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.
The Pamuhat started at around 5:30 AM in the middle of the highway near Fortich Street-CM Recto Street intersection. A few media persons, bloggers, photographers and curious onlookers gathered around to watch the ritual. I didn't make it to the start of the ritual but I was able to witness the chanting, praying and the slaughtering of chicken as food offering.
These are some of the photos I took during the Pamuhat Ritual:
Food, drinks, cigarettes and coin offerings in the table
Slaughtering of chicken in the traditional way
The Datu and Baes who led the Pamuhat Ritual:
Hi Earl - I'm a bit disappointed that they didn' make an effort with regards to the food offering. I expected the food offered to be authentic like native food presented on banana leaves, coconut shells or bamboo containers and perhaps including some vegetables and fruits too. Are we expected to move with the times, with the new generation having a say on what's to offer? What next? Fastfood delivery from McDonald's or Jolibee's? I would be horrified!
ReplyDeleteI do hope they will retain the authenticity of the festival Mam. After all, Kaamulan Festival is dubbed as the most authentic ethnic festival in the country.
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