The Kaamulan Festival has truly evolved. From being a simple celebration whereby representatives from Bukidnon’s 7 hill tribes would all gather in Malaybalay City, the capital of Bukidnon, the annual festival has now turned into quite a spectacle. Despite the many changes, however, I’m glad that there are still events that allowed our indigenous brothers and sisters to showcase their rich, unique and truly colorful culture and tradition.
One of these events was the Kaamulan Festival Ethnic Tribal Olympics or Kaamulan Ethnic Sports Competition. In Binukid language, ethnic sports is called “Alu-Alu.”
Representatives from the Bukidnon, Higaonon, Manobo, Matigsalug, Talaandig, Tigwahanon, and Umayamnon tribes challenged each other in at least 18 ethnic sports at the Capitol Grounds in Malaybalay:
Lit-ag (traditional hunting and inland fishing skills),
Bag-id ha Kagtubo (fire building),
Kag-asud/Bevayu daw Pasili hu Humay (rice pounding),
Banlak (tug of war),
Galing ta Batu hu Kamais (corn grinding),
Duso (pestle pushing),
Sagakad/Akew (still race),
Kagbiak/Gurey (timber splitting),
Kagpana (archery),
Kagbunlawit (spear throwing),
Dasay/Magalang ha Badi,
Dumadasig (cheering),
Pulagey (track and field),
Babaha/Tiang (carrying of humans),
Sumpit (blow dart),
Bis-aya Pulagey (marathon),
Palatek (dagger throwing) and
Talembu (cooking).
The photos here were all taken by the Bukidnon Online team led by Ben and Dan. Thank you so much, guys!
The tribes also did a dance. Video below:
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Mindanaoan is a multi-awarded blogger, content creator, seasoned social media strategist and publicist with undeniably successful track record. 2012 International Visitor Leadership Program (for global leaders) alumnus and O visa grantee (for people with extraordinary skills and who have risen to the top of their field). Avid traveler and a proud relief operations volunteer. Regular resource person for social media, blogging and content creation. Available for work and travel – [email protected]