Maguindanao is a province located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).  It is composed of 33 municipalities with the municipality of Shariff Aguak as its capital. Cotabato City is an independent component of Maguindanao. While it is considered a part of Maguindanao, Cotabato City does not elect any provincial official for Maguindao.

 

In the 15th century, Shariff Mohammed Kabungsuwan introduced Islam in the area. He married a local princess and established the Sultanate of Maguindanao.

 

Shariff Kabunsuan, a province named after him, existed before. A number of Maguindanao's municipalities were once part of this province until it was abolished by the government. The government considered Shariff Kabunsuan void probably because it was not established through Congress. 

  

The people in Maguindanao are mostly Muslim. The natives exhibit a culture surrounding kulintang music. Kulintang is a gong-like musical instrument with each gong resembling a different note. Most of the traditional Maguindanaon ceremonies and rituals are accompanied by the kulintang. Instruments like the kulintang are widespread among Muslim and non-Muslim groups in Mindanao.

  

Source:
Wikipedia