Festivals Archives - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Apr162024 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

WATCH: the amazing Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra LIVE in Bukidnon

Advocacy, Arts, Culture, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Government, Mindanaoan Update, Music

The world-class Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, under the baton of Maestro Herminigildo Ranera, recently performed live in Bukidnon. A very first in the Province of Bukidnon, considered the food basket of the country. The two live performances, one at 2 PM and another at 7 PM of April 12, 2024, were made possible by Senate President Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri and the Cultural Center of the Philippines in celebration of the inauguration of the Bukidnon Center for Culture and the Arts, located at the new Bukidnon Sports and Cultural Complex, Barangay Laguitas, Malaybalay City. I was able to attend both performances, thanks to my dear friend Senate President Migz Zubiri. Daghang salamat, SP! I was also given all access passes for other events that weekend, which I will soon share on th...

Jan162023 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Schedule: Kaamulan Festival 2023 in Bukidnon (only authentic ethnic fest in the Philippines)

Bukidnon, Events, Features, Festivals, Malaybalay City, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism

Kaamulan Festival is the annual gathering of the Province of Bukidnon's 7 hill tribes. A former Tourism Secretary called it the only authentic ethnic festival in the Philippines and I must say, there's nothing like it! It's colorful, vibrant, loud, warm, heartwarming and just full of energy, culture and tradition. This year, the Kaamulan Festival 2023 is happening! The Bukidnon festival was suspended for 2 years during the pandemic. The Kaamulan Festival 2022 happened but it was toned down to just a few events. Hopefully, this Kaamulan 2023, the festivities will be back in full force and everyone can really feel the vibrancy of this amazing ethnic festival. The Kaamulan Festival is a yearly gathering of the Talaandig, Tigwahanun, Higaonon, Manolo, Matigsalug, Umayamnun and Bukidno...

Mar312020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

I was a Miss Kasanggayahan pageant judge

Beauty, Events, Fashion, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Style, Videos

In an earlier post, I shared all about my fun visit to Sorsogon Capitol to see my dear friend (and ok, sige na nga, super crush!) former Senator now Governor Francis "Chiz" Escudero. I was in Sorsogon, the name of which means "to trace a river upstream," because Sir Chiz, Miss Malu and the Sorsogon Tourism Office invited me for a fun and exciting task - to be one of the judges of the most-awaited annual beauty pageant of the province, Miss Kasanggayahan! I was so thrilled and readily accepted the invitation. It was my chance to see lovely Sorsogon, see old friends and meet new ones and of course, to observe Sir Chiz in his turf. As expected, he was so chill as he roamed around, drove his own vehicle and hosted us for lunch and dinner. By the way, he was so excited to share his...

Feb112020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

UPDATED: Kaamulan Festival 2020 in Bukidnon now canceled

Announcements, Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Government, Malaybalay City, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism

UPDATE: Less than a day after the Bukidnon provincial board decided to push through with the Kaamulan Festival 2020, Bukidnon Governor Jose Ma. Zubiri, Jr. has now canceled the annual gathering altogether. Despite an advisory from the Department of Health (DOH) concerning the ongoing threat of the spread of the novel Coronavirus, the Kaamulan Festival in Bukidnon will push through. This, according to Bukidnon Second District Board Member Atty. Nemesio "Jun" Beltran. The DOH advisory, duly signed by Secretary Francisco Duque, urged the public to "avoid attending, participating in, and organizing events that draw a huge number of attendees." The health department also recommends the cancellation of such planned big events or mass gatherings until further advice. "The governor con...

Jan202020 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Kaamulan Festival 2020 Schedule of Activities

Advocacy, Announcements, Arts, Bukidnon, Culture, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Kaamulan Festival, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Society, Tourism, Travel

Kaamulan Festival 2020 na! After missing this annual Bukidnon festival for a few years, I am finally going to witness it again. The Kaamulan Festival is the annual gathering of the 7 Bukidnon hill tribes namely Tigwahanun, Talaandig, Matigsalug, Higaonon, Bukidnon, Manobo and Umayamnun. The Kaamulan Festival is also considered as the only authentic ethnic festival left in the Philippines. By virtue of a provincial resolution authored by Bukidnon District 2 Board Member Atty. Jun Beltran, the Kaamulan Festival in Bukidnon is held from March 23 to April 23 every year. The dates are fixed. However, the sitting Bukidnon governor will have the option to change them provided there's a viable reason to do so. Ergo, this year's Kaamulan Festival 2020 will be on March 23 to April 23...

Sep22019 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Heading to GenSan for Tuna Festival 2019 – let’s experience new flavors!

Announcements, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, General Santos City, SoSCksargen, Tourism

I'm excited to experience new flavors in beautiful General Santos City! I'm heading to the “Tuna Capital of the Philippines” as it celebrates the 21st Tuna Festival, the biggest industry-based festival in the country happening from August 30 to September 5, 2019. This is in celebration of the city’s 51st inauguration anniversary and their event tagline is "Experience New Flavors." Together with a few Mindanao bloggers, I will be GenSan to witness how the Generals give honor to the integral elements of the tuna industry, which is definitely the main economic driving force of the city. See new sights Expect vibrant and gaudy visuals all over town. From this year’s logo to social media engagements, various "Instragrammable" art installations, festival locations, and program perf...

Aug42019 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

SCHEDULE: 2019 Kadayawan Festival in Davao City

Davao City, Davao del Sur, Features, Festivals, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism

All roads once again lead to Davao City for The King of Festivals a.k.a. Kadayawan Festival! The 2019 Kadayawan Festival or the 34th Kadayawan will be held this month, August 2019. Kadayawan Festival is the grandest and most colorful celebration that highlights the tribes of Davao City, their culture, tradition and everyday lives. Kadayawan also allows Dabawenyos to thank Magbabaya for bountiful harvests. Highlights of the Kadayawan Festival 2019 include the Indak Indak sa Kadayawan (street dancing competition), Tunog Kadayawan (songwriting tilt), Pamulak sa Kadayawan and Tambayayong Kadayawan (performances of traditional dances and songs from different Ethno-linguistic groups). Here's the schedule of activities (you can click on the image for a bigger version): Just in ...

Aug222018 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Higalaay Festival CDO fiesta 2018 schedule of activities

Cagayan de Oro City, Festivals, Fiesta, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Tourism, Travel

I may miss it this year since I'm still in New York, USA but I know that a lot of you will have a good time celebrating Higalaay Festival 2018 in Cagayan de Oro. Higalaay Festival a.k.a. the yearly CDO fiesta a.k.a. celebrating the Feast Day of St. Augustine a.k.a. the celebration that used to be known as Kagay-an Festival. Here, you'll find the official schedule of activities. Do you need help booking your airplane tickets or hotel rooms? I highly recommend Aera Global Travel Services CDO for warm, personalized customer service. They will help you fix any trip anywhere in the world and make it easy and hassle-free. Aera Global Travel CDO offers value-for-money travel packages and they also specialize in quick and efficient airline ticketing and hotel booking. CALL: 0917 525 5564 or 094...

Jun72018 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

5 reasons why you should visit the Philippines

Bukidnon, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Food, Malaybalay City, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental

If you’re a fellow avid traveler, chances are you have a whole bucket list of places you want to visit around the world. Well, I’m about to tell you why you need to add one more incredible place to that list — preferably at the top. Here are five of the many reasons why you should visit the Philippines. 1. The culture The Philippines is very proud of its extremely unique culture and diversity. Did you know, for example, that there are over 170 languages spoken in the Philippines? Due to colonization over the centuries, there are also plenty of different influences in this country — mainly hailing from Spain, the United States, and Asia. These cultures all come together in one mixing pot of diversity, that makes it a real pleasure to visit the Philippines. Some people say it’s a bit...

Mar262018 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Bukidnon’s Kaamulan Festival 2018 Ethnic Sports Competition

Bukidnon, Culture, Events, Festivals, Kaamulan Festival, Malaybalay City, Mindanao, Society

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 i...

Mar202018 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Beautiful Bukidnon tribal dance at the Kaamulan Festival 2018

Bukidnon, Culture, Events, Festivals, Kaamulan Festival, Malaybalay City

As I am writing this, the yearly Kaamulan Festival is currently ongoing in the Province of Bukidnon, Philippines. The Kaamulan Festival 2018 celebration will last until March 24, 2018, on which day the main highlight, the Ethnic Street Dancing Competition, will be held in Malaybalay City, the capital of Bukidnon. If you're heading there, you may want to check one of my other blogs, the longest-standing one about the province, Bukidnon Online. You can also find the Kaamulan 2018 schedule of activities there. Anyway, full disclosure --- I am still here in New York, USA (legally, if I may add) and obviously, I'm thousands of miles away from Bukidnon. Fortunately, I have an awesome brother, Ben, and an awesome cousin, Daniel, and they're both covering the events for my blogs! Yes, I'm very ...

Jan232018 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Kaamulan Festival | 2018 Schedule | Bukidnon Authentic Ethnic Festival Philippines

Bukidnon, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Malaybalay City, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

The yearly festival in the Province of Bukidnon, the Kaamulan Festival, will be a month-long celebration again this year. Kaamulan Festival 2018 will be held the entire month of March. An annual gathering of the 7 hill tribes of Bukidnon, the Kaamulan Festival derived its name from the Binukid word "amul," which means "to gather." Hence, Kaamulan is a gathering for a purpose - be it an indigenous wedding ceremony, ethnic sports competition, rituals etc. The Bukidnon 7 hill tribes, by the way, are: Talaandig, Tigwahanun, Matigsalug, Higaonon, Bukidnon, Manobo and Umayamnun. A former Tourism Secretary even called it the only authentic ethnic festival in the Philippines. The Kaamulan Festival activities will be held in Malaybalay City, the capital of Bukidnon. READ: How to get to Malaybal...

