Friday, December 7, 2012

Christmas Parol


Christmas is one of the most celebrated holidays in the Philippines. In fact, the country has earned the distinction of celebrating the world's longest Christmas season, with Christmas carols heard as early as September and the season lasting until Epiphany, the feast of the Black Nazarene on the second Sunday of January, or at the Feast of the Santo Niño held every third Sunday of January.

Of course, the Filipino Christmas would not be complete without the traditional Philippine Christmas symbols and decorations. The Filipino has several different ways of adorning the holiday season where homes, buildings, malls, and every city streets are illuminated with Christmas lights and decors.

The word "Parol"or Christmas Lantern is a Spanish word "farol", meaning "lantern". It is one of the most iconic and beloved symbols of the holiday that adorns every Filipino home. Patterns of the Paról evolved from the five-pointed paper star lantern originally crafted by an artisan named Francisco Estanislao in 1928. The earliest  Paróls were made from simple bamboo sticks, Japanese rice paper known as "Papel de Hapon" or crepe paper, and a candle or Kalburo (carbide) for illumination.  This kind of Paról was used by barrio folks to light their paths during the Misa de Gallo as electricity was yet unavailable at the time in many rural areas. Present day Paról takes various shapes, forms, and sizes, but generally the most basic 5-pointed star pattern remains dominant while others are made of cellophane, plastic, rope, Capiz shell, and a wide variety of materials. The design of the Paról evokes the Star of Bethlehem that guided the Three Kings to the manger. It also symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and the Filipinos' hope and goodwill during the Christmas season. Paról Making is a folk craft, and most Filipino kids in one way or another have tried their hands in Paról making perhaps as a school project.

Christmas Parol

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Puto Bumbong

Puto Bumbong

This special post is warmly dedicated to all Filipinos overseas who are far away from home to celebrate Christmas together with their families. And because of great distance, they continue to endure their loneliness and longing only to make things way better back home. 

Christmas is one of the most celebrated holidays in the Philippines. In fact, the country has earned the distinction of celebrating the world's longest Christmas season, with Christmas carols heard as early as September and the season lasting until Epiphany, the feast of the Black Nazarene on the second Sunday of January, or at the Feast of the Santo Niño held every third Sunday of January. 

While most people around the world think of Christmas in terms of the colors red and green, Filipinos though, view Christmas in terms of lilac and yellow as it heralds the season of the Puto Bumbong and the Bibingka

Puto Bumbong is one of the most sought after delicacies at Christmas time. After the Misa de Gallo or the early dawn mass on the nine days before Christmas usually from December 16 to Christmas Eve, people would line up to the stalls right outside the Catholic church just to have a  quick taste of this all-time favorite Filipino delicacy. It is so popular among locals and foreign tourists alike that even five-star hotels and gourmet restaurants serve them during the holiday season using the traditional Lansungan - a special steamer (photo above) usually made of tin or aluminum, mounted on a pot of boiling water with two to three protruding tubes holding the Bumbong or bamboo tubes filled with the needed ingredients and steamed through until cooked. The Bumbong is wrapped around with muslin or cheese cloth primarily to protect the hands from the heat generated by the steam when Puto Bumbong is cooked and ready to be removed from the steamer.

Puto Bumbong

Puto Bumbong is an all-time traditional Filipino delicacy made of glutinous rice cooked in bamboo tube in which it is steamed. It is elongated and quite thin in shape which results from the method it is cooked, and its distinct color is purple due to the mixture of sweet rice and black rice called Pirurutong in which it is made of. It is best served topped with a thin spread of butter or margarine, freshly grated coconut to give it texture and cuts the stickiness of the roll, and sprinkled with just a bit of Muscovado or brown sugar to give it a hint of nutty sweetness that refined sugar does not have, and then served on wilted banana leaves which will keep it warm and moist until ready to be eaten.


