(I was supposed to post this last week. I was planning to go from my village to the poblacion to witness the fiesta and be online, but due to some problems, including difficulty of transportation, my plan was not pushed through. I’m now in the capital town.—Blogger)
Senator Ninoy Aquino is celebrating its 27th foundation anniversary this month, specifically on February 11 to 17. It is also the municipality’s 15th Sulok Festival and 8th Coffee Festival.
Sulok is a type of basket used by the Dulangan Manobos, the native inhabitants. Based on the calendar of activities, though, there’s nothing much tribal in the seven-day fiesta, except for a half-day event dubbed “Araw ng Katutubo.” There won’t be a tribal-themed street dancing competition, like in many other Philippine fiestas. My town is too poor to have that. But if you like coffee, you’ll be interested in the activity dubbed “Flowing Coffee.” I don’t know what that is exactly, but it sure sounds fun, and it will run for the whole duration of the celebration—“day and night”! It is a very possible thing to happen, considering that SNA is a major producer of coffee not just in the province but in the region, and even in the country, but I’m not so sure if the organizers will be able to keep their promise.
Below is the complete calendar of activities. Some of the items seem out of place or will interest the locals only, such as distribution of livelihood kits, but there are quite a few that tourists might find attractive, such as motocross (watch out specifically for the skylabs or public utility motorcycles), trade fair, pageant for local beauties, and the previously mentioned Manobo gathering.
February 11–17 Flowing Coffee (Municipal Site)
February 11–17 Trade Fair (Municipal Site)
February 11, Thursday
8:00 AM—Ecumenical Service (Municipal Gymnasium)
1:00 PM—Basketball Game (Barangay Gymnasium, Poblacion)
1:00 PM—Launching of Anti-smoking Ordinance (MG)
6:00 PM—Youth Night, Open Disco (MG)
February 12, Friday
8:00 AM—Parade, Opening Program (MG)
1:00 PM—Basketball Game (BG)
1:00 PM—Drum Corps Competition (MG)
6:00 PM—Gays’ Night, Open Disco (MG)
February 13, Saturday
8:00 AM–5:00 PM—Medical Mission, Cervical Cancer Screening (Municipal Health Office)
8:00 AM—KD [Kiddie?] Festival (MG)
1:00 PM—Araw ng Katutubo (MG)
1:00 PM—Basketball Game (BG)
6:00 PM—Interschool Competitions, Open Disco (MG)
February 14, Sunday
8:00 AM—Senior Citizens’ Day (MG)
1:00 PM—Basketball Game (MG)
6:00 PM—Officials’ Night, Open Disco (MG)
February 15, Monday
8:00 AM–5:00 PM—Araw ng Magsasaka / Agro Fair (Municipal Site)
8:00 AM—Grand Kasalang Bayan (MG)
1:00 PM—Women’s Day (MG)
6:00 PM—Educators’ Night, Open Disco (MG)
February 16, Tuesday
8:00 AM–5:00 PM—Motocross (Kulaman Central Elementary School)
7:00 PM—Search for Mutya ng SNA (MG)
February 17, Wednesday
8:00 AM–5:00 PM—Motocross (Kulaman Central Elementary School)
8:00 AM—Float Parade
9:00 AM—Anniversary Session (Sangguniang Bayan Hall)
1:00 PM—Inter Local Health Zone Meeting (Sangguniang Bayan Hall)
1:00 PM—Distribution of DOLE Pangkabuhayan Starter Kits (MG)
6:00 PM—Basketball Championship Game (MG)
7:00 PM—Disco, Fireworks Display (Municipal Site)
Showing posts with label fiesta. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fiesta. Show all posts
Monday, February 15, 2016
Monday, December 14, 2015
Festivals of Isulan, Esperanza, and Bagumbayan
Municipality of Isulan
(Update: Isulan has moved its foundation anniversary celebration to August, and the festival has been renamed Hamungaya. I agree with moving the event to the accurate date, but I can’t see why the name should be changed.)
Every September, Isulan holds the Pasundayag Festival to celebrate its foundation anniversary. Pasundayag is a Hiligaynon term that means “show”; thus, the festival showcases the literary, musical, and cultural talents of the people of Isulan, both young and old.
Pasundayag is also a thanksgiving festival of its residents, who are mostly engaged in agriculture. The products of Isulan are rice, corn, vegetables, and African palm, one by-product of which is the kalakat, a weaving that is used as a wall.
The festival is divided into two parts. First, the different activities done in the farm are shown. Next is merrymaking in the form of dance using different materials as props.
Municipality of Esperanza
Hinabyog Festival portrays the diverse tradition and culture and the history of Esperanza from a humble sitio to a progressive municipality despite tribal conflicts.
