Bukidnon town celebrates lifestyle festival

RICH culture and tradition have defined events and festivities in the Philippines. Different local festivities, lifestyle, art, songs and dances may create an icon depicting Filipino celebrations, which are translated to festivals that bring more fun in the Philippines.

One of the major cultural attractions in the country is the province of Bukidnon where seven ethnic tribes reside, namely the Manobos, Bukidnons, Talaandigs, Higaonons, Umayamnons, Tigwahanons and Matigsalug tribes.

Aside from its being a natural paradise, Bukidnon is blessed with these people who treasure distinct practices and traditions, where artistry and inimitable songs and dances attract spectators to the celebration.

The colourful and intricate dress designs of the tribes are manifest of Bukidnon’s artistry and creativity.

“The graceful dances inspired by animal and bird movements and inspirational songs of maternal love, love for nature and even courtship remind us of our values and patriotism for our mother land, love for family and old customs,” says Catalino Chan III, regional director of the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region X.

One of the municipalities of the province of Bukidnon is celebrating a festival showcasing the lifestyle of the Manobo tribe dubbed “Sunggod Ta Kamanga” from February 17 to 19.

“Sunggod Ta Kamanga” is a grand thanksgiving celebration of the Manobo tribe in the municipality of Quezon, which started in 2009. It is about a “traditional ethnic ritual” held prior to any land preparations and other farming activities, participated by the dominant ethnic clans from the 22 barangays of the municipality namely the Manobo-Pulangihon or those living near Pulangi River and Matigsalog or those living in the highlands.

The festival is celebrated in a grand scale through varied presentations of different tribal rituals, songs and dances and the popular ethnic sports of the said tribes.

A series of activities are lined up for the celebration, to be highlighted by the street dancing and tableau competition, Paratuan Ritual (installation and recognition of new ethnic leader), Padtungan Ta Kasal Ritual (a tribal wedding ceremony), search for “Laga Ta Kiokong 2013” and the traditional ethnic sports participated by all the tribes of Bukidnon.

For inquiries about the festival, interested may visit the DOT Region X office at the ground floor of Pelaez Sports Center, Velez St., Cagayan de Oro City or call (088) 856-4048 / (08822) 723-696 / (08822) 726-394 or call the municipal tourism office of Quezon, Bukidnon through 0917-722-1304. (PR)