 

Why judge someone based on skin color, religion, or nationality when, at the core, we’re all just trying to make it through the same journey?

Why do we spew so much hate when we’re just the same breed and species, just labeled differently?

Will hating and discriminating make the world a better place for us humans?

So, as you can see, it’s pointless.

Why not embrace our diversity and learn from other cultures and religions instead?

I’m pretty sure it’s more exciting and satisfying.

Entering Masjid Dimaukom

I was so excited to finally see the Pink Mosque Philippines.

I’ve seen so many captivating Masjid Dimaukom photos and videos ever since it was completed in 2014.

It has been one of my dreams to see it with my own eyes.

Upon our arrival, I immediately jumped out of the van, stretched, and entered the gates of the iconic Pink Mosque.

Like the Grand Mosque of Cotabato, you must wear proper clothing to enter the grounds of the Pink Mosque.

Fortunately, you can use any of the Islamic garments available at the mosque’s entrance.

They aren’t exactly for rent, but you can use them as long as you donate any amount.

I wore shorts, so I used one of their malongs to cover my knees.

There were thobes and caps available for men, but it was too warm to wear them at that hour.

Soon after, my niece and I explored the grounds of the Pink Mosque in Maguindanao.

Honestly, the Pink Mosque was a bit smaller than what I expected.

And I think it needs a little maintenance because the paint was slowly wearing off. 

Still, it was a sight to behold and exuded an aura of peace and calmness.

And everyone within the Pink Mosque seemed to feel that aura.

The kids, selling ref magnets and other products, were so cordial and accommodating.

They taught us where to post and even shared some tricks on getting that perfect Kodak moment within the complex.

I guess that’s the effect of the mosque’s charm and aura.

As they say, color can affect mood, mental health, and how people feel.

And in color psychology, pink is associated with love, kindness, and femininity. 

It’s believed to boost creativity as well as feelings of hopefulness, calm, and peace.

No wonder I feel so calm and at peace at the Pink Mosque despite the scorching heat of the sun.

Maybe I should add a splash of pink to my life.

Should I change my room’s color scheme from green to pink? I think I’m not ready for that drastic change, though.

And the color isn’t the reason why this mosque feels so peaceful and charming.

The Pink Mosque was built to change the image of the province and was designed to become a symbol of unity and brotherhood for Maguindanao.

Furthermore, it was built by Christians to symbolize inter-faith brotherhood and unity.

Perhaps we need more places like the Pink Mosque in Maguindanao.

We need more places where everyone, regardless of religion and skin color, can explore, unite, and have fun.

Maybe people can learn from Masjid Dimaukom.

Or people can learn more and be more considerate and kind if they travel often.

And this is why I always encourage people, especially the younger generation, to travel. 

The thing is, travel helps break barriers and misconceptions.

It gives you a first-hand experience of what the world is really like. 

It gives you new perspectives and helps you understand others better.

And let’s face it.

Most of the things the media tell us are often shaped by people with their own agendas.

Media companies are just big-time businesses managed, owned, or funded by politicians and influential businessmen.

How about social media?

If you think social media is different from traditional media, you’re wrong. 

Years ago, social media was a place for raw, unfiltered opinions and expressions. 

Today, it works like traditional media, where advertisers and big corporations shape what we see and think. 

Algorithms favor content that drives engagement. 

They often prioritize what’s profitable over what’s real, leaving us at the mercy of corporate-controlled narratives.

Ever felt creeped out by how social media seems to know what’s on our minds?

And the worst part is social media has contributed to the rise of online gambling.

It has led vulnerable people into addiction with flashy ads and easy access. 

It’s destroying lives, with influencers prioritizing profits over the well-being of their followers, allowing these harmful practices to thrive unchecked.

If we don’t travel and feed our minds with their opinions, we become their slaves.

Then, they’ll start to control us and even manipulate us.

When everything you see about Mindanao on TV and social media is about wars and conflicts, you’ll think it’s a horrible and unsafe place.

Then, you’ll start spewing hate and discriminating against your fellow countrymen.

But those who have lived and traveled to Mindanao know it’s not entirely true. 

Maybe the issue isn’t religion itself. 

Maybe the real issue is our lack of understanding about the cultures of others, influenced by misinformation.

What if we just open our minds and learn about our world’s diverse cultures and religions?

What if people travel more and gain first-hand insights instead of listening to the opinions of other people? 

What if we stop listening to greedy people who provide false information to boost their wealth and power?