Ingredients for Making Puto Bumbong


  • Banana leaves cut into 2 square pieces
  • Coconut meat – fresh and grated; 2 tablespoons
  • Margarine or butter – 1 tablespoon
  • Muscovado sugar or panutsa(sugar cane sweet) – 2 tablespoons
  • Pandan leaves – 1 stalk
  • Pirurutong or purple-brown aromatic sticky rice – ½ cup
  • White sticky rice – 1 cup
  • Water – about 4 cups


Traditional Way of Preparing Puto Bumbong

Puto Bumbong is a delicacy, and therefore requires special preparation:

First Day

While cooking Puto Bumbong is fairly quick and easy, preparation is usually a three-day process. On the first day, a mixture of equal amount of sweet rice and Pirurutong is soaked in salted water overnight.

Second Day

Traditionally, a grinding stone of some kind is used to grind the rice mixture but nowadays, a blender is commonly used. Either way, the grounded rice mixture is then placed and hanged in a cotton sack for another day in order to drain excess water. On the second day, the rice mixture is grounded in a blender and then placed and hanged in a cotton sack for another day in order to drain excess water. The rice mixture should be ready the next day, and it should be moist, not dry.

Third Day

The next step is to mix it up by hands to break up any clumps. The bamboo is then filled up with the rice mixture and placed on top of the Lansungan over a pot of boiling water. Puto Bumbong is done when the rice mixture turns dark purple and sort of shrinks inside the bamboo.


Vendors selling a variety of Christmas delights outside the church after the traditional Misa de Gallo.

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Mana Davao

Christmas at Mana Davao

Mana Davao or Mana Casa de Artes y Antiguas is one of the most anticipated, most flocked, and a must-see Christmas attraction in the city of Davao. Every year at Christmas, thousands of artistically crafted lights in gigantic Christmas Trees and red Christmas Houses into an ever-changing theme and design each year are on a massive glittering display at their shop's facade from dusk 'til midnight which draws thousands of Dabawenyos, foreign and domestic tourists alike, oftentimes happily causing a little traffic as passersby, cars, jeepneys, and other vehicles halt or slow down to take even a sneak peek and appreciate at this uniquely wonderful sight every night. There are also mascots of different cartoon characters that would entertain visitors. 
Basking in those enormous sea of lights, Mana Davao has in some ways brought magical cheer and spirit of Christmas in every one's heart. The compound has become somewhat of a "mini park" call it as you will, where a large crowd of families with kids, groups of friends, colleagues from the office, and shutterbugs queue excitedly every night like little moths to a flame to have their souvenir photos taken before the massive display of Christmas lights and decors. 

Admission is FREE and everyone is welcome to visit.

Mana Casa de Artes y Antiguas

Mana Casa de Artes y Antiguas is a 3,850-square meter showroom located along J. P. Laurel Avenue in Bajada, Davao City that sells a collection of various arts, antiques and imported furniture mostly of hard wood sourced from Greece, China, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Korea, Pakistan, India, Indonesia as well as Turkey and some parts of Europe, as far as Central and South America. Also on display are unique collectibles from the Philippines.

Started in October 28, 1999, Mana Davao has become Southeast Asia’s largest antique showroom and a much sought after art and antique dealer in the country frequented by domestic and foreign buyers, with branches in Parañaque, Cebu, and overseas in Guam.

A spectacular display of glittering Christmas lights adorn Mana Davao

Pasko Fiesta Davao 2012

At the City Hall of Davao

The grand opening of the month-long celebration of the much awaited Pasko Fiesta 2012 will be held at the Rainbow Drive of the People's Park come December 7, 2012, starting at 5 PM. 

