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Mindanaoan Meets World
by: Maria Irene Aserios

Considered the food basket of Mindanao, the Province of Bukidnon is also home to many indigenous tribes namely the Manobo, Higaonon, Bukidnon, Talaandig, Matigsalug, Umayamnon and Tigwahanon. In an effort to gather these hill tribes, Bukidnon annually celebrates the Kaamulan Festival. “Kaamulan” is from the Binukid word “amul” which means “to gather.” Kaamulan can mean a datuship ritual, a thanksgiving ceremony for a bountiful harvest, a peace pact, a wedding ceremony or even all of these put together.

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The Kaamulan Festival is usually held every March but last year, the Bukidnon government decided to hold it in August so that it would coincide with the Bukidnon Centennial Celebration. This 2015, the celebration has been moved to October so that it would coincide with the Indigenous Peoples Month.

Among the highlights of the month-long celebration are the pamukalag (opening ritual), the 1st Kaamulan Phil. Circuit Mountain Festival, Kaamulan Rodeo, Rodeo Night, International Day of IPs (Panalawahig da lambaga), tribal wedding, tribal convention, Indigenous Bazaar, motorcross, Kaamulan Ethno Cultural Festival, ethnic sports, Piniliyapan Hu Bukidnon, Laga Ta Bukidnon (Search for Miss Bukidnon 2015) and of course, the Kaamulan Festival 2015 Street Dancing Competition. Most, if not all, of the events will be held in the capital of Bukidnon, Malaybalay City, which is about 2 and a half hours away from Cagayan de Oro.

I have a few travel tips for those heading to Malaybalay from CDO. When in Manolo Fortich area, stop by Pinutos Sa Kanto for delicious roast beef and at Colex gas station if you want to have coffee and desserts. When you arrive at the Sumilao area, you might want to support the local economy by buying a soft broom or two. These soft brooms are sold along the highway and this type of business supports several local families. About 15 minutes away from Sumilao will be Impasug-ong, Bukidnon a.k.a. the Home of the Cowboys. You’ll know that you’re already in the area because of a huge headdress structure. That’s a popular photo taking spot. Finally, when you’re already in Malaybalay, you might want to visit the Monastery of Transfiguration (best known for the cone shaped chapel designed by National Artist Leandro Locsin), the Kaamulan Grounds, Nasuli Spring and Ereccion del Pueblo (found at the Plaza Rizal). Pasalubong ideas? The arabica robusta coffee produced by the monks and the toasted hostia with sugar made by the Carmelite nuns. All sold at the monastery gift shop.

The full 2015 Kaamulan Festival schedule of activities can be found on my Mindanaoan.com website. You can also visit the longest-standing blog about Bukidnon, BukidnonOnline.com That site is also the prime mover of the Bukidnon Bloggers. Do check those websites out so you can plan well. Just in case you need to rent a van, contact Happy Cool Runnings (www.facebook.com/happycoolrunnings).

That’s it for this week! Thanks so much for reading. For more travel and lifestyle stories, please visit my blog Mindanaoan.com. Til next ish! Safe travels, everybody!

*Both photos taken and owned by Mindanaoan.com

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Mindanao Gold Star Daily holds the copyrights of all articles and photos in perpetuity. Any unauthorized reproduction in any platform, electronic and hardcopy, shall be liable for copyright infringement under the Intellectual Property Rights Law of the Philippines.

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