By Hammy Keith Roa,
and Genia L. Sevilla
BSU Interns
MALAYBALAY City — The Kaamulan 2025 Street Dancing Festival burst into color and culture along Sayre Highway in Malaybalay City on April 12, drawing eager crowds as early as 4 am despite the event’s official start at 6 am.
The festival opened with a prayer and a vibrant fireworks display, energizing attendees who gathered to celebrate Bukidnon’s rich cultural heritage.
Four contingents — from Valencia, Malaybalay, Cabanglasan, and Libona — took part in the festivities.
Performances from Bukidnon’s seven indigenous tribes — Bukidnon, Higaonon, Manobo, Matigsalug, Talaandig, Tigwahanon, and Umayamnon — showcased traditional dances and rituals, offering spectators a glimpse into each tribe’s unique customs.
The highlight of the event, the street dancing and float parade, brought the crowd to life with colorful costumes, rhythmic drumbeats, and elaborate floats.
In the float competition, Libona emerged as champion, followed by Malaybalay as first runner-up, Valencia as second runner-up, and Cabanglasan as third runner-up.
Malaybalay clinched the top prize in the street dancing competition, with Valencia, Libona, and Cabanglasan taking first, second, and third runners-up, respectively.
The 2025 Kaamulan Ground Competition served as more than just a contest – it was a celebration of identity, unity, and the enduring spirit of indigenous communities in Bukidnon.