The four-hectare Park and some key areas therein will be converted into a Christmas Park where Dabawenyos will enjoy colorful lighted Parols and hear a symphony of traditional Filipino Christmas music being played. Various fun-filled competitions will also be launched simultaneously with the grand opening such as:

  • Kahayag sa Pasko (Light of Christmas) - A Christmas light decorative competition for lighted establishment throughout Davao City;
  • Parolan sa Pasko - A Christmas Star and Tree design competition on the skillful and ingenious ways of designing and creating the traditional Filipino Parol  or Christmas lantern made out of recycled materials;
  • Lamdag Parada - A Christmas night parade of lighted floats and Christmas characters and symbols that come in a variety of concepts, shapes and sizes, each conveying a unique interpretation of the essence of Christmas;
  • Tugsayaw -  A Christmas-themed live musical and dance presentation contest that showcases  music and dance, all in one grand Christmas performance.
  • Panaygon sa Pasko  - A competition for the best Christmas Carolers in Davao City;
  • Paskong Kahoy - A Christmas Tree making competition using recycled materials that showcases the unique craftsmanship of Dabawenyos; 
  • Handuraw sa Himaya - A Nativity Visual Arts Competition for Young Artists at the Museo Dabawenyo which features the Nativity Scene.

The City Government of Davao City has allotted Php 1,926,000 in cash prizes for the said competitions. For guidelines on these various Pasko Fiesta 2012 competitions, click HERE.

Also, one of the main highlights of the Pasko Fiesta 2012 is the Grand Christmas Lights Show - a first ever light show in the City which will be lighted at the Grand Lawn of the People's Park beginning December 21 and will continue until January 1, 2013. The show is estimated to cost around Php 2 Million and will be a six-minute long show of colorful lights and lighted Parols along with a symphony of traditional Filipino Christmas music played every hour nightly. 

DUAW Davao Festival Foundation, one of the organizers and private-partners of the City Government of Davao,  has set aside Php 3.5 Million for the activities during the annual event, and will handle the grand opening, the light show display, Hudyakaan sa Kapaskuhan, Rondalsaya Caravan and the various performances.

Below are updates on the Schedule of Events and Activities taking place on the upcoming Pasko Fiesta 2012:


  • Pasko Fiesta sa Dabaw Grand Opening Ceremony on December 7 at 5 PM at the Rainbow Drive of People's Park;
  • Hulagway sa Pasko Fiesta: A Photo Competition. Deadline for submission of entries is on December 27 at 5 PM at the City Information Office. Exhibit of winning photos is from December 29 to January 11, 2013 at the City Hall of Davao Lobby;
  • Pasko Fiesta sa Rizal Park Ug Magsaysay Park from December 1 to January 2, 2013, from 6 PM  to 10 PM, Mondays to Fridays at the Rizal Park, and from 4 PM to 11 PM, Saturdays to Sundays at Magsaysay Park;
  • Pasko Fiesta Pasalubong Center from December 3 to 31 between 10 AM to 7 PM at the Pasalubong Center in Palma Hill Street;
  • Pasko Fiesta sa mga Bata (Morning Fiesta and Afternoon Fiesta) on December 7 from 8 AM to 12 Noon, and 1 PM to 5 PM at the Davao Recreation Center;
  • Elderlympics Opening Program on December 7 from 8 AM to 5:30 PM at the RMC Gymnasium. Free Medical Check-up on December 8 from 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM at the RMC Gymnasium. Awarding is on December 10 from 2 PM TO 8 PM at the Davao City Recreational Center;
  • Kahayag sa Pasko Competition from December 7 to 31 All around Davao City. Deadline of Submission of Entries is on December 6 at 3 PM at the Duaw Davao Foundation;
  • Parol ug Paskong Kahoy Design Competition from December 10 to January 1, 2013 from 1 PM to 10 PM from Sundays thru Thursdays at the People's Park, and from 1 PM to 11 PM Fridays to Saturdays. Deadline for submission of entries is on December 10 at 5 PM at the Duaw Davao Foundation;
  • Libro sa Pasko on December 12 from 12 NN to 8 PM at the SM City Annex Atrium in Ecoland;
  • Hudyakan sa Kapaskuhan from December 14 to 23 between 6 PM to 2 PM in Bolton Street Extension;
  • Rondalsaya Performance on December 16 at the Rizal Park;
  • Pasko Fiesta sa Museo Dabawenyo "Handuraw sa Himaya: A Nativity Visual Arts Competition for Young Artist". Deadline for submission of entries is on December 13 at 5 PM at the Museo Dabawenyo. Exhibit is from December 17  to Jan 10, 2013 between 9 AM to 6 PM at the Museo Dabawenyo;
  • Panaygon Competition from December 17 to 19 from 5 PM to 8 PM at the Rizal Park;
  • Rondalsaya Caravan from December 17 to 25 at 6 PM to be held in various venues;
  • Tugsayaw Competition from December 20 to 21 from 5 PM to 8 PM at the Rizal Park;
  • Search for the Bb. Barangay 2012. Grand Coronation night is on December 20 at 6 PM at the Davao City Recreational Center;
  • Pasko Fiesta Light Show Display from December 21 to January 1, 2013 from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM, and at 8:30 PM at the Great Lawn of the People's Park;
  • Lamdag Parada on December 22 at 6 PM along Roxas Street, C.M Recto Street, Bonifacio Street, Pelayo Street, San Pedro Street, and at the Rizal Park.


