Kaamulan Festival: Keeping the Unity among the Seven Tribes of Bukidnon
An archipelagic country such as the Philippines has always been a target of different nations because of its wealth. From natural resources to human resources, this country definitely has something to offer. And after decades of being under different colonizers, its already rich culture blossomed as it merged with new traditions.
As years pass by, new festivals emerged and old ones
upgraded. But unlike the world-famous festivals like the glittery and glamorous Sinulog, or the frenzied Ati-atihan, one festival remains
authentic, and grounded in its very essence—gathering the different tribes of
Bukidnon—and it is the Kaamulan festival.
Malaybalay City is the heart of the province of Bukidnon
where, every September, the entire province would celebrate its Kaamulan
Festival, the only ethnic festival in the country.
The Seven Tribes
Seven tribes have existed and occupied the mountains of
Bukidnon namely the Talaandig, Manobo, Bukidnon, Umayamnon, Higaonon,
Matigsalug, and Tigwahonon. The members of these tribes are found all over
Bukidnon, from the riversides to the mountainous regions.
.jpg "Kaamulan Festivals: Seven Tribes")
Just last year, they celebrated their “100 Years of Legacy”,
on the 100th Founding Anniversary of Bukidnon. Despite some of the
tribes evolving, and adapting to the technological advancement and to
Christianity, many of the tribes still remain in their tribal ways. Some of the
tribes are still semi-sedentary. Some still speak in their native tongue, that
even other tribes couldn’t fully understand.
One of the Talaandig tribe leaders, a local artist, Waway
Saway, gives utmost importance to their culture as he tries to preserve it
through his songs and paintings. He goes around Bukidnon with the aid of NGOs,
teaching and spreading the Talaandig culture. According to him, their tribe
even writes in Baybayin.
He says the Kaamulan Festival is an effective venue to show
the world how Bukidnon’s tribes have preserved their culture despite the
advancement of society.
The Festival
“Kaamulan” was coined
from the Binukid word “amul” which is
“to gather”. Kaamulan is a social gathering that showcases the very rich
culture and traditions of the seven tribes of Bukidnon.
According to TravelTeller, “Participated by cultural groups
whose ways of life have remained untouched through the tests of times, Kaamulan
is characterized by the authentic rituals and cultural dances based on the
customs and traditions of indigenous peoples.”
The aforementioned rituals and cultural dances are the Pangampo (general worship), the Tagulambong hu Datu (ritual for the installation of a Chieftain), the Panumanod (a spiriting ceremony), the Panlisig (rite to drive away evil
spirits), and the Pamalas (sin
atonement ritual). During the street-dancing competition, you will see these
different rituals and dances performed by no other than the indigenous people
of Bukidnon themselves.
The authenticity of the ethnic cultural festival is further
proved with the datus performing a ritual called “pamuhat”, a ritual to ask permission from the Deities in the form
of an offering (pigs or chickens are often used as offering). It signals the
start of the week-long festivities of the Kaamulan Festival.
On May 15, 1974, the then municipal mayor of Malaybalay City,
Edilberto Mamawag, started the Kaamulan festival as a part of the fiesta
celebration of the city. From 1978 to 1998, Kaamulan was held every first
Friday of September. But on the year 1999, it was moved to the second half of
February up to March 10, the Foundation Day celebration of the province.
Many of the tribe leaders, however, contested the moving of
the date of the festival. Historically and culturally, the gathering was held
every September as a part of their tradition. During this month, they perform
their rituals as a form of thanksgiving for the bountiful harvest of the
indigenous people of Bukidnon.
This is why, when the festivities were moved back to the
original date last year, many historians and the seven tribes were happy. Their
tradition was once again very well-preserved.
But, as many festivals already have, Kaamulan has evolved
from a simple gathering and performing the rituals and cultural dances, to a
showcasing of the different products and local establishments in the province
through the Agri-Fair, Garden Show, Food Fest, Kaamulan Bazaar, and Livestock
Show. Other activities also emerged, such as the Motocross, Off-road
competition, Rodeo, and many more.
Of course, these days, a festival is never complete without a
fireworks display. Despite the culture and tradition-filled festivities of the
Kaamulan Festival, it still ends with the grandiose fireworks display which
usually lasts ten to fifteen minutes, leaving the audience at awe, and with a
mild case of stiff neck.
Sources:
http://www.seasite.niu.edu/tagalog/cynthia/festivals/kaamulan_festival.htm
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(Photos not mine. All rights reserved to the owners of the photos.)
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/2b/70/47/2b7047d3189ab19a0708d1a2e942c806.jpg
(Photos not mine. All rights reserved to the owners of the photos.)
Featuring the write ups of a Mass Communication student from the University of the Philippines Cebu.
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