Agriculture is the primary source of income in Esperanza, and as the population grew, the people began to engage in simple cottage industries to sustain their way of life. Weaving is an important activity. Weavers use anahaw, buri, pandan, tikog, nito, wild bamboo, and rattan, which thrive in the area. From these materials, mats, bags, baskets, kaing, kalalaw, and duyan are made.
The duyan (hammock) is significant to the name of Esperanza’s festival. The duyan does not only give the populace pleasure and rest. It was also used to transport individuals who needed medical attention since motorized vehicles were rare in the old days and animals or animal-driven carts were not always comfortable for people in sensitive or serious condition.
Taking inspiration from the swing or habyog of the duyan, Hinabyog Festival was created. Through arts and culture, the festival aims to keep alive the memories of the pioneers and their successful struggles and to swing the present generation to continue dreaming for a better and more beautiful Esperanza.
Municipality of Bagumbayan
When the Christian settlers in Bagumbayan had established their farms and begun reaping the fruits of their labor, foremost that came into their minds was the offering of thanks to the Almighty. They did this in the form of a harvest festival, which would start with religious prayers and highlighted by merrymaking festivities. The festivity evolved and was enhanced throughout the years as the Christian settlers learned more about the beliefs and traditions of their Muslim and indigenous neighbors.
Thus, the Bansadayaw Festival came into existence. Although the term is a combination of the Hiligaynon words bansa (in full view) and dayaw (praise), the other, non-Ilonggo inhabitants of Bagumbayan are deemed integral part of the revelry.
Bansadayaw also signifies that somebody in full view is lording and above humanity. He is the Heavenly Creator who wants his creation to act according to his will. Therefore, aside from merrymaking, the festival is a means to implore the divine guidance of the Almighty.
The Bansadayaw Festival is a result of the unified efforts of all the tribes in Bagumbayan—Maguindanon, T’boli, B’laan, Dulangan Manobo, Ilonggo, Cebuano, Ilocano, Pampanggeño, and Tagalog.
(Blogger’s note: This post is a part of “The Other Towns” series. See my October 5 post for the overview.)
(Update: Isulan has moved its foundation anniversary celebration to August, and the festival has been renamed Hamungaya. I agree with moving the event to the accurate date, but I can’t see why the name should be changed.)
Every September, Isulan holds the Pasundayag Festival to celebrate its foundation anniversary. Pasundayag is a Hiligaynon term that means “show”; thus, the festival showcases the literary, musical, and cultural talents of the people of Isulan, both young and old.
Pasundayag is also a thanksgiving festival of its residents, who are mostly engaged in agriculture. The products of Isulan are rice, corn, vegetables, and African palm, one by-product of which is the kalakat, a weaving that is used as a wall.
The festival is divided into two parts. First, the different activities done in the farm are shown. Next is merrymaking in the form of dance using different materials as props.
Municipality of Esperanza
Hinabyog Festival portrays the diverse tradition and culture and the history of Esperanza from a humble sitio to a progressive municipality despite tribal conflicts.
Agriculture is the primary source of income in Esperanza, and as the population grew, the people began to engage in simple cottage industries to sustain their way of life. Weaving is an important activity. Weavers use anahaw, buri, pandan, tikog, nito, wild bamboo, and rattan, which thrive in the area. From these materials, mats, bags, baskets, kaing, kalalaw, and duyan are made.
The duyan (hammock) is significant to the name of Esperanza’s festival. The duyan does not only give the populace pleasure and rest. It was also used to transport individuals who needed medical attention since motorized vehicles were rare in the old days and animals or animal-driven carts were not always comfortable for people in sensitive or serious condition.
Taking inspiration from the swing or habyog of the duyan, Hinabyog Festival was created. Through arts and culture, the festival aims to keep alive the memories of the pioneers and their successful struggles and to swing the present generation to continue dreaming for a better and more beautiful Esperanza.
Municipality of Bagumbayan
When the Christian settlers in Bagumbayan had established their farms and begun reaping the fruits of their labor, foremost that came into their minds was the offering of thanks to the Almighty. They did this in the form of a harvest festival, which would start with religious prayers and highlighted by merrymaking festivities. The festivity evolved and was enhanced throughout the years as the Christian settlers learned more about the beliefs and traditions of their Muslim and indigenous neighbors.
Thus, the Bansadayaw Festival came into existence. Although the term is a combination of the Hiligaynon words bansa (in full view) and dayaw (praise), the other, non-Ilonggo inhabitants of Bagumbayan are deemed integral part of the revelry.