Reference: City Government of Davao

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Davao City Student-Athletes - Overall Champions


The Davao City Student-Athlete Champions

With much pride and joy, they comprise the young student-athletes of Davao City who now hold the distinction of being the Overall Champions in the Philippine Olympic Committee of the Philippine Sports Commission's Batang Pinoy 2012 Mindanao Leg which was held in Dapitan, Dipolog last November 5 to 7, 2012.

The athletes brought home a total of 50 gold, 37 silver and 19 bronze medals in Arnis, Athletics, Badminton, Chess, Swimming, Table Tennis, Judo, and Karatedo. The gold and silver medalists are scheduled to compete in the upcoming Batang Pinoy 2012 National Finals on December 5 to 9, 2012 in Iloilo City.

Congratulations!!!

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Tribu K’Mindanawan Cultural Village

Tribu K’Mindanawan Cultural Village

Tribu K’Mindanawan is a cultural village in Davao City that showcases the richness and diversity of the various cultures and colorful heritage of the different indigenous tribes of Mindanao. It is a widely popular attraction, frequented year-round by locals, domestic travelers, and foreign tourists, and is a must-see destination while in the city. The village consists of the cultural communities and tribes of the Mangguangan, MansakaAta ManoboAta PaquibatoObo ManoboBagobo TagabawaT’boliB'laan, and the Mandaya, whose traditional houses, ornaments and tools are featured therein. 

Tog'gan House of the Mangguangan Tribe

Mangguangan

The Mangguangan tribe is a close kin of the Dibabawon tribe that dominates the highland regions of New Corella in the province of Davao del Norte. Their traditional house, called the Tog'gan, is made mostly of a lawaan bark - a light yellow to reddish-brown or brown wood, while the roof is made of rattan leaves lashed on bamboo laths supported by a set of kawit or sungag (finials) made of bagakay bamboo attached at the gable ends of the roof which are believed to ward-off evil spirits. 

The Tog'gan is usually elevated three feet above ground supported by sturdy round timber posts, and the walls are only about shoulder in height. At its door is a small altar called halaran, also believed to protect the household from evil spirits. An outdoor altar called inang is also installed in front of the house during house blessing. 

Centrally located inside the house is the abohan, or hearth, whose number depends on the number of wives the head of the household has, and on the sides are the sinabong or rooms which may have several partitions depending on the number of families consisting the household.

Uyaanan House of the Mansaka Tribe
Mansaka

The Mansaka is the most prominent tribe that lives in dispersed settlements in the fertile valleys and hills of Compostella Valley Province whose economic and political life is largely guided by tribal elders known as Matikadong. The Baylan, or the village shamans perform rituals for the tribe, while the Bagani or tribal warriors protect the the rights and lives of the people.

Their traditional house, called the Uyaanan, is typically is a single-room structure built on top of a tree, elevated some twelve feet above ground supported by sturdy timber posts. The house is usually made of bamboo, while the roof is made of sasal or bamboo shingles. A single log carved with notches or foothold serves as ladder to the house.

