Just got back from a long day at Malaybalay. We watched the Kaamulan Festival Ethnic Street Dancing Competition and then went shopping. To summarize it all, it was a beautiful day!
The dancers were talented and well-choreographed; the floats were well-decorated and artistically amazing; and though it rained (several times) nothing could mar the excitement and enthusiasm of all those who traveled to the city to watch this annual event.
What made me anticipate this year’s festival all the more was the inclusion of Manolo Fortich, my municipality, in the competition. In the five years that I’ve been watching and promoting this event, this was the first time they joined. It amused me as well to note that I knew many of the dancers.
Each municipality in the province of Bukidnon has its own tribal family. That of Manolo Fortich is already a mix of two pure tribes, the Bukidnon & Higaonon, hence the predominantly blue color rather than red. Each tribe comes with a story (hopefully this year, I’ll be able to post each story here) of how it was formed and their dance is arranged to interpret that story. Unfortunately due to the crowd and (oh, no, a negative comment) lack of seats, I wasn’t able to watch the dance of Manolo Fortich properly and had to rely on the sporadic commentaries of those who did (which, sadly, weren’t encouraging).
On the other hand, Manolo Fortich won 2nd place in the overall category. (Champion was Malaybalay City.) How’s that for a comeback? =)
Life in the Bukids 
Joining KAAMULAN STREET DANCING 2011 is one of my experience that I will remember for a life time … i hope by next time MANOLO FORTICH will be the CHAMPION for overall category.. :))
i am came from municipality of lantapan, province of bukidnon….kaamulan festival is the best than the other festival that i witness,,,,,,sobrang kompleto na yung taon ko for being a part or witness the kaamulan festival…….sobrang proud to say talaga akong laki sa bukidnon ako,,,,,,a very sweet and a land of promise …….