Just think about it.

How many politicians have we impeached or harshly criticized because we thought they weren’t fit for the role?

Why didn’t we see their flaws and negative side before they began their term?

Maybe we neglected all their red flags because we believed all the info shared by the media and social media.

If we did see things from different angles and perspectives, there might be fewer wars and conflicts.

Perhaps we’d spend our resources helping the less fortunate instead of buying bullets and grenades.

Maybe soldiers wouldn’t be forced into fighting meaningless wars.

Exploring the Pink Mosque

The Pink Mosque, or Masjid Dimaukom, was a thing of beauty. 

It’s a fascinating blend of traditional Islamic architecture and a unique bubblegum-pink color scheme. 

My niece and I explored the complex and took different pictures of the mosque from different angles.

And guess what? 

It’s totally splashed in pink. 

Even the comfort rooms in the Pink Mosque are painted in pink.

As I’ve said earlier, I love its unique color scheme because it represents things the modern world desperately needs.

Although a bit small, we could have spent a couple of hours at this pink-themed mosque, snapping pictures and admiring its unique charm.

While exploring the Pink Mosque, something came to mind. 

I just realized that the Pink Mosque also represents spirituality.

And hopefully, one day, through places like the Pink Mosque, people will become more spiritual than religious.

I know this can be a little confusing, but there’s a difference between spirituality and religion.

Some might see them as similar, but they hold different meanings to many people.

Growing up in a Roman Catholic community and school, I once thought that being religious and devoted was the key to a meaningful life.

Then, through books and travel, I learned that I should be more spiritual. 

With my rebellious nature and unconventional thinking, I decided to follow the spiritual path.

So, what’s the difference between spirituality and religion?

Spirituality is like a wild, free-spirited traveler who wanders off the beaten path, looking for something deeper and meaningful beyond what the eyes can see. 

It’s that quiet voice inside, encouraging you to connect with the Universe or maybe even just with your own soul. 

There are no rules and no boundaries.

It’s just you and your pursuit for inner peace, purpose, or that higher something, whatever that may be for you.

Religion, on the other hand, is like a roadmap. 

It has a structure with ancient guidebooks passed down from generation to generation. 

Religion is based entirely on external experiences, while spirituality is based on your personal experiences.

Religion is objective and involves a lot of rituals and sermons from human leaders, while spirituality is more subjective.

Don’t get me wrong.

I admire and respect religious people.

But I don’t like being controlled through fear, guilt, and shaming.

That’s just me, and I may be wrong about this.

I don’t like being told that I can’t achieve eternal salvation because I didn’t pray hard enough or I missed masses.

With all its rules and traditions, religion can sometimes feel more like a list of “don’ts” than a path to enlightenment. 

It can sometimes limit our knowledge, wisdom, and ability to think outside the box.

And some (not all) leaders use fear (fear of punishment, judgment, or eternal damnation) to keep their followers in line.

I’ve personally struggled with the exclusivity of some religious teachings.

Some religions teach that viewpoints from other philosophies or religions are less valid.

Every religion claims to hold the exclusive key to truth and salvation, leaving little room for others walking a different path. 

When one religion declares it’s the only way, everyone outside becomes “wrong” or “lost,” and that’s where divisions start. 

Wars have been fought, people have been canceled, and communities have been torn apart, all because one group believed they were right.

If you don’t believe what they believe or practice what they practice, you’re on the outside looking in. 

Instead of opening hearts and minds, it builds walls, separating “us” from “them.” 

In a world that’s already divided, it fuels intolerance, prejudice, and even violence.

Leaving the Pink Mosque

As I was about to leave the Pink Mosque, I wished more people would see this place of worship.

And I wish more people would travel to gain different insights about our world.

There’s so much to learn if only we stop limiting ourselves to one source.

The world is one big book. 

And if you don’t travel and explore places like the Pink Mosque, you’re just reading one page.

Worse yet, you may be just reading the summary, which you may misinterpret.

So, do yourself a favor, and don’t get stuck in one place and mindset.

How to get to the Pink Mosque?

The easiest, fastest, and most convenient way to get to the Pink Mosque is to join an organized tour. There are many operators from Davao that offer day tours to Maguindanao, with stops at the Pink Mosque and The Grand Mosque.

Why is Masjid Dimaukom pink?

The Dimaukom Mosque is known for its eye-catching pink-painted façade. Pink represents love, peace, and unity.