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“Kaamulan” is from the
Binukid word “amul” which means “to gather”. It is a gathering of
Bukidnon tribespeople for a purpose. It can mean a datuship ritual,
a wedding ceremony, a thanksgiving festival during harvest time, a peace pact,
or all of these put together.
Showcasing
the unique indigenous culture of Bukidnon, the Kaamulan is held annually in the province, particularly in Malaybalay City, the provincial capital, from the
second half of February to March 10, which latter date marks the anniversary of
the creation of Bukidnon as a province in 1917.
As an ethnic festival, the Kaamulan celebrates the customs and
traditions of the seven tribal groups that originally inhabited the Bukidnon
region, namely, the Bukidnon, Higaonon, Talaandig, Manobo, Matigsalug,
Tigwahanon and Umayamnon. Several
tribal folks representing these seven hill tribes of Bukidnon gather in unity
with the local dwellers in town, wearing their intricately woven costumes
studded with trinkets, anklets, earrings, necklaces, leglets, headdresses and
amulets. They dance together, chant, perform ancient rituals, and compete in
indigenous sports.
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Graced
by cultural groups whose ways have remained unchanged throughout the centuries,
the Kaamulan is characterized by the authentic rituals with real indigenous peoples. There is 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) among others. Each
activity is a meaningful ceremony that reflects the richness and diversity of
the Bukidnon culture.
Integrated
into the festival are activities designed to fuse the different sectors in the provincial
community as a whole. The events which have been institutionalized over the
years of celebrating the Kaamulan include the Civic Parade; the much-awaited
Street-dancing Competition with contingents coming from the respective
municipalities and cities of the province; the Laga Ta Bukidnon where beautiful
ladies from within the province vie for the title; programs reminiscent of the
historic beginnings of Bukidnon and its tribal oral traditions; and, the Ethnic
Dance Clinic.
Furthermore,
the present Kaamulan has evolved throughout the years and does not only highlight
Bukidnon’s ethnic groups but also the products and local establishments that
abound in the province. These are displayed
in the Garden Show, Food Fest, Kaamulan Bazaar, Agri-fair, and Livestock Show.
Crowd-drawing events such as the Motocross, Off-road Competition, Rodeo,
Amateur Boxing, Invitational Basketball Tournament, Adventure Races, concerts,
and several others are also roped into the festivity.
To
the hill tribes, Kaamulan heralds the symbolic breakthrough of their long quest
for meaning and identity. And to the new generation, the old local folks and
even visiting foreigners, the Kaamulan has become an avenue for the recognition
and appreciation of Bukidnon’s unraveled cultural legacy carefully preserved by
the traditional population.
Truly,
the Kaamulan is an interesting ground for the unification of the people of
Bukidnon… one that converges the past and the present, celebrates its rich
culture and inspires its people.
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