A beautiful festival celebrated annually in Malaybalay City in the Philippines from the second half of February to March commemorates the foundation of Bukidnon province in 1917. The celebration is full of color, vibrant dancing and the rich tradition of the original seven tribal groups that make up the province. Experience part of this magical celebration in photographs and video as if you were there!
The Kaamulan Festival celebrates the tradition of seven ethnic Philippine tribes: the Bukidnon, Higaonon, Talaandig, Manobo, Matigsalug, Tigwahanon and the Umayamnon. It is the only ethnic celebration in the Philippines.
Kaamulan comes from the word in the traditional Binukid language 'amul' meaning "to gather". Kaamulan is a gathering with a purpose, a ritual, a wedding ceremony, or a thanksgiving festival during harvest time, and in this case, it is a celebration of unique culture and heritage.
The first Kaamulan celebration was held on May 15, 1974 as a celebration of the municipality of Malaybalay. A town official thought to invite the indigenous people of the province to perform their traditional dances. Soon, the festival became a regional festival of all the local tribes, and the date was moved to February-March.
The indigenous people of Bukidnon province are generally identified with two ethnic groups: the Bukidnon and the Manobo. The Bukidnon are thought to have distinct physical characteristics: slight build, slanting eyelets, and relatively high noses. They speak the language of Binukid. Manobo people have darker skin color, small bodies, curly hair and broad, flat noses. The Bukidnon live in the flatlands and have adopted Christianity as their religion, while the Manobos live in the mountains and maintain their traditional religious practices or practice Islam.
Each of the different tribal groups contributes to the different parts of the festival. There is the street dancing competition, the ground presentation of their traditional dances and masks, and finally a float competition that brings it all together.
People of all ages and backgrounds come to view and experience the cultural celebration of Kaamulan, and not only from the Philippines. Thousands of tourists flock to this remote location to enjoy the festival and all of the cultural perks that come along with it.
Here's a unique look into some of the joyous festivities that take place during the Kaamulan celebration!
Our Beautiful World from a Bird's Eye View...
If you ever come to think earth is lacking in wonderful places to visit, just take this bird-eye view of some of the most beautiful places and cities.
12 Stunning Photos That'll Make You Want to Visit Ireland
Ireland's natural beauty is a sight to behold. These 12 pictures prove it.
15 Unique Beaches You Should Check Out This Summer
These beaches go from unreal to incredible, and they offer some great choices for the coming summer.
It's Hard to Believe These Hotels Really Exist!
Hotels can be much more than just a place to sleep, take a shower and change your clothes! Here are 18 unique and splendid hotels from around the globe.
Californian Beauty Captured Like Never Before!
Shainblum's photography provides a real look at why California is called the 'Golden State'.
This is Probably the Most Beautiful Library in the World...
This library is an art form by itself!
This Historic Sunshine City Is Full of Blooming Flowers
You won't have seen a city with as many flowers as this before. Cordoba in Spain is just lovely!
These Magnificent Ancient Ruins Make Us Gasp in Awe
These 7 ancient ruins are not as popular as the Pyramids, but they are equally beautiful and well preserved, and deserve more attention!
12 Gifts Mother Nature Gave the World...
12 incredible places that are hard to believe are real.
25 of China's Hidden Treasures That All Visitors Must See
China is a land of beauty and mystery, filled with countless spots of natural, as well as man-made beauty.
These Quotes Will Give You a New Perspective on Life
Some wonderful words about travel that can teach us all about life's great journey.
17 of the World's Most Delightful Roads
If you love driving, you probably have your favorite road or roads, but these 17 spectacular roads will definitely trump your personal favorites. Check them out!
19 Unique & Traditional Ways of Life Around the World
19 unique cultures that managed to preserve their traditions in the 21st century. English photographer Jimmy Nelson travels the globe to meet these unique tribes and brings back incredible photos.
Traveling is Going to Be So Much Better With These Tips!
These hacks will make you think: "How didn't I think about that before?"
The Full Beauty of Vienna is Revealed in This 8K Video
. In this breathtaking 8K video, Vienna unveils its grandeur and charm in ways that words can scarcely capture.
Perhaps the Most Scenic Train Rides in the World...
Although there are much quicker ways of traveling, using a train is arguably much more picturesque than the others. Here are the 7 most scenic train rides.
