Colorful people of the flood plains

THEY are called Maguindanaons which means "people of the flood plains” for they occupied the Pulangi Valley in the central plains of Mindanao where the Rio Grande de Mindanao runs through.

According to Maguindanao deputy mayor Ismael "Mike" A. Nakan, the Maguindanaon tribe, which originates from Central Mindanao, is the pioneer of all Islamized tribes.

"Ang Sultan ng Maguindanao dati is the Sultan of all Muslim Tribes," Nakan said in an interview with Sun.Star Davao.

Nakan says even Datu Bago is descended from their tribe through the lineage of Sultan Kudarat.

He admits that they are migrants of Davao City, but have found a haven here to nurture their culture.

"Kaya every year pauliulit naming ini-showcase ang culture namin sa paraan ng pagsayaw o Kasagan at Kapagunta tuwing Kadayawan," Nakan said.

Food is also a source of pride and identity.

Their most popular is the pastil, steamed rice topped with shredded chicken that is wrapped in banana leaves. Then there is the tinagtag made from deep fried ground rice.

Then there is the colorful malong and with geometric or okir design worn with a birta, a blouse made of velvet cloth with three-quarter sleeves. Their women have a penchant of wearing jewelry, particularly gold.

The traditional headwear of their menfolk is a tubao wound around the head like a turban.

While their tribe is distinct and has a long history, they find affinity with all other Islamized tribes.

"Ang sembahyang (prayer), kahit maging Maguindanaon, Maranaw, Iranun, Tausog, Kagan or Sama kaman, nagkaka-isa lahat sa sembahyang," he said.

Nakan, however, proudly said that Maguindanaons are colorful, friendly, respectful and "peace-loving people".