Archive - March 2001

Marsman Tours and Travel Corporation aims the spotlight at the Kaamulan Festival held in the land of colorful and culturally diverse ethnic tribes and pineapples. This colorful event showcases the kaleidescopic rituals and dances of various tribes living in Bukidnon.

Two years ago, it was formerly celebrated on the month of September until a provincial government act declared that its celebration as a province-wide holiday and its festival date to be moved into the month of March to coincide with the province's foundation day.

History:

Kaamulan is an indigenous Binukid term which literally means "gathering together for a purpose". It is a festival that carries you to another world and another era.

Graced by cultural groups whose ways have remained unchanged through the centuries, tribal groups trek down from traditional mountain dwellings to gather in unity.

The hill tribes wear intricately woven costumes studded with trinkets, anklets, earrings, necklaces, headdresses and amulets. They dance, chant, compete in indigenous sports and perform ancient rituals with each activity having a meaningful ceremony that reflects the richness and diversity in their culture.

To the hill tribes, the Kaamulan heralds a symbolic breakthrough in their long quest for meaning and identity. Above of it all, it provides an interesting ground for the unification of the tribes of Bukidnon and the Filipinos as a whole.