“Mag
iban iban kita,magbal’lao-bal’lao kita, mag isa kita.”
It was
an exciting journey to Mati, Davao Oriental to witness Mati’s Sambuokan Festival
for the very first time. I was traveling blind as I never heard of the festival
before and not sure of what I will be expecting from the place. Coming from
Davao City after my night gig at Starr Club, I hit the 8 am bus bound for Mati.
I
reached the secluded and silent city of Mati after a 5 hour bus ride. Arriving
at 1pm, I first head to the nearest food chain-Jollibee to satisfy my growling famished gut.
From
where I was sitting I already noticed the increasing number of crowd in the
street. I was just on time as the street dance competition was about to commence.
Carrying my camera, I took shed in one of judges’ tent to have a better look at
the performances.
Fun witnessing the eleven participants, reminded me of the vibrant Kadayawan Festival in Davao. Based
on their props and the choreography, you can feel the efforts and heavy preparations
given by each contender in joining the event.
Amazed
with their chants and their dancing routine, I almost forgot to take photos of
these beautiful dancers with their colorful costumes on. I followed the parade
in the street to see more of the action on how these contenders perform with crowds cheering on them. The vibe was even better with their unique ethnic moves and energetic chants and you can sense how proud these people are in their high spirited faces.
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Even under the peak of scorching heat of the sun, happy faces were spread everywhere. |
At
the grand stand where the final performances was held, I met some of the accommodating participants. All you can sense was the happiness with smile on their faces
even under the scorching heat of the sun . They were so friendly that
when I asked for a group picture they formed themselves as if it was a
programmed routine on their part to pose in front of the camera.
The
Sambuokan Festival started in 2001 by Edith Nakpil Rabat in commemoration of
the founding of Mati on October 29, 1903.
The word Sambuokan came from the word ‘Buok’ which means ONE or UNITED .
![]() |
Beautiful people of Mati |
Thus the
celebration reflects the unity of the people of Mati. It was so sad not to
witness all the events during the entire week of Mati’s celebration. There were even sport events in my favorite beach of Dahican , the place where I learned my very
first skim boarding lesson . As much as I wanted to stay, I have to leave the
place in the afternoon to catch the bus bound for Davao.
There
is much to see Mati. Waniban and Pujada Islands are much recommended to bask
under the sun with its pristine white sand beach. I will surely revisit the place
given with another opportunity and this time I will make sure to have an ample
time to fully enjoy the crystal blue water of Mati, Davao Oriental. For more activities in Davao Oriental check my previous blog entry Places to see in Mati.
Getting
there
Mati
is very much accessible via bus. From Davao Ecoland Integrated Bus Terminal,
buses bound for mati leave every hour.
The fare for an airconditioned Bachelor
bus is Php270.00 for a comfortable 5 hour travel. From Mati terminal, tricycles
and motorbikes are available. Tricycle bound for city proper charges Php8.00
per passenger.
everywhere in the Philippines, including Mindanao, there are streetdancing and the colors just add up to the flair of festivities. Great you captured one here for Mati and though I had been there na, I just passed by and wanted to come back to see more.
ReplyDeletethanks docwends.... jan sa pagadian kelan po ung festival nio? love to see how pagadian celebrates... hope to see you soon :)
ReplyDeleteI have always been intrigued of festivals... how I wish I could go out of the metro and experience one too!! anyways, cool blog btw.. I hope you could feature Zamboanga Sibugay too especially Malangas.. that's my hometown though I have actually never been there after we left for Manila back when I was 3... just curious at how the place looks like! Thanks and more power to your blog! :D
ReplyDeleteCheers~!
- Justin -
The World According To Me
omg it looks so fun, i cant believe i missed it!
ReplyDeleteomg it looks so fun, i cant believe i missed it!
ReplyDeleteMindanao looks more inviting when you narrate the towns that you visit, particularly this one about Mati City. I actually plan on visiting Davao next year for Kadayawan.. hopefully, I get to see Mati’s Sambuokan Festival as well. :) By the way, what's your camera? :)
ReplyDeleteYou were able to capture through your photos and blog the life of the festival. The pictures are so vibrant and alive.
ReplyDeleteIt's the first time I've heard of this festival. I'm really missing out on many things because as of today, the only festivals I've experienced are the Pahiyas festival and the Obando fertility rites. I'll be joining festivals, someday...someday. :D
ReplyDeletehopefully i get to bump with you here in Mindanao Mai. I am currently using the Olympus PL1 :)
ReplyDeleteIt's on my wish list Justin... there must be more in sibugay.. love to see it with my own eyes
ReplyDeletelikewise cris .. i haven't seen any festival in luzon ...not a single one ...can we exchange places ? hahahha
ReplyDeleteI haven't been to Mindanao yet.. I love how you capture the beauty, excitement and color of it in your blog! Missing home more!:)
ReplyDeleteIf you're coming over for the FBW December event, then we might see each other sooner! :) But of course, I'm really eyeing on Kadayawan for next year.. see you there then? :) Tagal pa noh? Hahaha
ReplyDeleteThis is one colorful festival and the SMILES over the girls' faces only prove that they really enjoy the parade and I'm sure you did as well.
ReplyDeleteIt really looks like Kadayawan Festival, I am glad you enjoyed the festival.
ReplyDeletewww.mydailymumbles.com
I haven't had the chance to see a celebration such as this. Your post certainly gave me an idea.
ReplyDeleteFirst time I've heard about this festival. You're right! It's got a vibe very similar to the Kadayawan. Will include this one in my list of festivals to attend for next year. Thanks for the heads up on this one.
ReplyDeleteSuch colorful festivity! You can see the happiness on everyone's faces!
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of this festival. Thank you for sharing this. Hope every Filipino will know there's such a colorful and vibrant feast.
ReplyDeleteOh Dennis, I like it and great for letting us know :)
ReplyDeleteI love the colors and well-captured smiles. I <3 Mati!