"Kaamulan" is annual festival held in Malaybalay City to celebrate the 7 tribes that originally inhibit the province of Bukidnon. One of the highlights of the festival happened last March 2, 2013 with the street-dancing competition held at the main streets of Malaybalay City. This year, it was was participated by 6 municipalities and 2 cities of Bukidnon, namely Pangantucan, Talakag, Dangcagan, Damulog, Kitaotao, Don Carlos, Valencia and Malaybalay.
"Kaamulan", which came from the Binukid word "amul", means "to gather", is a celebration focused on Bukidnon's tribal groups, such as Higaoonon, Talaandig, Manobo, Matigsalug, Tigwahonon, Mauyamnon and Bukidnon.
Contingents in garb, colorful and intricately designed tribal costumes showcased their traditional dance to the beat of the drums, gongs and other tribal instruments. The festival showcased the tribes' rich indigenous culture and tradition. It was full of vibrant colors dominated by red, black, yellow and white.
Their dances are so pure and authentic, mimicking the movements of animals and showing the way of life in the tribes. It wasn't just a celebration of their customs and tradition, but also of their life.
Street Dancing Competition Winners
1st Place: Kitaotao
2nd Place: Talakag
3rd Place: Valencia City
The parade ended at the capitol grounds where the tribal dance performance was held. Kaamulan festival is indeed one of the most authentic tribal festival in the Philippines! It is a heartwarming experience to witness indigenous people's celebration of their roots, traditions, history and culture.
Thanks a lot to our Bukidnon blogger-friends Kuya Bon, Earl, Shugah and Tupe, for such a warm welcome and for accommodating us during the weekend. I truly enjoyed my first Kaamulan Festival Experience. I can't wait to be back soon!
HOW TO GET THERE
Via Davao City: Take a bus bound for Cagayan de Oro City at Ecoland Integrated Bus Terminal, buses leave almost every hour. Travel time is 4-5 hours and fare is around 320 pesos (air-conditioned).
Via Cagayan de Oro City: Take bus bound for Valencia or Davao City at Agora Bus Terminal. The bus passes by Malaybalay City. Travel time is around 2-3 hours and fare is 135.00 pesos.
More photos on Pinoy AdvenTurista's Facebook Page, click here.
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Love the costumes! Gusto ko rin yung couple photo pang-postcard ang chemistry hehe :D
ReplyDeleteLagi ako sa Davao at GenSan noon, pero never pa ako nakapag-Bukidnon 0_o
It was a pleasure to finally meet the Pinoy Adventurista. Glad to know you guys enjoyed your stay in Bukidnon. Sa uulitin! :)
ReplyDeleteAng colorful ng costumes!!! sana ma feature din ito! best pic para sa aking yung soldier na nag war cry!
ReplyDeleteMervz, its great to have seen this together with you and I thank you for the opportunity. Lovely photos and superb narratives :)
ReplyDeleteWow, nice festival! Festivals in the provinces are really nice to visit. :)
ReplyDeleteI missed seeing this festival while I was still studying in Bukidnon! Sayang! I wish to see this soon. Great photos too! :)
ReplyDeleteargh! I missed this! :( looks like you really enjoyed Kaamulan! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for coming over here mervz...nagkita na talaga tayo....:-). Ang tshirt.:-).
ReplyDeleteyou are always welcome here.:-). See you next kaamulan festival.:-).
ReplyDeleteInggit ako sa mga adventures mo. Ty for the tips. I'm off to CDO on march 2. Pls help me out on some questions re bukidnon. 1. From laguindingan airport to Manolo fortich can I catch a bus or do I have to go to agora terminal in CDO? 2. I think I can catch the kaamulan festival street dancing in malaybalay. Is malaybalay in Manolo fortich?
ReplyDelete1. i haven't tried Laguindingan to Manolo fortich. Better if you first to CDO, from there take a van or jeepney to Manolo Fortich.
Delete2. There is no Kaamulan Festival this March. What I heard is, it will be on September in time for the city's charter day celebration. Malaybalay is around 1 hour away from Manolo Fortich.