Pearl of Southeast Asia: 5 Reasons You Need to Visit Burma
A comprehensive travel guide to Myanmar in Southeast Asia
I Would Be So Happy in One of These Beautiful Little Towns
When you get out of the big cities and start visiting the small ones, you realize you've missed some of the most beautiful places..
Fascinating! Never-Before-Seen Images of the Titanic
Explore the Titanic like you've never seen it before with these rare photos.
11 of the Most Affordable Beach Vacations Around the World
Looking for a budget vacation this summer? Try these affordable beach trips.
15 Infrastructural Wonders That Will Take Your Breath Away
Let’s take a look at 15 pictures of stunning engineering marvels of our world.
20 Unusual and Intriguing Maps to Trigger Your Curiosity
You won’t view the world the same way after seeing these unusual maps.
15 Photos That Show Why Japan is an Amazing Place to Live
Take a look at these pictures which show why Japan is light-years ahead of the rest of the world.
Food Photographer of the Year: 16 Mouth-Watering Pics
Check out the yummiest pictures from the Food Photographer of the Year contest.
This Exotic Coast Must Be Seen to Appreciate Its Beauty
This place puts other tropical paradises to shame.
Click to See How Much the These Great Cities Have Changed
Cities change drastically in the space of a few decades, and these photos are perfect illustrations of that. Here are 13 then and now pictures of cityscapes.
These Once-Common Home Features Are No Longer Seen Today
These vintage house features were so cool!
Did You Know the Dark Stories of These Popular Landmarks?
While these 8 tourist spots are extremely popular, they have lesser known eerie histories and haunting stories.
Climb Aboard a Gondola For An Enchanting Venetian Ride...
Venice is an architectural and cultural treasure that is both part of Italy's and the wider world's heritage. Take a gondola ride through this beautiful city.
Come See 15 of the Most Picturesque Piers in the World!
Priceless photos of the world's most charming piers. How many of them have you been to?
21 Oddly Beautiful Street Scenes Caught on Camera
Here are some wacky and amusing photos from the "Street Photographers" Instagram page.
Fall in Love With This Gorgeous Romanian City
Come see the sights of Cluj-Napoca, the second biggest city in Romania and a place of gorgeous sites.
10 Gorgeous US Towns that Look Like They Belong in Europe!
Here are 10 little-known places so hauntingly beautiful, the moment you enter, you'll be sure you've set foot in Europe.
17 Surprising USA Facts That a Lot of People Don't Know!
In this article, you'll find 17 fun and weird facts about the United States of America. Enjoy!
Super Collection: 12 Travel Guides for a Perfect Vacation
Traveling should be fun, and it certainly can and will with all these essential guides and handy travel tips!
Here Are Some of the USA's Most Stunning Train Routes
The USA is home to loads of scenic train routes that are perfect for the whole family to enjoy together. Here are 8 of the very best!
Thailand Never Looked More Enchanting than In This Video...
Never have I seen a video shot with more love for its subject matter. Thailand is indeed one of the most stunning places on earth.
Explore the World from Above with These 16 Photos
These aerial shots by award-winning photographer Cédric Houmadi offer a stunning new perspective of our world.
Vegas to LA in Less Than 3 Hours?! Yes, It's Happening!
The U.S. is gearing up to build its first high speed railway project.
The Tyrol Cow Festival - Celebrating With 100,000 Cows!
The Tyrol Cow Festival is an incredible occasion with 100,000 cows!
Surprising Facts to Know About the Aztecs and Their Empire
The Aztecs were way ahead of their time!
This is a Must-See Destination for Anyone Visiting Paris
Everyone wants to visit Paris, but that can be tough. So we've brought to you all the highlights of one of its most beautiful locations.
12 Stunning Photos That'll Make You Want to Visit Ireland
Ireland's natural beauty is a sight to behold. These 12 pictures prove it.
Prepare to Be Charmed by These 6 Stunning Parks of Ireland
Did you know that Ireland has 6 national parks? Come explore the majestic green scenery of the Emerald Isle, each park more magnificent than the next.
History’s Oldest Buildings That Have Stood for Centuries
Here's a look at some of the oldest surviving man-made structures on our planet that have a fascinating past.
These Photos of Machu Picchu Are Simply Stunning
Machu Picchu is one of the few places everybody wished to visit, and these gob-smacking pictures show just why.
Seoul Has Some Gorgeous, Must-Visit Locations...
I never knew Seoul was so beautiful. It is now on my list!