Traditionally, the front of the house called, papaudan faces the morning sun. The house consists of the pilapil or their resting place, the tambi or the sleeping area, the pangabwanan where food is prepared and cooked, and the talaga where the kitchen utensils are stored.

The Uyaanan are usually clustered in kinship-based neighborhood within sight of each other and may contain up to three family units. The selection of the site and construction of the house are directed by the Mansaka elders. 

Binotok House of the Ata Monobo Tribe

Ata Manobo

The Ata Manobo is one of the three tribes that lives in the hinterlands of Talaingod in the province of Davao del Norte, who traditionally practice slash-and-burn cultivation. Their traditional house, called the Binotok, is typically constructed on top of hills or ridges adjacent to the fields and are usually far apart from each other. It is usually square in shape, and is constructed low, in some instances perched on top of a stump of a tree, with half-walls made of lawaan or langilan bark, while the roof is made of thick layers of cogon. The floor is made of bamboo laths lashed on round timber joists, supported by sturdy round timber poles raised high above ground with a single log ladder which is usually drawn up at night, while the space below is used mainly for storage where an outdoor altar called, the ankaw can also be found. In some instances, wooden rat guard discs are added on the posts of the house. Typically hung on the eaves of one corner of the house is a cage of a limakon bird whose song serves as a signal of good or unpleasant presentiments known as pangitain.

Centrally located inside the house is the cooking area called, abuhanor, while alongside are raised platforms called, lantawan used for sitting and sleeping.

Since the Ata Manobo believes in spirits that guard nature, no house is built without the shaman performing a ritual called panubag-tubag - a ceremony where the Baylan asks permission from the spirits whose answer, whether encouraging or not, usually comes in the form of a dream while the Baylan sleeps on the prospective site. Once the construction is completed, the altar used for the panubad-tubad is then transferred inside the house. 

Binanwa Baluy House of the Ata Paquibato Tribe

Ata Paquibato

The Ata Paquibato is a mixed negrito tribe that dwells in the upland district of Paquibato in Davao City, lead by a local chieftain called, Datu. Their ritual leader known as Temanerun is believed to possess a spirit guide commonly known as Abyan

Unlike the Lumads, their traditional house, called Binanwa Baluy, is built perpendicular to the east, or the sidlakan as it is popularly believed that facing the morning sun will bring misfortune upon the dwellers. The tribe believes in spirits borne from nature, and a house cannot be built without the Temanerun performing the rituals of panubad-tubad and the pamalas that seek guidance and permission from the spirits, where an offering is placed in a tambalan consisting of at least three altars built in front of the house. 

The house is usually elevated on stilts made of sturdy round timber posts and, in some instances, is perched on top of a stump of a tree as a defense against pangayaw or raid. The house is mostly constructed of lawaan bark lashed on a bamboo lath framing, while the floor is made of a bamboo laths. The roof is a bowed ridge beam of cogon grass braided on bamboo purlins where carved figures of a horse usually adorn the gable ends of the roof. Small windows on the side and rear walls serve as lookouts against potential spear-wielding attackers. The house can only be accessed through a single log ladder which is drawn up at night. 

Inside the house are elevated platforms known as lantawan which are built along the sides for sleeping and sitting while the area for cooking, called the abuan, is located in one side.


Bakag Farm House of the Obo Manobo Tribe

Obo Manobo

While the Obo Manobo tribe is generally upland farmers, they also engage in hunting and fishing.  The tribe dwells  on steep slopes or ridges in the highland district of Marilog in Davao City, whose settlements are kin-oriented.

Their traditional house, called Bakag, is an airy single-room structure perched on round timber posts elevated above ground, and can comfortably accommodate two to three families. It is usually constructed of salahiya or woven bamboo strips, girders, beams and roof frames of assorted round timbers, tied together with Uway or rattan strips, while the floor is made of bamboo laths. The roof is made of cogon and rattan leaves lashed on bamboo lath rafters. Built beside the house, about four to five feet above ground, is a small vault called lapong where the rice supply and the seeds for the next planting are stored.

