BusinessWeek Mindanao

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – Thousands of people jammed the streets of Malaybalay City,  to get a taste of the province’s rich Bukidnon culture and heritage.

The fine weather encouraged droves of people with family members and friends for the Kaamulan 2011 dance competition and theatrical epics at the streets.

Bukidnon Gov. Alex Calingasan and Vice Gov. Jose Ma. Zubiri led local and national government officials who took part of the festivities.

Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri and Malaysian Ambassador Dato’ Sri Anifah HJ Aman joined the event as guests of honor.

They were greeted by tribal dance groups that charmed the audience with their skillful performances of the “Ikat-Ikat ta dadalanen (street dances).”

In his speech, Sen. Zubiri said Kaamulan Festival in Bukidnon is probably one of the remaining few festivals in the Philippines that is still not commercialized and has retained its true essence.

Kaamulan is a celebration and gathering of the seven tribes of Bukidnon namely the Tala-andig, Higaonon, Umayamnon, Manobo, Tigwahanon, Matigsalug and Bukidnon.

The capitol ground stretch was a hive of activity as tourists and guests patronised many makeshift stalls and restaurants that served native and Bukidnon delicacies.By Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy.