MANILA, Philippines – Every year, the province of Bukidnon celebrates the Kaamulan Festival, to honor the customs and traditions of its seven ethnic tribal groups: the Bukidnon, Higaonon, Talaandig, Manobo, Matigsalug, Tigwahanon, and Umayamnon. It is celebrated from the second half of February to March 10, which marks the anniversary date of the foundation of Bukidnon since 1917. This event is the only ethnic festival in the country: Philippines’ secret treasure not mentioned in most guidebooks.
Del Monte Clubhouse – serves the most popular steaks in Bukidnon and offers a great view of the Del Monte Golf Course.
Cowboy’s Grill – a restaurant in Dahilayan where they serve it up Western style. Among its best sellers are the T-Bone steak, porterhouse steak, and ostrich steak. They also offer guests exciting horseback rides.
Botanica Gardens – where guests can enjoy pasta with herbs freshly picked from the backyard, and feast on the view of pine trees and flowery landscape.
For a comprehensive list of hotels and restaurants in Bukidnon, visit http://bukidnonbusinessdirectory.com/
But of course, immersing yourself with the biggest annual celebration in the whole province is still the best way to experience Bukidnon. Below is the anticipated 2013 Kaamulan activities:
Schedule of Activities for Kaamulan Festival 2013:
February 18 – Kaamulan Festival 2013 Soft Opening, Capitol Grounds
February 22 – Kaamulan Festival 2013 Grand Opening, Capitol Grounds
February 24 – Ethnic Group Convention, Kaamulan Folk Arts Theater, Kaamulan grounds
February 25 – Indigenous Peoples Thanksgiving Day
February 26 – Tribal Wedding
February 27 – Tribal Olympics, Capitol Grounds
February 28 – Kaamulan Rodeo Opening, Grandstand
March 1 – Kaamulan Rodeo Night
March 2 – Kaamulan 2013 Ethnic Streetdancing competition
March 3 – Moto Trail Challenge
March 4 – Photo Exhibit Contest
March 5 – Talent Night Tribal Princess
March 8 – Motocross Opening
March 10 – Tribal Princess Finals
It is said that this year’s festival is grander in terms of events and activities as there are added tourist attractions like the Kaamulan Adventure Race and Mount Kitanglad Climb. Bukidnon business directory provides a list of other popular tourist attractions.
There’s also a number of businesses in Bukidnon selling souvenir and gift items. For a comprehensive list of hotels and restaurants in Bukidnon, visit http://bukidnonbusinessdirectory.com/
Finally, another grand event to look forward to is the centennial year of the province of Bukidnon, set to be celebrated on the 1st of September 2014. List of activities are still in the draft of the recently founded Interim Centennial Committee.