Inside the house is a wide and open multipurpose space where a raised platform alongside serves as sleeping and sitting areas. The window immediately above the platform ensures sufficient ventilation and a good view. The cooking area called the abuhan is located on the left side, and right above it is the paha - a wooden ledge where food is stored.

The Obo Manobo believes in spirits guarding earthly objects. Hence, the tribe performs harvest rituals even before the gathering of construction materials to be used in building their houses. Once the construction started, another ritual called Komopittan Kos Morat Nod Toungtong is performed to appease the spirits that are believed to reside in the lot where the house was to be built. The ritual also involves pouring salt into the holes where the posts will be erected as protection from evil spirits. After the Bakag is finished, a tambala is then built in front of the house as part of the thanksgiving ritual called Kaha Ted Lape.

The Bale House of the Bagobo Tagabawa Tribe

Bagobo Tagabawa

The Bagobo Tagabawa tribe is one of the three subgroups of the Bagobo tribe that predominantly inhabits the vast  tracks of land extending from the west coast of Davao Gulf up to the fertile hills and valleys at the foot of Mount Apo. 

The traditional house of the Bagobo Tagabawa of Tibolo, Sta. Cruz, called Bale, is made mostly of bamboo. The walls and the distinctively steep roof are all made of sinasa na kawayan or flattened bamboo. The floor and eaves are made of linapakan or bamboo laths, while the posts and beams are made of round timber. Their houses are typically built on top of hills, and are scattered near the fields. 

A typical Bale has an attic called andana that serves as an exclusive room for the daughters of the owner. The main floor is an open, multipurpose area with no partitions. In one corner, a hole is bore primarily for easy escape in case of danger. Unlike most Lumads, the abuhan or hearth is located outside the main living area. 

The Bagobo Tagabawa believes that the best time to build a house is during full moon. However, use of a bent or curved wood is considered a taboo; believed to bring misfortune or illness to the occupants. 

The Gono Taug'na House of the T'boli Tribe

T’boli  

The T'boli tribe dwells on elevated terrains particularly around Lake Sebu, Lake Selutan, and Lake Lahit in South Cotabato in Southwestern Mindanao. The communities generally consist of several kin-oriented clusters with extended families common in households.

Their traditional house, called Gono, is built mostly of bamboo, cogon, and uway. The house is made of woven bamboo strips, elevated some three feet above ground, supported by bamboo poles, while the floor is made of bamboo lath. The roof is made of dried cogon grass intricately tied with bamboo laths. Uway, or rattan strips ties the components together. The size and complexity of the house is relative to the economic and social class of the dweller. The Datu, the head of the community, usually has the biggest Gono.

Typically, the house is spacious where a raised platform called hoyuw are built alongside the house’s flanks mainly for sitting and sleeping. On the other side is the kohu where food is prepared and cooked. The windows or beng tenbo are wide and provide adequate light and ventilation, and also serve as ledges or extensions to the house. Traditionally, one enters a Gono through a trapdoor, but commonly used is a simple flush door made of bamboo.

The Gumne House of the B'Laan Tribe

B'Laan

The B'Laan tribe dwells on the hills behind the western coast of Davao Gulf, extending up north to the Bagobo territory, and westward into the watersheds of Davao and Cotabato, including the cluster of Sarangani islands. Originally, the B'Laan were not highland dwellers. Their presence in the mountain is a result of later migration.

Their traditional house, called Gumne, is the traditional multilevel home of B'Laan family from Datal Tampal, Malungon in Sarangani. A typical Gumne consists of six to seven platforms, built on four to five different levels. The first platform is the ba del which serves as a vestibule where rice are pounded and leads to the next platform called the ganas - the dining and living areas. The ganas leads to two other platforms: the lower platform, which is of the same level as the ba del, is the abo where food is prepared and cooked; while the upper platform called the Iwang is where important guests and visitors are received. Adjacent to the Iwang are two higher platforms called the snefil or bedroom where important belongings are kept. Both Iwang and snefil have wide hopper windows called tanbih sulong, which also serves as balconies during day time. The last platform is called the fantas, an attic where young women of the house sleep and are kept before marriage.

