It was a really long, tiring day. Woke up at 6 AM, which I rarely do, to start on the tasks. My hardworking staff members were still asleep, having only returned from their overnight propaganda tasks at 5 in the morning!
Anyways, after hours of preparation, this was what happened the evening of March 2, 2013. Tens of thousands of people were already gathered at the Capitol Grounds in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. I have to say, though – the Team UNA campaign rally in Bukidnon was a concert-slash-rally-slash-fireworks-display event. Since it was the Kaamulan Festival 2013, there was a telecom-sponsored concert that night (topbilled by Itchyworms and Tanya Markova) plus the much-awaited grand fireworks display. Yes, there were people who came to hear the Team UNA senatorial candidates speak but there were also who came to watch the concert and see the fireworks display, which has already turned into an annual activity.
Only Jack Enrile was absent that night. I finally saw Nancy Binay and Mitos Magsaysay upclose. I already met the others in different occasions – JV Ejercito Estrada visited our humble Happy Eggs Eatery in Cagayan de Oro, Tingting Cojuangco played a major part in the First Islamic Fashion Festival in Manila (where I helped as social media strategist) and the others via press conferences/media gatherings. And because Juan Miguel Zubiri or Sir Migs is a longtime friend, he called me by name when he spotted me a few feet away. He also gave me a big hug and a kiss on the cheek. That’s how he is. Friendly and sweet.
The other Zubiris were also there – Bukidnon Vice Governor Jose Ma. Zubiri, Jr. (who’s running for Bukidnon governor this May 2013) and re-electionist Bukidnon Third District Congressman Joey Zubiri. All of the Bukidnon mayors and vice mayors were also onstage. What made that Team UNA Bukidnon rally pretty interesting to observe, though, was the fact that the elder Zubiri and Joey are aligned with the Liberal Party. Their local Bukidnon Paglaum Party has formed a political alliance with the Liberal Party.
Here are some of the photos I took that night…straight from the stage.
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UPDATE: This is the final and official Kaamulan Festival 2013 Bukidnon schedule of activities! 
Bukidnon’s yearly grand ethnic cultural festival and gathering of the 7 hill tribes is finally here! The Kaamulan Festival 2013 is the gathering of Bukidnon’s 7 hill tribes namely Bukidnon, Umayamnon, Manobo, Talaandig, Matigsalug, Higaonon and Tigwahanon tribes. The Kaamulan Festival 2013 is inarguably Bukidnon’s grandest festival.
The term Kaamulan, derived from the word “amul” which means “to gather,” can mean many things – a datuship ritual, a thanksgiving festival, a peace pact or a wedding ceremony. This year, the Bukidnon Kaamulan Festival 2013 is all of these
The Kaamulan 2013 theme is: “Sustaining Culture and Unity Towards Progress and Development”
The Kaamulan Festival 2013 Schedule of Activities can be found below.
Please note that most, if not all, Kaamulan-related activities will be held in Malaybalay City, the capital of Bukidnon.
Visit Bukidnon! It will be an experience you will never forget Please feel free to leave any questions, comments below. This Mindanao blogger will be most happy to help you. Alternatively, you can also visit Bukidnon Online – the longest-running blog about Bukidnon.
Just in case you want to witness the Kaamulan Festival 2013 hassle-free, you can also join a Kaamulan 2013 Tour. This tour, which will be led by a duly accredited local Bukidnon tour guide, will allow you to witness and appreciate the rich culture and tradition in Bukidnon. Read more about the Kaamulan Festival 2013 Tour here.
* photo taken by and owned by Bukidnon Online
Don’t know how to get to Bukidnon? Here are ways on how to reach Bukidnon
Bukidnon Kaamulan Festival 2013 Schedule of Activities
February 18, 2013
- Soft opening of Kaamulan Festival 2013 at Malaybalay City, Bukidnon (the capital of the province)
- Soft opening of Garden Show, Agri Fair, Livestock and Poultry Show, Kaamulan Bazaar, Food Fest (these activities will run through March 10, 2013). There will also be a photo exhibit and contest.
February 22, 2013
- Grand opening of Kaamulan Festival 2013
- 6 AM – Kaamulan Hu Pangampu (tribal prayer), Kaamulan Grounds
- School band parade and motorcade (to be participated in by sponsors)
- Ribbon Cutting, Rotary Park, 10 AM, Capitol Grounds
- School band competition, 10:30 AM, Capitol Grounds
February 23, 2013
- Indigenous Peoples Week Celebration
- Tree Planting and Climb
- Provincial IP Thanksgiving Day on February 25
- Tribal Wedding on February 26
- Tribal Olympics on February 27 to March 1
- Kaamulan Hu Pamukalag Daw Panalawahig, Capitol Grounds, 8 AM
February 24, 2013
- Flowerhorn Fish Show (this will run until March 2, 2013), Capitol Grounds
- Bukidnon Seven Ethnic Groups Convention (Bunsuda daw Bigula hu kag Dapita) on February 23 and 24
February 25, 2013
- Continuation of Garden Show, Agri Fair, Livestock and Poultry Show, Kaamulan Bazaar, Food Fest (these activities will run through March 10, 2013)
- Continuation of the Tribal Convention (Bunsuda daw Bigula hu kag Dapita)
February 26, 2013
- Kaamulan Ethno-Cultural Festival, Capitol Stage, 6 PM
February 27, 2013
- Tribal Mass Wedding (Kaamulan Kagsalu Saluugana), Kaamulan Folk Arts Theater, 8 AM
- Kaamulan Ethno-Cultural Festival, Capitol Stage, 6 PM
February 28, 2013
- Kaamulan Ethnic Sports (Alu-alu), Capitol Grounds, 8 AM
- 2013 Kaamulan Rodeo Opening (Grandstand Area)
March 1, 2013
- Kaamulan Ethnic Sports (Alu-alu), Capitol Grounds, 8 AM
- Piniliyapan (a night of Bukidnon songs and music, Kaamulan Folk Arts Theater), 7 PM
March 2, 2013
- A “pamuhat” or Pamukalag ha pamuhat ta Kaamulan will be held at the Capitol Grounds and at Sumpong area, 4 AM
- Kaamulan 2013 Ethnic Street Dancing Competition (along Fortich Street, Malaybalay City – the main thoroughfare. There will also be a ground presentation at the Capitol Grounds. Find a good spot along Fortich Street early! Don’t forget to wear light clothes and wear a hat or cap as much as possible. Bring food and water also since most, if not all, stores along Fortich Street will be closed.
