Maguindanao: Keeping the Inaul Weaving Tradition Alive at Al Jamelah Weaving Center

Al Jamelah Weaving Center is located in the municipality of Datu Odin Sinsuat in the province of Maguindanao. It's objective is to establish and promote small-scale industry where participation of Bangsa-Moro women is enhanced and preserve cultural identity. Here, you can see how the traditional Maguindanaon handwoven fabric called inaul is made.

Laying the threads

The goal of the center is to develop women's capability in socio-economic activities for the attainment of well-developed and productive community.

Busy Inaul Weaver

At the center, you'll see some women busy weaving the Inual, a Maguindanaon hand-woven fabric. They told us that it usually takes 3-15 days to finish the inaul depending on the complexity of the design and the pattern. They sell it at around 500 to 1,000 pesos per meter depending on the design and the materials used.

Al Jamelah Weaving Center

Some finished products are also on display at the center. While the other finished products were brought to Cotabato City. I tried one called Tutob (skullcap). It looks nice on me, right? *wink*

Me, wearing the Tutob

Occasionally, there are cultural performances held for visitors. Best is to coordinate with the Department of Tourism ARMM for assistance. You may contact them through:

Fax: 0920-9377021
Email: pgo_lds@yahoo.com
Madame Raifa Adiong: 0917-7068838
Shiela Ganda: 0915-4686806

Brass Gongs

HOW TO GET TO AL JAMELAH WEAVING CENTER

From Manila, take a direct flight to Cotabato City. The airport is located at Brgy. Awang in the municipality of Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

From Awang airport, take a habal-habal to get to the main road. Then take a jeepney bound for Cotabato City (P8) and alight before reaching Tamontaka Bridge or at Datu Odin Sinusuat Municipal Suboffice. Take a padyak or a tricycle or you may opt to walk towards the weaving center. It will take about 10 minutes of walking. You will not miss the center as it is beside a small mosque on the right side of the road.

If you're coming from Cotabato City, take a jeepney bound for Awang (P10) and alight after passing through Tamontaka Bridge. Again, take a padyak/tricycle or walk towards the weaving center.

Datu Odin Sinusuat Municipal Suboffice

This trip to Maguindanao happened on July 7-8, 2012 during my "2-day Maguindanao and Cotabato City trip". Maguindanao is the 68th province on my list. You may read other posts below: COTABATO CITY 10 Things To Do in Cotabato City TRAVEL GUIDE: Cotabato City DATU ODIN SINSUAT, MAGUINDANAO Inaul Weaving at Al Jameelah Weaving Center Finding Peace at Tamontaka Lourdes Grotto

Welcome Arch to Datu Odin Sinusuat

NOTE: It is certainly safe to travel to Cotabato City and Datu Odin Sinsuat in Maguindanao. We explored these places on our own and without any guide. But it is also highly suggested that you coordinate with DOT-ARMM for assistance. You may contact them through the contact details given above.

More photos on Pinoy AdvenTurista's Facebook Page, click here.