Festivities in Bukidnon

Malaybalay City is the capital of Bukidnon. But Valencia City, located 30 minutes away from Malaybalay, is more progressive and more bustling with economic activity.

The main dialect of the province is Cebuano, with certain portions speaking Ilongo and Ilocano.

A heavy migration from Ilocos came to Bukidnon during the '60s, around the time of President Ramon Magsaysay. Thus many plazas are named Magsaysay, rather than the usual name of Rizal, after the national hero Jose Rizal.

In the Cebuano dialect, Bukidnon means "mountainous." True enough, there are several mountain ranges in the area. Thus temperature is often cool in many places, especially at night.

The more famous of the mountains is Mt. Kalatungan ang Mt. Kitanglad. Many indigenous peoples live in Bukidnon, probably due to their affinity with the mountains.

During November to February, the usual green is speckled with yellow from the wild sunflower blossoms.

Quick Tips:

Must-see: The Church of the Transfiguration
Must-attend: The Kaamulan Festival street dancing every first Saturday of March.

Vegetables are also quite affordable in this place, especially carrots, cabbages and lettuce.

Carry around a light sweater, especially during November to February, when it is most cold.

Best Way To Get Around:

The main mode of transportation getting to Bukidnon is the bus. There are air-conditioning and non-air conditioning ones. When in Bukidnon, it is the motorela that is the king of the road. These public transportation are motorcycles with a body attached it, fitting a maximum of eight passengers.

Enjoy the colorful native costumes and the thrumming of the drums at the Kaamulan Festival in Bukidnon! Originally celebrated in September, it has been moved to March for a more favorable weather. The Kaamulan Festival seeks to celebrate the various indigenous peoples in the province of Bukidnon through street dancing and field demonstrations.

The different municipalities of the province prepare choreographed dances which they perform on the street and in the plaza. While local and tourist spectators of the show, it is actually a contest who among all has the best performance. Whoever is adjudged winner shall receive a cash price. Winners can not perform the following year to give chance to others.

What is usually the quiet city of Malaybalay would wake up to the drumbeats on the first Saturday of March, when the street dancing for the Kaamulan Festival happens.

Should you wish to watch, make sure you have your water, hat and camera because it is best to go along with the street dancing for a more enjoyable experience.

How to get there: From Manila (capital of the Philippines), one takes a plane to Cagayan de Oro City (round trip: est. $300). Then from Cagayan de Oro City, one takes a bus to Malaybalay City (round trip: $6).

The festival is open to the public.

I first heard of the Church of the Transfiguration from my co-teachers when I was teaching in one of the municipalities of Bukidnon. It was only after four years I was able to go. And it is a definite must-see!

The Church is run by the Benedictine Monks. From afar it looks like a chocolate-brown pyramid. But when you arrive at the hill where the Church is located, the view is SPECTACULAR! An endless expanse of green greets you. On either side are the mountain ranges of Bukidnon. One of them the famous Mt. Kitanglad. There is a feeling of peace and serenity as you look around you.

The inside and outside of the Church is separated by glass panels, thus your view of the Nature's beauty is unobstructed. The wooden pews and fixtures and the stone altar highlights the natural effect.

Every second Sunday of the month, many out-of-town churchgoers visit the Transfiguration to enjoy the brunch meal the Monks prepare. For a fee of P200, you can enjoy a buffet rice, fish, chicken and pork adobo, scrambled eggs, tocino and vegetables. There is also bottomless coffee and juice.

So should you plan to visit, make sure its a second Sunday!