Mindanao, the second largest island in the country, is home to a diverse population -- different ethnic groups like the T'boli, Yakan, Tausug, Maranao, Samal, and Badjao, who are mostly Muslims, as well as Ilocanos and other migrants from Luzon and the Visayas.

The Muslim in Mindanao are known as fierce warriors who successfully resisted the Spanish colonizers and all attempt, bloody or conciliatory, to defeat Islam Today, the island remains the stronghold of the religion. It is, however, no longer the Muslim island that it was centuries ago. In fact, the region now includes more provinces that are predominantly Chriatian, besides others where Chriatians and Muslims live in peaceful coexistence.

Mindanao is a nature-lover's paradise. Mt. Apo, the highest mountain in the country and home to the endangared Philippine eagle, is a landmark. Davao, Misamis, and Zamboanga boast beautiful mountains and beaches. Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, island provinces, have white sand beaches and abundant marine life. Mindanao is also blessed with soil that produces some of the most delicious fruits and the rarest orchids and flowers.

Visitors, however, are most attracted by its people and their handcrafted products: the hand-woven, colorful cool mats of the Samal tribes, the t'nalak fiber woven by the T'boli, and handcarved wooden products of the Maranaos.

| BUKIDNON | CAGAYAN DE ORO | ILIGAN | COTABATO | |SURIGAO |
|ZAMBOANGA|MARAWI|