Aug52017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

What to do, where to go during Higalaay CDO Fiesta 2017

Cafe, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Food, Hotels, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Tourism

The Higalaay Festival a.k.a. Cagayan de Oro fiesta has kicked off in CDO. The extended Martial Law in Mindanao obviously didn't deter the Cagayan de Oro local government from planning and organizing the Higalaay Festival 2017. In fact, this year's Higalaay CDO Festival 2017 is part of the ongoing #BusinessAsUsual campaign of the CDO government. Anyways, if you have plans of joining the revelries, a list of the core events of the 2017 Kagay-an Festival / CDO Fiesta / Higalaay Festival can be found below. August 3 to 5 - Mindanao Fashion Summit, Rotunda of Limketkai Center August 8 - ASEAN Landmark Lighting, Kiosko Kaawasan, Divisoria August 18 to 20 - Cowboy Festival / Horse Show, CDO Uptown August 18 to 29 - Kahimunan Regional Trade Fair, SM Downtown August 20 - Kagay-an Festival...

May192017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

San Isidro Labrador Fiesta, New York style

America, Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Leisure, Malaybalay City, Musings, New York, Personalities, Society, United States of America

Five creatively decorated booths, contests on “best turon/biko/torta,” amateur and impromptu singing contests, lechon and a whole lotta dancing. These were just some of the highlights of the fiesta celebration in honor of patron saint Senyor San Isidro Labrador by the Association of Bukidnons in America (ABA) here in New York City, USA. Held a day before the actual fiesta (May 15), the gathering was not just to honor Isidore the Farm Laborer and thank him for the abundance of harvest but to also give the ABA officers and members the chance to kick back, relax and just have pure unadulterated fun! Actually, not only did I have the lovely privilege to attend the event, much thanks to my Tita Emilita, but I also had the chance to help design, create and implement my tita’s cluster’s boo...

Jan142017 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Bukidnon Kaamulan Festival 2017 schedule of events

Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Malaybalay City, Society, Tourism, Travel

The largest festival in the Province of Bukidnon will be held from February 1 to March 25, 2017. Here's the Kaamulan Festival 2017 schedule of activities. This annual Bukidnon festival, recognized by a former Tourism Secretary as the only authentic ethnic festival in the Philippines, is an event that gathers the 7 hill tribes of the Province of Bukidnon. The Bukidnon ethnic hill tribes are Talaandig, Manobo, Matigsalug, Tigwahanun, Higaonon, Umayamnun and Bukidnon. Meanwhile, Kaamulan is an indigenous Bukidnon term for “gathering” for any purpose. It can mean a datuship ritual, a wedding ceremony, a thanksgiving festival during harvest time, a peace pact, or all of these together. Need a place to stay in Bukidnon? CLICK HERE > BOOK A DISCOUNTED BUKIDNON HOTEL ROOM Activities ...

Oct112016 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Camiguin Lanzones Festival 2016 schedule

Announcements, Camiguin, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Society, Tourism, Travel

Camiguin Island is again set to celebrate the Lanzones Festival 2016 in a few days and I have the full Camiguin Lanzones Festival 2016 schedule of events. (much thanks to the Office of Congressman XJ Romualdo!) This annual celebration of bountiful harvest in the Island Born of Fire will feature various activities that will highlight the rich culture, tradition and warmth of Camiguinons. Of course, while you're in Camiguin for the 2016 Lanzones Festival, take advantage of the beautiful tourist spots and the abundant (and cheap!) fleshy lanzones fruits. Interested to visit Camiguin? I have these related resources for you: Camiguin Travel Guide Mantigue Island - A must-visit! White Island, Camiguin - Paradise! Eating sea urchins at White Island, Camiguin Sto. Nino Cold Spring, Camig...

Aug202016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

The ONLY party you should go to this CDO fiesta Higalaay 2016

Announcements, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Fiesta, Music

A lot of people have been asking me for recommendations on what to do, where to go, where to eat, where to stay etc during the Higalaay Festival 2016 (Cagayan de Oro fiesta). More often than not, my answers would include staying at The Pacifico Hotel (because it's a major landmark that's right along the parade route so it's easier for hotel guests to watch the festivities), eating at Liempo King (the sisig rice and their signature lechon na liempo just win every single time), ordering boneless lechon belly at Manoy's and river rafting with the BEST in the industry, Great White Water Tours. Now, I have another recommendation - to attend the most exciting Higalaay street festival party on August 27, 2016! Fiesta RAVE-o-lution, made possible by XUHS 92 and the leading telecommunications co...