The Gumne traditionally faces towards the east, as it is believed that the rising sun brings positive energy and good fortune to the household. Sugarcane stalks are tied on every front posts for  happiness and peace, while stones are placed in front of the house to signify solidarity.

The materials used in building the Gumne are relative to a family’s social status. Those belonging to the royal family use sinasa or flattened bamboo for their walls and roof, while those from the lower classes make use of wild sugarcane leaves. The latter usually transfer from one place to another in search of food and better living spaces. Because they often move out, the lower class B’Laans do not build permanent dwellings.

The Bal'lay House of the Mandaya Tribe

Mandaya

The Mandaya tribe dwells along the mountain ranges of Davao Oriental, occupying upstream areas in highly dispersed settlements where they practice slash and burn cultivation.

Their traditional house, called Bal'Lay, is rectangular in structure erected on stilts some five feet above ground and is usually occupied by two or three families. The walls are usually made of sayapo bar, securely tied in bamboo laths of uway or rattan strip in a zigzag pattern. The tips of the laths are carved with a distinct figure called the ligpit to prevent joints from slipping. Posts and beams are all made of round timber, while the floor is made of sinasana kawayan or flattened bamboo. The stairs, called nuknukan are made of round timber, carved with distinctive foothold, while the handrails, called kal’lubabay, are installed afterward. A Bal'Lay with a distinctive split bamboo roof is commonly called a lyupakan.

Aside from the foregoing indigenous structures and communities, Tribu K’Mindanawan also regularly features cultural performances highlighted with an amazing display of fireshow every weekend on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, from 5:45 PM to  6:30 PM. The show features the various traditional dances of Mindanao like Singkil, a famous Maranao dance.

Cultural Performances

A very spectacular Fire Show

To cap the day's events, guests and visitors to Tribu K’Mindanawan will surely enjoy and experience the richness of truly Mindanawan-inspired cuisines and delicacies only at the Kaonanan.

Kaonanan

How to get to Tribu K'Mindanawan

Tribu K'Mindanawan is located inside the Davao Riverfront Corporate City along Ma-a Diversion Highway in Davao City. It is about 15 minutes drive from downtown, and is easily accessible by all types of transportation.


For more information, please contact

Crocodile Park Complex, Riverfront Corporate City
Diversion Road Ma-a, Davao City 
Tels (082) 302 9923(082) 286 8883 
Mobile 0923 658 6041 
Please visit their Official Facebook Page

Images courtesy of Jay Escondo and Tribu K'Mindanawan

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Durian Pastillas of Davao

Durian Pastillas of Davao

Magnolia, the pioneering brand in Philippine ice cream since 1925, has recently launched its "Magnolia Ice Cream Best of the Philippines (BOTP) Collection" - a whole new collection of flavors showcasing the best of native delicacies in which the featured provinces are famous for, like the Macapuno Banana and Macapuno Langka of Laguna, Coffee Crumble and Tsokolate Tablea of Batangas, Mangoes and Cream of Guimaras, Ube Keso of Baguio's Good Shepherd, Caramel Cashew Fudge of Palawan, Pinipig Pandan of Pampanga, and of course the latest addition to the collection, the Durian Pastillas of Davao.
The collection is aimed at promoting the tourist spots and festivals of the different provinces in the country, in line with the Department of Tourism's (DOT) campaign, "It’s more fun in the Philippines!". The Best of the Philippines collection is available in 1.5 Liter tubs at Php 210. For more information and latest updates, please visit Magnolia's Facebook page.

