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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The Senate has approved the bill seeking the creation of the Bukidnon 4th District. The Senate has approved on the 3rd and final reading House Bill 5236 which seeks the creation of the Bukidnon Fourth District. The bill was passed September 20, 2012.
A total of 12 senators, led by Senator Bongbong Marcos who chairs the Committee on Local Government, OK’d the passage of the Bukidnon 4th District bill.
Philippine President Benigno Aquino III still needs to sign the bill first, though, before it becomes a law.
If the Bukidnon 4th District bill gets ratified, there will be a need for a congressman who will represent the said district.
The proposed Bukidnon 4th District shall be composed of Valencia City, Kalilangan, and Pangantucan.
Bukidnon 1st District will then be composed of the municipalities of Baungon, Libona, Malitbog, Manolo Fortich, Sumilao, and Talakag.
Bukidnon 2nd District will be composed of Malaybalay City, Impasugong, Cabanglasan, Lantapan, and San Fernando.
Meanwhile, the third district shall be constituted of Kadingilan, Damulog, Dangcagan, Don Carlos, Maramag, Kibawe, Kitaotao, and Quezon.
For more Bukidnon news, visit Bukidnon Online
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