Aug152016 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

MusiKagayan Festival 2016 with Up Dharma Down and TJ Monterde (EASY TICKET GIVEAWAY INSIDE)

Cagayan de Oro City, Contests, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Fiesta, Music

Who's ready for MusiKagayan Festival 2016? It's the biggest and the GRANDEST music festival ever to happen in Cagayan de Oro City! This Higalaay Festival 2016, it is but a MUST for you to catch the most-awaited and much-talked about MusiKagay-an Festival 2016 CDO! MusiKagay-an Festival will be held on August 20, 2016 at Limketkai Center Parking Lot D. Gates will open starting at 11 AM (there will be various activities and concessionaires inside!) and performances will last until the wee hours of the next morning! Aside from headliners Up Dharma Down and CDO's very own, TJ Monterde, MusiKagay-an music festival CDO will also feature local indie bands, DJs and dancers. Ticket prices are as follows: Indie: 375 (with 1 FREE Drink) Halley's: 975 (with 3 FREE DRINKS + VIP lounge acce...

Oct162015 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Photos: Kaamulan Festival 2015 at Grandstand Malaybalay Bukidnon

Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Musings, Northern Mindanao, Photos, Society, Tourism, Travel

I went to Malaybalay City, Bukidnon a few days ago to see the preparations being done in time for the Kaamulan Festival 2015. The Kaamulan is a yearly gathering of Bukidnon's 7 hill tribes and the said festival is the biggest and most-awaited in the province. Now, I've been an observer of the Kaamulan Festival for several years now. In fact, there were many instances when I was tasked to handle and cover big, important events. So you could just imagine my disappointment when I saw for myself this year's preparations. The biggest change? The transfer of the bulk of the activities from the Capitol Grounds to the Grandstand area in Malaybalay. For those unfamiliar with the area - the Grandstand is located in an inner location. The soil at that area gets really soft and muddy when it rains....

Oct72015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

6Cyclemind, Banda Ni Kleggy For SMB Kaamulan Festival 2015

Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Fiesta, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Music, Northern Mindanao

Good news for fans of 6Cyclemind and Banda Ni Kleggy bands. Both acts are set to perform during the San Miguel Beer (SMB) Night of the Kaamulan Festival 2015 in Bukidnon. 6Cyclemind and Banda Ni Kleggy will perform at the Capitol Grounds, Malaybalay City on October 24, 2015. 6Cyclemind, led by Tutti Caringal (who participated in the first season of "Your Face Sounds Familiar"), is the band behind the hits "Aaminin," "Dadalhin," "Sandalan" and "Sige." Banda Ni Kleggy, on the other hand, is the band behind "Discolamon." San Miguel Beer products will be available at the venue. All products will be sold at SRP. Check out the Kaamulan Festival 2015 schedule of activities here. I've also included some travel tips so I hope you check that out :) Mindanaoan.com will be there...

Sep292015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

SMB Oktoberfest 2015 launch with Rivermaya and Ebe Dancel

Announcements, Consumer, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Manila, Mindanaoan Update, Personalities, Photos, Society

I was there! And boy, was the SMB Oktoberfest 2015 grand launch a really fun night - not only because of all the merrymaking, pop-up bars, beer shower, celebrities, seemingly bottomless beer everywhere and amazing Pinoy music acts but also because I was there with good friends :) Much thanks to Rivermaya, I had backstage access at the Mall of Asia Concert Grounds. I rode with the boys. Their call time was at 8 PM but because we all know how bad Friday night traffic in Manila can be, they fetched me at 3:30 PM. I initially groaned at the idea of traveling for 4 hours but well - I was with Rivermaya. That alone would make any OPM fan squeal! Plus since Mark Escueta had to be in Japan to be with wife Jolina Magdangal (who had a show there) and adorable son Pele, Rivermaya requested the gre...

Aug312015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Camiguin Lanzones Festival 2015 schedule

Camiguin, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Fiesta, Tourism, Travel

Planning to visit Camiguin Island? Do it on October! October is the BEST time for you to visit what is popularly known as the island of your imagination, the Island Born Of Fire, here in Mindanao, Philippines! Camiguin Island celebrates its annual Lanzones Festival every October - it's a festival that celebrates the bountiful harvest of sweet, fleshly lanzones fruits that the island is best known for. Thanks to Camiguin Congressman Xavier Jesus "XJ" Romualdo, Mindanaoan finally got the Camiguin Lanzones Festival 2015 schedule of activities. Thank you very much, sir!I'm planning to attend at least the major events. Who among you also want to go? :) With the theme, "Kinaiyahan Atong Amping Kalamboan Alang Sa Tanan," the Camiguin Island Lanzones Festival 2015 will formally kick off ...