The Philippines is one of the countries that throw grand carnivals and festivals in the world where celebrations happen every month in different cities and provinces. And each one of the festivals has its unique
story presenting its culture, tradition and history.
In the southern part of the Philippines, in the island of Mindanao , unique ethnic celebrations can be witnessed as people of different cultures and origins pay much effort and values presenting their traditions in grand and colorful ways.
In the southern part of the Philippines, in the island of Mindanao , unique ethnic celebrations can be witnessed as people of different cultures and origins pay much effort and values presenting their traditions in grand and colorful ways.
.

To Where it Rooted?
This unique indigenous celebration is adopted by the City of Surigao 28 years ago in giving thanks to the blessings of the patron of Surigao City, San Nicolas de Tolentino. According to the locals, the festivity started with the prayers of the people for a rain shower during drought and when it was granted by the Great Creator, the people hit the road to celebrate the goodness of the Great Provider.Thus, the origin of the Bonok Bonok which literally means "Rain Shower" or dancing in the rain.

And the Fun Never Ends!
Each contingent hit the street in colorful outfits symbolizing the colorful and proud origins of the Surigaonons. The local "Mardi Gras" is accentuated with the ethnic fun beat, making it more lively and authentic. All you can hear and see from the streets are singing, dancing and awed cheers from the public.
Each contingent hit the street in colorful outfits symbolizing the colorful and proud origins of the Surigaonons. The local "Mardi Gras" is accentuated with the ethnic fun beat, making it more lively and authentic. All you can hear and see from the streets are singing, dancing and awed cheers from the public.
Showcasing
different interpretations on how San Nicolas de Tolentino helped the devotee
through prayers is the highlight of the night. In this showdown, each
contingent presents their extravagant and marvelous sets of props together with amazing upbeat choreography.
The presentation isn't just pure
dance but with short story shown to a wave of thousands of people. At the end of the night, winners will be presented with mega cash
prizes and trophies.
Marajaw Karajaw in Surigao is the second official festival I have attended in Mindanao and I was humbled to realize that it was the FAITH that keeps the people of Surigao UNITED and ONE with the celebration of their most beloved patron Saint, Nicolas de Tolentino.
I am proud to be part of this festivity. The whole celebration
is worthy of praise. The effort and preparation of the people was just
unimaginable. This festivity has shown the world that Mindanao is a colorful,
fun, UNIQUE and peaceful place to live in. There is no other place like MINDANAO!
My sincerest thanks to my fellow Pinoy Travel Bloggers and friends:
- Ding Fuellos of Pinoy Explorer for lending me his spare camera;
- Nathalie Penados of My Wandering Soles for hosting our visit in Surigao;
- Jeffrey Rilles of Traveling Morion for the wonderful treat @Bastie, and
- Mr.Ricky Amores, Director of the Festivity, for the free passes in the event area
- To the local government unit of Surigao City, the Department of Tourism and to all Surigaonons for your warm hospitality.
I like watching festivals, too. I think it is one of our strengths in tourism. There seems to be a festival somewhere in the Philippines every month. I praise you for taking those photos under the heat of the sun.
ReplyDeletelove all the colorful costumes! ^_^
ReplyDeletehttp://michaelmacalos.blogspot.com
I remember when I was in grade school, we participate in Rehiyon Rehiyon celebration and our school usually gets regions in Mindanao. If that was a colorful festivity, what more if it's something like this? :)
ReplyDeleteThe girl in the first photo, I love her clothes :)
Philippine do throw the best festivals and we have them in all locations and glad to see that they also have one in Surigao. Festivals are definitely more fun in the Philippines.
ReplyDeleteAng sarap pagmasdan nung 1st photo. Colorful! :)
ReplyDeleteI've been going to Surigao for more than 10 years and these are the first pictures I've ever seen of the fiesta. Maybe it's about time!
ReplyDeleteikaw na talaga ang nag iisang Love Mindanao- ang bilis ng post:) na pressure aq dun ah:) ganda ng mga shots dennis! sulit pagod at init db
ReplyDeleteworth it talaga ung experience. Super saya.They surpassed my expectation.Kahit nawala ung camera ko ... hindi ako naging malungkot ....
ReplyDeleteGreat shots there Love Mindanao. Kainggit gus2 ko makakita ng ganito aside our kadayawan here.
ReplyDeleteWow! Ang ganda naman dito. Galing ng mga photos. Ang Saya ng Festival!
ReplyDeleteWow, very nice, i love the colorful costume.
ReplyDeleteI love the parade presentations. very colorful. this is one of the things I miss in Philippines :D
ReplyDeletehttp://www.memorylanebymel.com/
It was really worth the experience witnessing festivals especially if with a company of good company like you, jeffrey and nats! gaganda din ng photos mo ah!
ReplyDeletecourtesy of your camera of course. thanks Ding :)
ReplyDeleteSalamat Karajaw Dens for visiting Surigao! Kaya nawala yung camera mo gusto ata ng bagong dslr...hehehe
ReplyDeletenakaka pressure nman kayo post agad! hay pano ba to seasonal blogger ang peg ko, dami pang backlog. waaah
Hope to see you again next year!
oo nga pang seasonal yang blog mo .. yung tipong pang Myanmar, Cambodia, Singapore etc lng naman ung mga laman .. hahahaha. wala akong pangbili ng dslr.. ung "r" lang kaya ko .till next na meet up wherever out there lol .salamat karadjaw naths :D
ReplyDeleteimpressive...you did a good job in helping us promote Surigao City's Bonok-bonok Maradjaw Karadjaw festival...salamat..salamat..salamat..
ReplyDeleteAng ganda ng mga photos. Nakakaaliw manuod.
ReplyDeleteGreat colorful festivity. How I wish I was there, celebrating it with you guys.
ReplyDeleteFestivals, oh how I LOVE to witness them :) Hopefully I would be able to reach Mindanao in my next adventure.
ReplyDeletethis festival reminds me of kadayawan of davao city. very colorful and entertaining...very nice photos too.
ReplyDeleteHaven't heard about this until my friend who was there in Surigao that time mentioned it to me. Will definitely include this in my places to go next year.
ReplyDeleteNice photos, You can be contributor to travel magazines!
ReplyDeleteWow, these photos show the real beauty of this event. I've never been in Surigao and hopefull to visit there one of these days. :-)
ReplyDeleteNice, our local cultural version of a rain dance - with a lot more color and music too!
ReplyDelete