Festivals have always been a part of Filipino tradition. These festivals could be an expression of Filipinos’ love for gathering, good food or a result of the Spanish colonization which lasted for more than three hundred years and made the Filipinos deeply rooted to its religious beliefs. One can expect to witness a certain festival each month as there is a long list of these festivities spread throughout the year.
Festivals in the Philippines can be a celebration of a foundation day, a thanksgiving to a patron saint for healing, good harvest and abundance, an expression of culture and arts or a combination of all. This is the reason why Filipinos are tagged as one of the happiest people in the world as we have so many ways to show and spread happiness any day of the year.
Some of the most well-known festivals in the Philippines include Cebu City’s Sinulog Festival intended to honor the miraculous child, Sto. Niño; the Panagbenga Festival of Baguio City which is also known as the country’s most awaited Flower Festival and Bukidnon’s Kaamulan Festival.
Kaamulan Festival, The Gathering of Tribes
Kaamulan Festival, being the only ethnic festival in the Philippines is one of the most anticipated events in the entire Northern Mindanao, if not the entire country. It showcases the gathering of the seven tribes of Bukidnon and highlights the traditions and products of the province. It is a month-long celebration (celebrated every March) and is participated by the province’s twenty (20) municipalities and two (2) cities. The name “kaamulan” is derived from the local term “amul” which means “to gather”.
These seven tribes, the Bukidnon, the Higaonon, Talaandig, Manobo, Matigsalug, Tigwahanon and Umayamnon come together and mingle with the local dwellers showcasing their carefully handwoven costumes paired with headdresses, amulets, and beaded accessories. Chants, dances and ancient rituals are performed by these indigenous people to ask for a blessing from Magbabaya (God) for a good harvest for the coming years, to give thanks for the bounties received in the past and for protection by driving away the evil spirits.
There are a number of activities which are all intended to promote the local culture of the Bukidnon people. Activities such as the Ethnic Dance Clinic, tribal oral traditions, and presentations allow the spectators, both local and foreigners to understand the beginnings and histories of these seven hill tribes and of Bukidnon in general. In addition, some of the activities are added to advertise the local products and establishments. These activities include the Kaamulan Bazaar, Agri-Fair and Food Fest.
The Street Dancing Competition is one of the highlights of the event as it does not only show the unique ethnic dances of the province but has also become a symbolic event to celebrate the province’s oneness as a community. Ten (10) municipalities and two (2) cities have participated this year’s event and have proven that Bukidnon’s traditions have remained intact throughout the years.
A Quick Glimpse of Kaamulan Street Dancing - Experience Bukidnon Through this Video
Ethnic Dances and Their Stories
Kaamulan dances as performed during this event often depict stories of the beliefs, the culture and the events in the lives of Bukidnon people making all the tourists and even locals to not just enjoy the performances but also learn the culture of Bukidnon. The following are few of the ethnic dances showcased in the recent Kaamulan Street Dancing Competition;
Mangmangayaw
Mangmangayaw is an ethnic dance performed by men as they hunt and fight their enemies. It often shows the power and greatness of a leader who was able to defeat an opposing team or a certain element. This dance is usually performed to show how a certain tribe was able to defeat those who plan to invade their territory or oppress their tribe.
Binanog dancers.
Binanog
This is an ethnic dance greatly established and influenced by the Talaandig tribe. This dance mimics the movement and behavior of a certain bird called, “Bano”. Tribes in the province often see birds like Bano as sacred and should be given value and be taken care of.
Inagong
This is a dance often performed by tribes during the gathering and is often intended to entertain guests and tribe members. During occasions such as wedding and rituals, these dances keep the party and events alive. This dance is also featured as a unity dance for all the seven tribes where performers are free to incorporate their own styles of dancing, props, and beat.
Talupak
Talupak is a dance which displays the usual life in the province of Bukidnon showing how planting and harvesting or fishing in the river are done. This dance shows how it is to live in this province, which is known to be one of the country’s agricultural provinces and has the most abundant rivers in the country. This dance also recognizes the richness of the province with the tools and means to survive even without the aid of technology.
Courtship is a sacred stage in the lives of the young men and women tribal members.Pi-agawan
Pi-agawan is a courtship dance. Courtship in Bukidnon tribal members is a very sacred stage and is given the same importance as tribal weddings. This dance is often included two men and a woman where the two vie for the woman's hand. This is one great way to teach the young ones of today how courtship is supposed to be. Personal.Expressive. Poetic.