Participating cities and municipalities: (Kaamulan Festival 2013 Ethnic Street Dancing Contest)
Malaybalay City
Valencia City
Talakag
Pangantucan
Don Carlos
Kibawe
Kitaotao
Dangcagan
Damulog
- Opening of the 2013 Kaamulan Kaamulan Rodeo, Grandstand, 1 PM
- Dance Clinic (learn how to dance the various Bukidnon tribes dances!), 2 PM, Capitol Grounds
- Musical concert, Capitol Stage, 7 PM
- Fireworks Display
March 3, 2013
- Kaamulan Festival 2013 Wall Climb Competition, Kaamulan Grounds, 8 AM
- 3rd Gov. Alex Calingasan Moto Trail Challenge, Kaamulan Grounds, 8 AM
- Kaamulan Ethno Cultural Race, Capitol Grounds, 2 PM
- Rodeo Night (this is where Bukidnon cowboys and cowgirls assemble around a bonfire etc.), Grandstand, 7 PM
March 4, 2013
- Continuation of bazaar, food fest, livestock show etc and the moto trail challenge
- Tribal Music and Modern Kaamulan Tattoo Contest, Kaamulan Folk Arts Theater, 1 PM
March 5, 2013
- Kaamulan Chess Tournament, Bukidnon State University, 8 AM
March 6, 2013
- Laga Ta Bukidnon 2013 (Binibining Bukidnon 2013 pageant), Kaamulan Open Theater, 7 PM
March 7, 2013
- Musical concert, Capitol Stage, 7 PM
March 8, 2013
- Women’s Summit, Kaamulan Open Theater, 8 AM
March 9, 2013
- Coronation of Bb. Bukidnon 2013 (Kaamulan Folk Arts Theater), 7 PM
March 10, 2013
- Musical concert, Capitol Stage, 7 PM
March 14, 2013
- Opening of the Kaamulan Motocross Competition, Grandstand, 8 AM
March 15, 2013
- Motocross finals
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I first felt sick about a week ago. It all started with what I thought was a slight fever. I slept it off, thinking that I’d feel better when I woke up. I thought wrong. Not only did my fever stay, I also experienced pain all over my body and I also experienced chills. Good thing my mother and I just stayed at home that day so I asked her for some paracetamol and body pain reliever. I could barely sleep that night.
The next day, my mother and I did the next best thing we could think of — (Now don’t judge us. We’ve been doing this all our lives and well, let’s just say that we’re really not fond of doctors and hospitals) we called for our regular “manghihilot” (a person who practices the ancient art of healing by using long, deep strokes as well as stretching techniques). After the massage, I was able to sleep really well. I thought that was the end of it.
Unfortunately, the fever and the chills came back. My mother said I was already close to being delirious (because of the very high fever) and I constantly complained of body pain and headache. Then the vomiting episodes started. They were so bad (sorry) my mother and I knew that it was time to succumb.
After about 20 years, I got myself admitted to a hospital. Yep, it’s been THAT long.
I won’t even try to lie. I WAS SCARED LIKE HELL! Numerous thoughts ran across my mind. What will doctors find out? What if I had a life-threatening disease? What if my blood isn’t healthy? What if they didn’t have enough medicine supply? Can I afford the hospital fees? WHAT THE HELL IS THAT NURSE DOING WITH THAT HUGE NEEDLE?!
After crying like a banshee in the middle of the hospital room, I finally let the nurses get a blood sample from my right arm and stick another huge a** needle (for dextrose and IV antibiotics) on my left hand. I couldn’t remember anything else after that except that I was wheeled into a pleasantly-smelling room. That room became my home for the next 3 days.
Now that I’m home and feeling way much better, I would like to thank the Lord for His healing hand. Thank you God. Thank you to the nice and friendly nurses stationed at the 4th Floor of the Polymedic Medical Plaza, Kauswagan, Cagayan de Oro. You guys are awesome. Thank you to the guys who cleaned my room and served me food. Thank you also to Dr. Bacal, who, as I described in one of my Facebook posts, had a dashing 1,000-watt smile that made me feel at ease. Never mind if he told me I had to take antibiotics for the next 5 days – you could almost see a ray of light at the edge of his smile and a slight “ting!” whenever he flashes it (just like Johnny Bravo’s! 
) Thank you to all my friends who sent in messages of concern. Thank you very much to Senator Chiz Escudero. Thank you to everyone who prayed for my recovery. Special thanks to Chayo for her cheery smile and amazing assistance. Thank you for making my stay extra comfortable 
But most of all – I would like to thank my family. I love you Mama, Ben, Chevy and Bon. Thank you for taking care of me and for showing me just how important it is to have the love and support of your family.
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