Datu's Brew

The Baraguir Family, a member of the traditional leadership in Mindanao, has been the partner of Peace Builders Community Inc. since the beginning. The family head, Datu Kharis Baraguir, is like a father to PBCI staff.

In May 2011, the Baraguir family established Datu’s Brew:

• a coffee shop that tells the story of their people;
• a coffee shop that displays the fine handicrafts of Maguindanao; and,
• a coffee shop that contributes to the peace-building in Mindanao.

Hence, Datu’s Brew is now known for their three inter-related values: history, art, and peace.

HISTORY
"Time, memory, and territory," according to a Bangsamoro statesman, "are the historical antecedents of a people's identity." Identity results in Community. The blood and soil of the Bangsamoro and of the Maguindanaons characterize their Nativity.

ART
Datu's Brew re-tells the journey of Mindanao through the lenses of the Bangsamoro native using arts and crafts. The pieces of artistic items and textiles presented to their guests represent certain segments of history and aspects of their culture.

Products of “Ginis Arts and Crafts” are displayed for sale at Datu’s Brew.

“Ginis Arts and Crafts” and “Datu’s Brew” both bring light and understanding to the Bangsamoro’s vision of a land where beauty and freedom is Reality.

PEACE
Our experience at Datu’s Brew gave us the indicator that the visionaries behind this social business understand that genuine peace comes from Salaam.

The Arabic word “salaam” basically means “completeness, soundness, welfare, and peace.” Completeness has the idea of being whole—that is, all the parts are connected with each other. Soundness can be understood also as safety of the body and clarity of mind. Welfare can be viewed as wellness—that is, holistic health and prosperity. Peace can be read as tranquility, contentment, and healthy relationships.