The 95th Bukidnon Foundation Day Parade

The commemoration of the 95th Bukidnon Foundation Day last Saturday, March 10, 2012 in Malaybalay City officially ended the 3-week long celebration of the 2012 Kaamulan Festival.  A grand civic parade participated by officials and employess of Bukidnon LGUs, Provincial Government offices, schools, national agencies and private corporations was held in the morning. The long parade passed through the main highway of Malaybalay City proper and ended in the Capitol Grounds.

Wild, Wild West Action of the Kaamulan Rodeo 2012

Despite a very hectic schedule, I was able to catch some action of the Kaamulan Rodeo last Saturday afternoon, March 3, 2012 at the Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. It was the elimination round of the competition participated by various teams from and outside Bukidnon. As expected, the action was fast-paced, thrilling and exciting.

Kaamulan Festival 2012: The Street Dancing Floats

Aside from the street dancing and ground presentations, participants of every Kaamulan Festival Ethnic Street Dancing Competition also vie for the Best Float award. Floats are hauling trucks adorned with ornaments and decors befitting each contingent's theme and are used to carry members of the tribal bands which provide the beats for the dancers. 

Kaamulan Street Dancing 2012

The 2012 Kaamulan Festival Ethnic Street Dancing Competition held this morning (March 3), was another showcase of Bukidnon's rich culture and heritage.  The competition has always been the highlight of every Kaamulan Festival, celebrated annually to honor the customs and traditions of the seven ethnic tribes who are the original inhabitants of the Province of Bukidnon: Umayamnon, Tigwahonon, Matigsalug, Manobo, Talaandig, Higaonon and Bukidnon.

Kaamulan Festival 2012: Pamuhat Ritual Before the Street Dancing

A Pamuhat Ritual was conducted before the start of yesterday's Kaamulan Festival Ethnic Street Dancing Competition (March 3, 2012) in Malaybalay City.  The ritual was held to seek blessings from the spirits for the success of the Kaamulan Festival celebration.  The Pamuhat ceremony, usually led by tribal leaders called Datu (for male) and Bae (for female), involves prayers, chants and offering of food, money and drinks.

Kaamulan 2012 Update: Latest Photos From the Capitol Grounds

After the soft opening last February 16, 2012, Bukidnon's Kaamulan Festival is now on full swing. Food fest booths are already in operation as well as the agri trade fair and bazaars. On-going Kaamulan activities include the photo exhibit and the nightly Kaamulan Jam.

Kaamulan 2012 Update: Malaybalay City is now on Festival Mode

With only a few days to go before the soft opening of Kaamulan Festival 2012, Malaybalay City is already on festive mode with colorful buntings now hovering all over the city proper. Soft opening is scheduled on February 16 while the grand opening will be on February 24. The much awaited Ethnic Street Dancing Competition will be on March 3, 2012.

Kaamulan Festival 2012 Official Schedule of Activities

Thanks to Bukidnon News for furnishing me a copy of the 2012 Kaamulan Festival Schedule of Activities. The theme of this year's festival is "MAINSTREAMING OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLE: CUSTOM TOWARDS ECOLOGICAL APPRECIATION AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (KAPANALIWADA HU TULUK ETAW : BATASAN PAYANAEN HU BAGAD KADAYUN - DAYUN DAW KAUHANGAN)"