Maguindanao

Capital: Buluan
Location: It bordered Lanao del Sur to the north, Cotabato to the east, Sultan Kudarat to the
south, and the Illana Bay to the west.
Languages/ Dialects: Tau sa Ilud, Tau sa Laya, Biwangen, Sibugay, Filipino, Maguindanao
Transportation: Via Air, Land, Sea

Attractions

Liguasan Marsh
Home to vast natural gas deposits, Liguasan Marsh is an untapped eco-tourism spot
inMaguindanao. It covers vast areas of freshwater lakes, ponds, river channels, and peat
forests. These are home to various flora and fauna species, many of which are endangered. If
sustainably managed, Liguasan Marsh can provide community-based development for the
locals. One way of doing that is via eco-tourism development.
 Lake Buluan
Considered as Mindanao’s third largest lake, Lake Buluan is one of the top Maguindanao
tourist spots you should not miss. Locals take advantage of the lake to grow local fish
species such as catfish, milkfish, and tilapia. Several rivers converge to form the vast
lake. Surrounding mountains add to the scenic view of the lake.

Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is one of the best Maguindanao tourist spots, located on an idyllic
setting of rustic views. It’s almost like a lake surrounded with lush forests. The good
thing about it? It’s just a walking distance from the national highway. Experience
swimming on its pristine and rejuvenating waters as you relish the forests’ beauty. The
waters come from a spring connected to the Tamontaka River.
 FESTIVALS

Inaul Festival

Inaul Festival is a celebration that never forgets its other cultural heritage. Among them
is the staging of the sagayan, a war dance from the moro epic Darangen. There were also
theatrical presentations of Maguindanaon stories. Inaul is a piece of traditional
handwoven cloth worn in many ways than one. But more than just a textile, it is a time-
honoured handicraft showcasing Maguindanao’s art, culture & heritage.
It is also about the stories of its people & their destiny, woven into the fabric that defines
their slogan — Maguindanao, MagandaNOW!

MEGUYAYA FESTIVAL (Upi, Maguindanao-December 19)

The term is a Teduray word meaning ‘Merrymaking and Thanksgiving” This is a

universal expression of thanksgiving for the triumphs, abundance, prosperity or any
 form of blessing recievd. The word in a multi-cultural society wherein different
expressions or way of thanksgiving and merrymaking practices are recognized and
honored. Amidst Upi’s triumphs, abundance and prosperity is the conceptualization of
Meguyaya Festival, Upians’ way of expressing gratitude for all the bounties. Meguyaya is
a three-week celebration which culminates every 22nd of December.

SHARIFF KABUNSUAN FESTIVAL (Maguindanao) (December 19)

Shariff Kabunsuan Festival is a very significant event not only to Maguindanao

people Cotabato City and Region XII but to the whole Muslim Mindanao. This colorful
festival is a commemoration of the arrival of an Arab-Malay missionary from Johore,
Malaysia in the 16th century, landed along the banks of pulangi now known as Rio
Grande de Mindanao. Shariff Kabunsuan introduced Islam to the natives, which lead to
the established of the Sultanates of Maguindanao, Rajah Buayan and Kabuntalan.
 DELICACIES

PASTIL
Pastil which is known to have been originated in Maguindanao is an easy to cook ulam
composed of rice, topped with sautéed chicken, fish, or beef flakes. This banana leaf
wrapped meal is a staple in Maguindanao’s market places, sidewalks, and alleys. With its
affordable price, it has been dubbed as a “Poor Man’s Meal.”

LAWOT LAWOT
Lawot Lawot is a Vis-Min vegetable dish composed of familiar ingredients: Squash, Okra,
Eggplant, String Beans, Bittergourd. These vegetables are sautéed (sometimes directly
boiled) then simmered in a thick broth.
 Biryani
Biryani is a rice dish prominent in the Indian / Persian Region. It is commonly a mix of
curry and semi cooked rice, cooked further forming a fragrant rice dish.

REFERENCES:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maguindanao
https://danielsecotravels.com/maguindanao-tourist-spots/
http://tourismarmm.blogspot.com/p/festivals.html?m=1
https://www.ajinomoto.com.ph/ajinomoto-static/blog/maguindanaos-heritage-dish/