Float Parade
Aside from the dances and cultural displays, the float parade is also one of the remarkable activities of the Kaamulan Festival. Participants of the Street Dancing Competition are all expected to showcase their floats which offers a way for them to show their products and trademarks. Also, this is their way of promoting their respective local destinations.
Check out the photos below;
The float of the Municipality of Quezon.
The Municipality of Kibawe's corn and bamboo float with its all-girl music makers.
The Municipality of Dangcagan's float.
The Municipality of Libona's float.
The City of Valencia's float.
The Municipality of Kalilangan's float.
The Municipality of Maramag's float.
The Municipality of Impasugong's float.Bukidnon can Always Offer More...
Since Kaamulan is celebrated the whole month of March, there is a long list of activities lined up for everyone to enjoy their stay in Bukidnon. As Bukidnon is striving to keep its tradition intact, most of these activities are set to promote local talents and trademarks of the province.
Soil painting by a local artist.Soil Painting Workshop
Bukidnon has been known for its deep connection with nature and its influence on the daily lives of the people. Thus, Bukidnon artists have found ways to promote art by using soil as one of their art materials. These artists annually conduct the Soil Painting Workshop to teach the younger generations to value their talents while giving value to the richness of the soil which the province is blessed to have.
Enduro challenge.
Enduro Challenge and Motocross Competition
Bukidnon is not only known for its mountain peaks and ranges but is also one of the most visited motor trail places in the country. Its challenging terrains yearly bring riders from all over the country who are up to the challenge of overcoming the natural rough roads of Bukidnon.
Saddle up, cowboy!Rodeo Competition
Bukidnon is also the home of the country’s finest cowboys. It competes with Masbate when it comes to rodeo competitions and even produces young cowboys and cowgirls who are making names in competitions even in national levels. Thus, rodeo competitions are undoubtedly part of every Kaamulan celebration. Aside from local cowboys, this competition is also open to everyone from all over the country.
Bukidnon's local products.Booth, Flower and Garden Competition
From the opening day of the Kaamulan Festival until its closing day, booths are opened around the Capitol Grounds to display different products of each municipality. Aside from the local government units, this is also participated by business establishments who are also willing to offer their products and services to everyone, especially to the tourists. Aside from the nightly Kaamulan jams and parties, night café is also another way to add up to the party vibe. Karaoke, food, and drinks will certainly light up one’s dull and slow days.
Kaamulan is not only intended for those who want to party. Flower and Garden Competition is also set annually for those who would like to add more to their flower collections. This competition does not only display the most authentic flower kinds but also shows the participants’ landscape and flower arrangement skills.
Bukidnon's new queens.Laga Ta Bukidnon
Also, in celebration of the Kaamulan Festival, the province of Bukidnon also celebrates the beauty of Bukidnon women. Laga ta Bukidnon is a beauty pageant which intends to hail the most beautiful woman from Bukidnon and will be crowned as Ms. Bukidnon.
Women from the different municipalities and cities of the province compete for the crown and will represent the province in national activities.
Bukidnon Today and Tomorrow
Kaamulan Festival is one great avenue that serves as the meeting point of the past, the present, and the future. The cultural legacy established by the seven hill tribes has remained untouched and preserved by the locals. One of the best things which makes this festival a remarkable one is a respect given to the indigenous people who are treated as equals by the younger generations and whose traditions and beliefs are followed and respected. This event offers these tribes the identity and acknowledgment that they are seeking which also sets the entire province apart from the rest of the world.
Indeed, Kaamulan Festival does not only landmarks the identity of indigenous people and their culture but is also a rally to protect and preserve the local traditions amidst the challenges brought by modernization and technological advancement. The Kaamulan Festival is one symbolic event that shows the world that it is still possible to embrace the advantages brought by the modern world and still be able to uphold the culture that makes us who we are.
I am so blessed to be a part of a province which is not only favored by nature’s abundance but is also rich in culture and tradition. In addition, I take pride in the kind of hold we have to keep these traditions last through generations. While it is true that change is the only constant thing in this world, I am still positive that Bukidnon would be able to withstand the test of modernization as we keep the younger ones deeply rooted with what Bukidnon truly is.
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