Bansadayaw also signifies that somebody in full view is lording and above humanity. He is the Heavenly Creator who wants his creation to act according to his will. Therefore, aside from merrymaking, the festival is a means to implore the divine guidance of the Almighty.
The Bansadayaw Festival is a result of the unified efforts of all the tribes in Bagumbayan—Maguindanon, T’boli, B’laan, Dulangan Manobo, Ilonggo, Cebuano, Ilocano, Pampanggeño, and Tagalog.
(Blogger’s note: This post is a part of “The Other Towns” series. See my October 5 post for the overview.)
Monday, December 7, 2015
Festivals of Lebak, Kalamansig, and Palimbang
Municipality of Lebak
(Blogger’s note: The original version of this text is in Filipino. It seems to have been used by a dance group that performed in the street dancing competition on the province’s foundation anniversary celebration. I omitted more than half of the material.)
Lebak is a place where various tribes have gathered, and though they have different cultures, traditions, and religions, they were made one by a common occupation—tilling the soil. As farmers, all of them had a practice of having a thanksgiving feast after every harvest, though these feasts were conducted separately and in different manners. These separate gatherings eventually melded into one and became what is today the Hinugyaw Festival.
The Christian settlers, being mostly migrants from Panay Island, used to stage their own version of Aklan’s ati-atihan, which was originally a celebration of the aboriginal Aetas. Eventually, as the Christians of Lebak became more acquainted with the other tribes in the locality, the festivity began to form its own shape, becoming less like ati-atihan. Hinugyaw is a Hiligaynon term that means “jubilation.”
Municipality of Kalamansig
( The original version of this text is in Filipino. I have doubts about its accuracy. The Dulangan Manobos call God “Nemula,” not “Manama.” Whoever wrote the original text might have referred to the folklore of another Manobo tribe.)
The Dulangan Manobos rely on the abundance of nature. The bountiful mountains serve as their home and source of food, materials for shelter, and medicine for various illnesses. They are farmers who depend on the fertility of the land, and whenever their crops are lush and bear plenty of fruit, they celebrate Salagaan, which means “plenteous harvest.”
During the celebration, the Manobos dance, play musical instruments, and rejoice as a way of thanking “Manama,” whom they recognize as the Supreme Being. In times like this, the tribe unites to express their common dream of peace, love, prosperity, and happiness.
Municipality of Palimbang
(This account seems like pure invention to me. The original version uses the term Manobo Bagobo. I changed it to Dulangan Manobo since there are no Bagobo settlements in Baluan. I’ve been there myself. The indigenous people there are Dulangan Manobos. Also, a communal system of planting crops is not a prevalent practice among the Dulangan Manobos, according to some research papers that I’ve read.)
In a Manobo village in Baluan, the people were hardworking and united. In spite of their simple life, they were happy and contented of what they had. During planting season, people practiced the bayanihan system to prepare the land for planting. Men and women, young and old, helped each other in the farm. They enjoyed these activities because it was a time for gathering and knowing each other better.
The happiness of the people in the community was short-lived. When their plants were about to bear fruits, calamity struck the whole area, and all the people were saddened and depressed. They then gathered and tried to look for ways and means to overcome the situation. With concerted efforts, they eventually won over the plague.
In celebration of their success, they made an offering to the god of harvest to thank him for the victory and the abundant blessings. Because of that calamity, the community valued the spirit of unity and cooperation. They realized that their strength magnified when they joined hands and fight for a common objective.
Based on that story, Palimbang adopted the culture of the Dulangan Manobos and named the annual celebration of the municipality Kalilang/Sanufe Festival.
(This post is a part of “The Other Towns” series. See my October 5 post for the overview.)
(Blogger’s note: The original version of this text is in Filipino. It seems to have been used by a dance group that performed in the street dancing competition on the province’s foundation anniversary celebration. I omitted more than half of the material.)
Lebak is a place where various tribes have gathered, and though they have different cultures, traditions, and religions, they were made one by a common occupation—tilling the soil. As farmers, all of them had a practice of having a thanksgiving feast after every harvest, though these feasts were conducted separately and in different manners. These separate gatherings eventually melded into one and became what is today the Hinugyaw Festival.
The Christian settlers, being mostly migrants from Panay Island, used to stage their own version of Aklan’s ati-atihan, which was originally a celebration of the aboriginal Aetas. Eventually, as the Christians of Lebak became more acquainted with the other tribes in the locality, the festivity began to form its own shape, becoming less like ati-atihan. Hinugyaw is a Hiligaynon term that means “jubilation.”
Municipality of Kalamansig
( The original version of this text is in Filipino. I have doubts about its accuracy. The Dulangan Manobos call God “Nemula,” not “Manama.” Whoever wrote the original text might have referred to the folklore of another Manobo tribe.)