Monday, October 29, 2012

Undas - All Saints' Day, The Filipino Way

Undas or All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day in the Philippines

Undas or All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day in the Philippines is one big happy occasion widely observed and celebrated by Filipinos to honor and commemorate their departed loved ones with fondness and love through prayers, and by offering flower wreaths or garlands and lighting candles at their graves. It is a special time of the year when families and relatives gather together in a sort of a family reunion in the cemeteries, memorial parks, and mausoleums. Bringing and sharing of foods and beverages in a pot luck, taking family photos, playing card games, singing, children making wax balls out of melted candles, exchanging ghost stories and reminiscing about the departed amid all the festive atmosphere are precious bonding moments that depict how tightly-knitted Filipino families are that even those that have long passed away are still much remembered and fondly cared for. Tombs are cleaned or repainted, candles are lit, and colorful bouquet of flowers are offered. Entire families even camp in cemeteries and sometimes spend overnight near their relatives' tombs.

Bouquet of flowers are offered to the dearly departed loved ones.

Historically, the tradition of celebrating All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day is said to have started in the 10th and 11th centuries and was based on the Catholic doctrine that prayers of the faithful help purify souls in purgatory. The Roman Catholic Church has specially set the day apart for the commemoration of the souls of the departed faithful. And while All Souls' Day falls on the 2nd of November, most Filipinos however celebrate the occasion as early as November 1, All Saints' Day, and are usually given as special non-working holidays (only November 1 is considered a regular holiday).

Undas is also an occasion to foster stronger family relations.

In the Philippines, Undas is the third most important holiday after Christmas and Holy Week. This old-aged tradition is based on the Filipinos' belief, particularly for Catholics and Christians who make up approximately 90% of the population: about 80% belong to the Roman Catholic Church while 10% belong to other Christian denominations, particularly the Catholics' belief in the "communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting . . ." as recited in the prayer of the Apostle's Creed. It is believed that, through constant prayers and offer of sacrifices, the sins committed by the departed faithfuls while on earth are cleansed and their souls purified, their sufferings and pains are alleviated, and their stay in purgatory is shortened. In return, the souls also help and pray for the living. Undas is the time to remember all the members of the Mystical Body of Christ, the Church Triumphant in Heaven (The Saints), the Church Militant on Earth (The Living) and the Church Suffering in Purgatory (Poor Souls). 


 This special post is dedicated to, and in loving memory of my Papang and Mamang

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Mamu's Resto Bar

Mamu's Resto Bar

Mamu's Resto Bar is a fine-dining restaurant that serves a wide selection of delectable Filipino and continental cuisines, and is widely known for its exclusive and highly personalized service, making every dining experience a moment of delight, be it with a someone special, with the family or business associates. It is Anisabel Suites' featured dining hall for its hotel guests and regular patrons in and around Davao City. 

The Restaurant's menu includes but not limited to Sandwiches, Soup, Starters or Pika-Pika, Salad and Vegetables, Children's Menu, Pasta, Seafood, Beef, Pork and Chicken, Desserts, Beverages, and a whole lot more.


Sparkling wines and spirits, liqueur, and cocktail drinks, or local and international beers are also served either chilled or dry, suited to every guest's mood. Their wine list includes Red and White wines, Champagnes, Vodkas, Brandy, Scotch, Bourbons, and party mixes.








The Restaurant is an ideal venue for social events and private parties, such as birthdays, anniversaries, reunions, baptisms, graduations, bridal showers, and wedding receptions, as well as business functions and civic events as meetings, conferences, seminars, training, workshops, product launching and presentations.

How to get to Mamu's Resto Bar

The Restaurant is located at the ground floor of Anisabel Suites along Dizon Road, in Bacaca, Davao City, adjacent to Rolling Hills and El Rio Subdivisions. It is centrally located, close to several business and commercial establishments, shopping malls, dining and entertainment areas, and is about 15 minutes drive from the Davao International Airport.

Location Map to Mamu's Resto Bar in Anisabel Suites

For more information, please contact

Anisabel Suites 
88 F. S. Dizon Road, Bacaca, Davao City 8000 Philippines
Tel +6382 225 8114 | Fax +6382 305 1612
Please visit their Facebook Page


Images courtesy of Anisabel Suites
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