Most Gorgeous Mosques in the Philippines

The Grand Mosque or the Masjid Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah in Cotabato City, Province of Maguindanao del Norte, is currently the biggest mosque in the Philippines. The minarets are 43 meters, equivalent to a 15-storey building, with a pilot's light on top. The walls are white, and the gigantic domes are covered with gold and crescent moons on top. 

Aliwan Fiesta: Meguyaya Festival from Maguindanao

Meguyaya is a Teduray term for thanksgiving for the bountiful harvest. The Creator blessed blessed them with fertile soil and great climate making them to produce tons of corn. This annual festivities includes street dancing competition showcasing different culture of Teduray, Muslim and Christian celebrated every December in Upi, Maguindanao. One of the most awaited event is a long stretch of corn grillers placed by the roadside where everyone enjoys roasting, a symbol of togetherness and feasting. 

The Pink & Grand Mosque: Maguindanao Top Tourist Spots

The province of Maguindanao and the independent city of Cotabato hold the gigantic and the stunning mosques in the Philippines. These structures were built as place of worship but its breathtaking beauty and spectacular architectural design captured the eyes of the travelers, regardless of religion. With that in mind, these two mosques are on top of the list of the tourist destinations in the province.

9 DAYS SOLO-BACKPACKING: Sarangani, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Maguidanao, North Cotabato, Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, Agusan del Sur

MY MINDANAO ACTUAL TRAVEL GUIDE AND ITINERARY:

COVERED 8 PROVINCES: SARANGANI, SOUTH COTABATO, SULTAN KUDARAT, MAGUINDANAO, NORTH COTABATO, SURIGAO DEL NORTE, DINAGAT ISLANDS, AGUSAN DEL SUR

EXPENSES WITHOUT AIRFARE: 18,486 Pesos
AIRFARE: 2,235 Pesos Back and Forth

TOTAL EXPENSES: 20,721 Pesos

Inaul Festival

Inaul or Inol literally translates to "Weaved" in English. It is a hand woven fabric by the Maguindanaon women weavers. It is traditionally used as a "malong" or a "Bara-Bangsa," which describes to royalty. Before, the use of Inaul reflects the status symbol of the wearer in the society. These fabrics are woven with stunning colors with its own meaning. Yellow and orange signifies royalty, red is for bravery, green is for peace and harmony and white for purity. The use of the gowns made from Inaul during Miss Universe 2016 pageant made this local product a world class fabric.