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Maguindanao Wedding Destination

Maguindanao - The Seat Of Muslim Mindanao

Maguindanao is the only predominantly Muslim province of the four that were created out of the former province of Cotabato. Today it holds the seat of the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), specifically in Cotabato City. As the seat of ARMM, Cotabato City and the rest of Maguindanao has become the center of trade and culture of the region.

More than a regional capital, Cotabato City has its own array of wonderful sights for the nature loving visitor. As for the municipalities of Maguindanao, its treasures await discoverers who will pronounce to the world the wonderful gems of the province.

Demographics

1. Population - 1,532,868 (as of 2007 Census)
2. Land Area - 7,318.0 sq. km
3. Capital - Shariff Aguak
4. Language/Dialect - Maguindanaoan, English, and Filipino
5. Divisions

Cities (1)

  • Cotabato City (independent city)

Municipalities (36)

  • Ampatuan
  • Barira
  • Buldon
  • Buluan
  • Datu Abdullah Sangki
  • Datu Anggal Midtimbang
  • Datu Blah T. Sinsuat
  • Datu Hoffer Ampatuan
  • Datu Odin Sinsuat (Dinaig)
  • Datu Paglas
  • Datu Piang
  • Datu Salibo
  • Datu Saudi-Ampatuan
  • Datu Unsay
  • Gen. S. K. Pendatun
  • Guindulungan
  • Kabuntalan (Tumbao)
  • Mamasapano
  • Mangudadatu
  • Matanog
  • Northern Kabuntalan
  • Pagagawan
  • Pagalungan
  • Paglat
  • Pandag
  • Parang
  • Rajah Buayan
  • Shariff Aguak (Maganoy)
  • Shariff Saydona Mustapha
  • South Upi
  • Sultan Kudarat (Nuling)
  • Sultan Mastura
  • Sultan sa Barongis (Lambayong)
  • Talayan
  • Talitay
  • Upi
Famous For ...

Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Compound
It is a showcase of a unique blend of modern and Muslim architecture.

Rio de Grande de Mindanao
It is the second largest river in the Philippines and the longest in Mindanao, crisscrossing with its tributaries the city's vast area.

P.C. Hill
This historic hill served as a watchtower for the natives in their defensive drive to detect and repel assaults by enemies.

Kutawato Caves
It is the only cave in the country that is right in the heart of the city.

Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto
It is a replica of France's Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto and believed to be miraculous.

Places of Interest

Historical

Takumi Butai Memorial Shrine
Location: San Sebastian Compound, Cotabato City
The monument is in honor of Takumi Butai and the Japanese soldiers who died here during the second World War. Takumi was the Provincial Commander of the Japanese forces assigned in Cotabato City. Before he died, he requested that some of his ashes be buried in Cotabato City.

Kutawato Caves
Location: Tantawan Hill, Cotabato City
It got its name from the words “kuta” means fort and “wato” means stone hence the name fort of stone. Kutawato caves with its walls of white, beige and brownish shade, glitters in the dark and echoes a colorful past dating back to the days when no foreign foot yet trampled upon this island. These caves had given sanctuary to the natives when the Spaniards tried to convert them into the faith. It also served as garrison and armory for Filipino guerillas who fought the invading force of the Japanese Imperial Army during the Second World War.

Man-made

Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Compound
Location: Gov. Gutierrez Avenue, Cotabato City
Considered as the symbol of the Bangsamoro’s struggle for self-determination, the ARMM conducts governance in a 4-hectare compound housing the Office of the Regional Governor, Regional Legislative Assembly, Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Center, Regional Museum and Regional Offices, including those of Region XII of which Cotabato City is a part of. The buildings in the compound showcase unique blend of modern and Muslim architecture.

Cotabato City Hall
Location: Cotabato City
It is a century-old structure that houses almost all the city government offices. It showcases a unique antique architectural design depicting Muslim art.

Caverna Espanola
Location: Cotabato City
Twenty one flights of stairs and three unconnected winding tunnels lead to cave bowels bearing a colonial-era Spanish Dungeon turned World War II Japanese jail.

Natural

P.C. Hill / Tantawan Hill
Location: Cotabato City
This is a stone fort towering over the city with a height of 90 feet. It houses the Cotabato City Internal Defense Command. This historic hill served as a watch tower for the natives. It commands a panoramic view of the city and Rio Grande de Mindanao.

Rio Grande de Mindanao
Location: Cotabato City
It is the second largest river in the Philippines and the longest in Mindanao, crisscrossing with its tributaries the city's vast area. It is estimated to be 182 kilometers long and 96 meters wide. Water sports and boat racing are the popular attractions of the river, usually held to coincide with the Shariff Kabunsuan Festival and the Feast of Hariraya Puasa.

Timako Hill
Location: Cotabato City
The hill overlooks the Illana Bay. It is graced by the beach resorts of Linik, Kushiong, and Tapian Point, characterized by blue waters and a sandy white beach. Timako is an ideal site for camping, boating, swimming, and fishing.

Bagua Cave
Location: San Vicente St., Cotabato City
The caverns filled with rock and mineral formations has been transformed into stages for theatrical and musical performances. Spring water flows into various pools that augment the ambiance during art and photo exhibits, while the many hidden chambers support myths of treasures hidden by the Japanese during World War II.

Kweba ni Satur
Location: Tantawan Hill, Cotabato City
It is a former snake pit once thought to be the mouth of hell. One has to descends via vine or rope or marches down a flight of stairs to go inside the feared cave.

Religious

Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto
Location: Brgy. Awang, Cotabato City
It is a replica of France's Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto. The site has attracted many visitors, mostly devotees, believing that the statue has been a source of miracles. The compound boasts an ideal retreat house for recollections and seminars, a mini zoo, and a children's park.

Tamontaka Church
Location: Brgy. Tamontaka, Cotabato City
It was built in 1872 following Spanish architecture and design. The oldest church in the city, it is a relic of the living past.

Festivals

Shariff Kabunsuan Festival
Place: Cotabato City
Date: December 19
It is a colorful festival commemorating the arrival of Sharif Muhammed Kabungsuwan via Rio Grande de Mindanao more than 500 years ago to introduce Islam to the natives. The festival is highlighted by a fluvial parade along Rio Grande de Mindanao followed by the re-enactment of his arrival. Water sports, boat racing, ethnic sports competition, cultural dances, and a week-long trade fair, add color to the festival.

Araw ng Cotabato
Place: Cotabato City
Date: June 20
It commemorates the creation of Cotabato as a charter city. The celebration is marked by cultural presentations, trade exhibits, athletic competitions, and other events such as the drum and bugle corps competition and "saranggolahan" (Kite Festival). The highlight of the affair is the "Mutya ng Kotabato" pageant on the eve of the foundation day.

Learn More
How To Get There?

By Air:
There are direct flights from Manila, Cebu, and Zamboanga City that are bound for Cotabato City. Travel time ranges from 1 hour and 30 minutes (from Manila) to 25 minutes (from Zamboanga)

By Sea:
Commercial ferries travel from Manila, Cebu, and Zamboanga City towards Cotabato City once a week, docking at Polloc Wharf. Travel time is two days from Manila.