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“Her Two Worlds”
Story and Pictures by: Patricia Bermudez-Hizon (November 11, 2008)

“I consider myself Muslim,” beamed Sunkist-De La Salle Lady Archers guard Sittie Aminah Dimaporo. Though she does not pray fastidiously five times daily, and she grew up in a Christian community, she does not eat pork, she follows Ramadan, and she has the highest respects for her religion. But you won’t see her wearing a Kumbung, or a veil when she’s on the hard court where religion, race, gender, and other preferences mean nothing and where hustle, talent and hard work means everything!

Born to a powerful political family, Aminah, whose father is Congressman Abdullah “Bobby” Dimaporo, grew up to be a very intelligent and resilient lady. Owe it to the fact that one of her greatest influences is her grandfather Ali Dimaporo who got the respect as a political leader and became the Sultan of Lanao del Sur. She’s the youngest of four children, with her eldest sibling the current Governor of Lanao del Norte, following the footsteps of their mother who also held that seat in government.

She’s on her last playing season in the UAAP, with only a third place finish in her freshman year under her belt. She sees the importance of getting the WPBL championship to give her small but speedy squad the experience to help them achieve that elusive UAAP crown.

“I’ve been playing since I was in grade three, and got into it because of my sister who was playing for Brent in high school. I was always tagging along and eventually her coach became my coach”, explained Aminah, who credits the sport for educating her even more on the values of responsibility and discipline

Discipline has been a major factor in balancing her time between basketball and her Master’s Degree in Industrial Relations, a course which should help ease into the family’s hotel and restaurant business.

“After basketball, I’ll be in our province where it’s peaceful” revealed the proud southern belle. As much as she’d like to share the joys of playing the game to other women in her province, she knows that she cannot disrespect their Muslim culture which dictates that women are to be covered as much as possible.

All Islamic observances must be followed, regardless of any guidelines or social stigmas when Muslim women participate in sports. So when they do take part, the clothing must be Islamically acceptable, meanig no shorts, t-shirts, tights, swimwear, etc.

Despite these beliefs, Aminah is surprised that she does not get into trouble for exposing herself. “My family respects what I do, and respects me as a person. They’re not telling me to stop and in fact, they brag about me”.

Aminah is definitely privileged. She gets to enjoy the best of her Muslim culture and her Catholic upbringing. She gets to be treated like royalty but she also has proven to be a workhorse on the team. She moves with such grace and elegance but she can pound it in on the floor. She carries such a sweet mile, but she’s a monster of a player.

“I’m lucky I get to enjoy both worlds”, said Aminah.

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