Wao Wows!

By AYO GRANDE GUNTING

March 9, 2011, 2:43pm

Revelry and colors

MANILA, Philippines – It was mesmerizing the way indigenous materials were put together; the way shadows of the colors of brown, green with shades of orange yellow and blue buntings were fluttering above the huge quadrangle of the new municipal building of Wao, a progressive town in the province of Lanao del Sur 40 kilometers from Marawi City.

The 13th Karilaya festival breathed life into the elements of the verdant rice field, the maya birds, the farmer and his wife with their children tilling the land in thanksgiving. They were woven together to form a bigger scenario of the rich culture and history of the municipality of Wao. The festival whose roots are traced back to pre-Hispanic times, has reaped praises and has been likened to the Sinulog of Cebu or Davao’s Kadayawan.

“In the past, Wao has always been known as the corn granary of Lanao del Sur,” according to Governor Bombit Alonto Adiong Jr. “The town’s vast plains have seen glorious days of prolific corn harvests. Today, Wao is known as an agricultural municipality of vast agricultural land and is best suited for almost all kinds of agricultural/commercial crops while its timberlands are still replete with forest resources,” added Mayor Elvino Balicao Jr. Almost 90 percent of the town’s population is engaged in agricultural activities.

Celebrating their bountiful harvest had always been the norm for farmers for several decades now.  The elders of the town believe that there were three versions as to how the town derived its name. Legends have it that a Bai Sa Raya, a beautiful Muslim princess from a kingdom in Cotawato (now Cotabato) in the island of Mindanao visited the place now called “Wao.” It was a coincidence that during her visit, there was a severe drought in the area and she heard the incessant calls of the residents for “Kawaw” or “Uhaw” meaning,  I am thirsty.

Another version comes from the arrival of early Christian farmer-settlers in Wao in 1954 were there used to be a creek called “Wao” within barangay Eastern Wao. A Church minister of the Seventh Day Adventist said that a creek runs from the present Wao Central Market down to the farm lot of Felipe Daguino, a longtime resident and now a respectable Sultan, who corroborated the name of the creek.  Thus, the birth of the Wao. The third version may have been derived from the Maranaw word “Liawao,” meaning a place located above. The present poblacion that bears the same name of the municipality used to be a Muslim community during the pre-settlement days.  Among the Muslim communities in the locality, Wao happens to be located in a place above the other nearby communities existing  in those days like the place called baryo (now a Muslim village). From a simple inference and based on historical facts, the place may have been derived from the world “Liawao”

If you started long enough to feel the rhythm and the beat of the Karilaya festival, you’ll find out at some point that you have imbibed the rhythm within you and were now heady with playful excitement. Down Aguinaldo Road, teenagers from the various barangays, in creative costumes from various, schools and organizations participated in non-stop artistically choreographed movements of street dancing. Tong-tong-tong-tong, went each respective official drum beat. Contingent after well-prepared contingent wowed one and all. It was a thrilling whirl and swirl of colors and choreography, motion and commotion.

One contingent from the Ilocos region had a barrio fiesta motif, complete with Bahay Kubo and baskets full of farmer’s harvest. Other contingents shared an ethnic frame of mind, bamboo poles in frenetic movements and forming fragile human pyramids in the middle of the quadrangle. The Batanes contingent came as fierce warriors with their swords and colorful costumes.

But the contingent that was most indigenously made and garbed with natural farm field colors and fabric was of course the one that came from the Bicol Region, eschewing colorful accouterments. Their dancing was crisp and unpredictable, sharp and very techno, very now. Just look at the dance. “Look at how we celebrate” was how the participants must have felt — with all that  body and soul – and make merry and give thanks for life’s entire blessing of a bountiful harvest.

Aside from the Kaliraya festival, the town also had a variety of competitions, games, cultural and entertainment shows, basketball competition and even a beauty pageant.

Conveniently, the festival highlights the celebration of the town’s annual bountiful harvest and discovery. The simultaneous events and activities which always make the people giddy with excitement, stresses the pulsating festival mood with numerous activities from each district of the community.

Aside from the festival, the town of Wao is also known for a delicacy made of glutinous rice. This is a wholesome snack or dessert which comes in a handy pack perfect for pasalubongs.

While going around the municipality, one can’t help but notice the mayor’s flagship livelihood initiatives which have become tourist attractions. One of this is eco-tourism. Mayor Balicao sees this initiative as the city’s contribution to the prevention of the worsening global warming phenomenon happening around the world.

For several years now, the Karilaya festival has drawn mixed crowds of local and growing foreign tourists. Guests from neighboring towns, cities, provinces and neighboring islands, have come in droves to witness the street dancing spectacle and field presentation. Beyond doubt, the revelry of colors and showcase of costumes have become an integral part of  Wao’s psyche.

Source: Manila Bulletin