Magbibo tang tanan! The annual gathering of the seven Bukidnon hill tribes is a month-long celebration of ethnic heritage. In April this year, thousands of locals and tourists returned to Bukidnon with a vengeance, after a 3-year Covid hiatus.
Enthusiastically flocking to Malaybalay City, the capital of Bukidnon, the annual Kaamulan Festival is known to be the only authentic ethnic festival in the Philippines. The seven hill tribes are, namely, Talaandig. Tigwahanun, Higaonon, Bukidnon, Manobo, Matigsalug and Umayamnun.
Kaamulan is from the binukid word “amul” which means “to gather.” At its core, Kaamulan is an indigenous peoples gathering for a purpose. These gatherings or events vary, but mainly is a celebration of a Datuship ritual, a wedding ceremony, a thanksgiving during harvest time, or a peace pact.
Ethnic music with a distinct drum beat, colorful costumes, and most of all, authentic indigenous peoples with their symbolic tools literally came down from the hills to the streets of Malaybalay. This in itself is a gesture of peace and unity among them.
The Piniliyapan Hu, which happened on the eve of the final day of celebration was a showdown of dance, music, songs, and creativity that makes it one of the highlights that visitors must experience during the last Kaamulan Festival weekend. After the showdown, performers invited audiences to dance with them to the beat of their catchy drumbeats. Needless to say, the Piniliyapan Hu is one big ethnic party for visitors to enjoy.
Like any other festivals, the Local Government Units of Bukidnon held contests to motivate the locals, and at the same time, accentuate the colorful ethnic heritage of Bukidnon. Here is the list of winners at the Kaamulan Festival 2023.
FLOAT CATEGORY
Champion-Valencia City
First Runner-up-Malaybalay City
Second Runner-up-Kalilangan
STREET DANCING CATEGORY
Champion-Malaybalay City
First Runner-up-Valencia City
Second Runner-up-Kalilangan
GROUND PRESENTATION CATEGORY
Champion-Kalilangan
First Runner-up-Malaybalay City
Second Runner-up-Valencia City
Pineapple Plantation
Bukidnon is dubbed the pineapple country and it is rightly so. Driving through thousands of hectares of pineapple plantation with the Mt. Kitanglad as a majestic background, the pineapple plantation in Bukidnon is one of the largest in the world, and the biggest in the Far East. Northern Mindanao stands out in the world as a mecca of pineapples, which can be harvested all-year round. It’s a thriving industry for importing and exporting of pineapples worldwide.
Aside from being awestruck by the endless plantation as far as your eyes could see, locals and visitors can actually buy and taste these sweet pineapples from street vendors along the national highway in Bukidnon. Stop to rest and admire the view while enjoying this tropical fruit.
Fern University
The Fern University lies within the campus of the 3,000-hectare Central Mindanao University (CMU) in Maramag, Bukidnon. It is a research state university which was founded in 1910, and is one of the oldest premier universities in the southern Philippines. CMU is recognized by the Commission on Higher Education as the Center of Excellence in the field of Agriculture, Forestry, Veterinary Medicine and Biology; and Center of Development in Mathematics, Environmental Science and Teacher Education.
Be mesmerized by the thousands of fern species recorded by the academics and researchers from the Philippines and abroad. The very educational “fern walk” is a paradise for plant lovers and conservationists. Marvel at the rare species that can only be found at the Fern University, where these protected areas are housed.
Lake Apo
The breathtaking Lake Apo is a crater lake found in the city of Valencia. Amidst a backdrop of hills and plains, the area is located about 640 meters in elevation, and about 11 kilometers from the city. In the 1990’s, Lake Apo was awarded the cleanest inland body of water in Northern Mindanao Region.
Derived from the bisaya term apo, meaning elder or grandparent, legend has it that there was a man living in the mountains who assaulted his granddaughter. He was punished by the mountain deities for his sins by flooding the area forming the lake. Scientifically, Lake Apo is a basin formed on an old volcanic cone that was later filled with water.
Abbey of the Transfiguration
Known as the Bukidnon Monastery, the Abbey of the Transfiguration in the outskirts of Malaybalay City is one of the most visited religious communities in the Philippines. Amidst a well-manicured lawn stands the pyramid structure of the church, which was made by the esteemed Leandro Locsin, National Artist for Architecture.
Bukidnon’s Benedictine Monks runs the abbey and it is where they live and pray for the souls of each person in the world. Visitors to the monastery can enjoy a magnificent view Bukidnon’s mountain ranges, including the famous Mount Kitanglad.
Sip your coffee at the Abbey Café while taking in the view of a vast rice field, as well as local flowers and trees, perhaps. It is important to note that the Monk’s Blend is coffee made from beans produced, grown, and processed by the Benedictine Monks themselves.
Tagolwanen Women’s Weavers
Bukidnon’s women artisans come together to create world-class home and leisure items made of “banig”. Bright and colorful hats, mats, baskets, blankets and other quality items are much-coveted in modern homes. Buying locally gives livelihood to these women and their artistry is recognized around the world. The colors of Northern Mindanao is well-represented by these products.
The intricate designs and its practice of weaving is a cultural heritage innate of the Tagolwanen tribe. Living by the river near Malabalay City, the weavers uphold their traditions and continue the art of weaving from one generation to the next.
Dahilayan Adventure Park
Be transported to country side Europe or immerse yourself in adventure only Dahilyan Adventure Park could offer in Northern Mindanao. Experience your wildest rides and take in the mountain’s fresh air. Located at Dahilayan Forest Park in the outskirts of Malaybalay City, the adventure park boasts of various ziplines that is considered to be one of the longest in Asia.
Exciting rides are available for both kids and adults. An amusement theme park that is one with nature as it is literally located in the middle of a lush forest in the mountainside.
The mecca of agriculture and adventure, Bukidnon should truly be in your travel bucket list.
Image credits: Arabelle Jimenez