The Dulangan Manobos rely on the abundance of nature. The bountiful mountains serve as their home and source of food, materials for shelter, and medicine for various illnesses. They are farmers who depend on the fertility of the land, and whenever their crops are lush and bear plenty of fruit, they celebrate Salagaan, which means “plenteous harvest.”
During the celebration, the Manobos dance, play musical instruments, and rejoice as a way of thanking “Manama,” whom they recognize as the Supreme Being. In times like this, the tribe unites to express their common dream of peace, love, prosperity, and happiness.
Municipality of Palimbang
(This account seems like pure invention to me. The original version uses the term Manobo Bagobo. I changed it to Dulangan Manobo since there are no Bagobo settlements in Baluan. I’ve been there myself. The indigenous people there are Dulangan Manobos. Also, a communal system of planting crops is not a prevalent practice among the Dulangan Manobos, according to some research papers that I’ve read.)
In a Manobo village in Baluan, the people were hardworking and united. In spite of their simple life, they were happy and contented of what they had. During planting season, people practiced the bayanihan system to prepare the land for planting. Men and women, young and old, helped each other in the farm. They enjoyed these activities because it was a time for gathering and knowing each other better.
The happiness of the people in the community was short-lived. When their plants were about to bear fruits, calamity struck the whole area, and all the people were saddened and depressed. They then gathered and tried to look for ways and means to overcome the situation. With concerted efforts, they eventually won over the plague.
In celebration of their success, they made an offering to the god of harvest to thank him for the victory and the abundant blessings. Because of that calamity, the community valued the spirit of unity and cooperation. They realized that their strength magnified when they joined hands and fight for a common objective.
Based on that story, Palimbang adopted the culture of the Dulangan Manobos and named the annual celebration of the municipality Kalilang/Sanufe Festival.
(This post is a part of “The Other Towns” series. See my October 5 post for the overview.)
Monday, February 4, 2013
Town Fiesta
February is the foundation anniversary and coffee festival
of Kulaman Plateau (official name: Municipality of Senator Ninoy Aquino). I’m
not so enthusiastic about it. I prefer not to write about it. But if I didn’t,
it would be a disservice to the readers of this blog. After all, the fiesta is
supposed to be the biggest celebration of any Philippine town.
The skylab racing makes the motocross competition in Kulaman distinct from the ones in urban areas. The racetrack is at the back playground of Kulaman Central Elementary School.
I went to the fiesta two years ago, and it was
disappointing, to say the least. But before I get grouchy and discourage you
from reading on, let me focus first on the positive side. For me the best thing
about the celebration was the motocross competition, mainly because it has a
special category for skylabs.
A skylab is a motorcycle slightly modified to carry up to
five passengers. In Cebuano-speaking areas of Mindanao, it is called habal-habal. (Kulaman is predominantly
Ilonggo.) The motorcycle is usually a
Honda TMX. To transform it into a skylab, the shock absorber is lengthened by
several inches. A seat made of grills is then placed on top of the tank, where
a passenger can sit “girly style” in front of the driver. Lastly, the rear-end
of the vehicle, where the luggage can be tied on, is replaced with a cushioned
seat to accommodate at least one more butt.
A skylab. We used to have one in late nineties. It was bought in Koronadal and then remodeled in T'boli , South Cotabato
The skylab racing makes the motocross competition in Kulaman distinct from the ones in urban areas. The racetrack is at the back playground of Kulaman Central Elementary School.
I went to the fiesta for one day only, though the
celebration lasted for almost a week. I got impatient of waiting for the
activities to start. That morning, the program scheduled at eight, in the
municipal gymnasium, did not begin until ten-thirty. I don’t know if the
activities on the other days also started as late as that. The day I was there,
the delay was caused by the guest of honor, who still came from some very
important meeting hundreds of miles away. The afternoon program started at
three and the evening program at nine. Kulaman was giving “Filipino time” a
whole new meaning.
The name of the celebration is “Solok Festival,” after the
weaved bamboo basket used by the Dulangan Manobo in their everyday chores. Do
not expect, however, a tribal street dancing competition as in city or
provincial fiestas. Kulaman is too poor for that.
The evening I visited Kulaman, I went to the perya (fair) near the gym and the
municipal hall. I was amused and appalled by what I saw, not because there were
no rides but because practically all
the games in the twenty or so stalls involved betting. The place was a paradise
for gamblers. In Koronadal, where I went to college, numbers games were
prohibited in the perya. People with gambling contraptions were ordered to pack
up. It’s the exact opposite in Kulaman.
I was disappointed with the town festival, but I had some
fun. The experience wasn’t really horrific enough to not give it another try.
We’ll see.
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