Inaul, a term which literally means "woven" in Maguindanaon dialect, is a unique fabric meticulously hand-woven mostly by Maguindanoan women weavers in Mindanao. The fabric has become one of Maguindanao's cultural emblems. The intricate design in every Inaul symbolizes the uniqueness and resilience of the Maguindanaons, and the weaving signifies the unity amidst diversity of the people.
The provincial government of Maguindanao has prepared various activities for Inaul Festival to give importance to its regal fabric along with the weavers who painstakingly create them. The following are just some of this year's Inaul Festival activities that you should attend.
Inaul Trade Expo
This event will be participated by different LGUs in Maguindanao and will showcase their products and services highlighting the Inaul.
To be held in the morning of February 8, it is a display of wide array of Inaul and authentic cultural dress of men and women. This will be participated by all sectors in Maguindanao.
Kapaginaul Weaving Competition
This is a weaving competition which will be participated by women weavers from different parts of Maguindanao. They will be weaving Inaul malong (trouser), tendong (shawl), and tubao (headdress for men).
This is a healthy competition among beautiful and talented young women from different towns of Maguindanao.
Sipa sa Mangis
An exciting traditional sports of the Maguindanoans, this will be participated by different LGUs.
Sagayan is a war dance that has always been part of merrymakings during special occassions such as weddings among ethnic Maguindanoan. The dancers wear colorful costumes and carry bladed weapons called "kampilan" as well as shield called "Klung" that are adorned with beads that create distinct sounds with every movement.
Alugan sa Maguindanao
This is a cooking contest participated by women from different municipalities of Maguindanao. This year, Alugan sa Maguindanao will feature "Palapa" as the main ingredient.
Kambayuka Exhibition
The word kambayuka was derived from bayok which means love song and refers to the repertoire where two or more singers engage in apoetical joust.
These activities will showcase the rich culture and traditions, as well as the talents of the Maguindanaons through their traditional music and dances.
Dayunday
This is performed infront of an audience using improvisational vocal style based on both sangel sa wata (traditional lullaby) and bayok (epic chant sung in a cappellla) genres, played by both genders againt each other in verbal jest and competition during special occasions.
Kagkuya sa Awang
A boat race to be held at Popol River in Buluan, Maguindanao. It will be participated by all the 36 local governement units of Maguindanao with special participation from law eenforcers (AFP , AFP) and Moro rebel groups (MILF & MNLF) in the name of the Peace efforts of the national government. The event is also aimed at creating awareness of "awang" or "banca" as a means of tranposrtation in the province.
Festivals provide excellent opportunities to showcase craftmanship and ingenuity. The Inaul Festival Float Design Competition aims to promote the contingent's respective locality both economically and tourism-wise. During the Inaul Festival Float Design Competition, the skills and creativity of Maguindanao natives has the chance to herald the products, cultures and heritage of their particular area not only to the people in the province but also to the rest of the country. The concepts and theme for the floats must depict Maguindanao's culture, values and tradition.
The Street Dancing Competition is one of the highly-anticipated events of Inaul Festival of Maguindanao. It is participated by contingents coming from different towns of the province showcasing their place, culture, values and traditions.
Other activities of Inaul Festival this year includes the Kagkuya na Kalabaw or Carabao Race, Battleground 4 Airsoft Tournament, Drum & Lyre Competition, Motocross, Inaul Fashion Show, nightly concerts, and the Kulay Music Festival featuring some of the country's popular bands and celebrities.
SEE the full Inaul Festival 2018 Schedule of Activities HERE!
