TAGUM: The City of Festivals

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

January 12, 2011, 12:11pm

Barangay Musikahan (Photo courtesy of the Tagum Information Office)

Tagum, only an hour travel from Davao City, is endowed with awe-inspiring come-ons: The mesmerizing Mount Apo, the endangered Philippine Eagle, and the endearing waling-waling.  The fine beaches of Island Garden City of Samal are just a few minutes away by boat. Tagum City has no natural attraction to speak of – except for the short beach line blessed with black sands.

“Yes, we are aware of those shortcomings,” admits Rey T. Uy, the workaholic mayor of Tagum City.  Now on his third term, he has brought Tagum into what it is now: the economic hub of Davao del Norte.  In fact, Tagum has been singled out as one of the 20 “most viable and most competitive business sites” in the country based on a study conducted by the Asian Institute of Management.

Without natural attractions, the city government – with support from other organizations and religious institutions – launched nine festivals and five city events.  “Anytime of the year, people can come to our city and enjoy the festivities and celebrations,” Mayor Uy points out.

This year, the biggest event happens on February 12-19.  Tagum is hosting the Third International Rondalla Festival – after Naga City hosted it in 2004 and Dumaguete City in 2007.  Aside from the Philippines, performers from China, India, Indonesia, Iran, Mexico, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Russia will showcase their plucked string ensemble during the festival.

The Philippine participants are Andres Bonifacio Elementary School Alumni Rondalla and Philippine Normal University Rondalla, both  from Manila, Cainta Rondalla Ensemble of Rizal, Celso Espejo Rondalla of Las Piñas City, Dipolog City Community Rondalla, Kabataang Silay Rondalla Ensemble, Quezon Rondalla, RTU Tunog Rizalia Rondalla of Mandaluyong City, The Sisters of Mary School Boystown Rondalla of Cavite, University of the Philippines Rondalla of Quezon City, University of Southeastern Philippines Rondalla of Davao City, and Tagum City National Comprehensive High School Rondalla.

After the rondalla event is the Musikahan Festival on February 21-27. It is a distinct cultural event that celebrates the Filipino excellence in music compositions, performance, and production.  “We want to provide the youth with more opportunities to excel in the music industry,” explains Cromwell Bonghanoy, the city information officer.

The merry month of May has two big events: Summer Sports and Flores de Tagumeño Festivals.  The former is a celebration of sportsmanship and camaraderie through simultaneous tournaments of different sports events while the latter revives the Roman Catholic traditions of fiestas introduced during the Spanish era.

On the third week of July, streets of Tagum come alive with the observance of Binuhat Festival.  This is an advocacy celebration recognizing the rights and social contribution of the gay community in different fields of endeavors – from technical aspects to business and academe, from creative to performing arts.

Durian Festival is celebrated either during the month of August or September (depending on which month the controversial fruit is in season).  This is a month-long celebration showcasing the delectable durian produced by beneficiaries of the government-initiated plant now pay later program and other durian growers of the city.  One of the highlights is the interschool and professional culinary competitions that feature durian as the main ingredient – from cakes, pastries, and bread to coffee, cocktails and mocktails.

On October 10, Tagum celebrates Kaimonan Festival, a cultural event of indigenous people where different tribal songs, dances and music rituals are performed for the glory of God (Magbabaya) as a way of thanksgiving and merrymaking of God’s generosity.  Also observed during the occasion is the Panagsawitan, a traditional way of converging and sharing of blessings among members of the different tribes and an avenue of rekindling the culture, norms and traditions of tipanod (original settlers) of Tagum City.

On the last week of October is the Pakaradjan Festival, a special gathering of dominant Muslim tribes in the city, particularly K’gans (the original settlers), Maranaos, Maguindanaos, Iranons, and Tausogs.

The Food Festival, celebrated on the second week of November is an extravaganza feast of food offered by various restaurants, hotels and catering companies and showcasing their crafts and expertise in food preparation and hospitality management.

Celebrated on the second week of the month is the Indayog Festival.

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