Kaamulan Grounds in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon

The Kaamulan Grounds is one of the Nature Parks in Bukidnon. It was made in commendation to the many tribes living in the region. These tribes are named Bukidnon, Higaonon, Talaandig, Manobo, Matigsalug, Tigwahanon and Umayamnon. A lot of these ethnicities are spread throughout the whole island of Mindanao are considered the “old Filipinos” in both culture and tradition which is why the Provincial Government showed appreciation to these tribes for their efforts to maintain their culture

During the Kaamulan festival held every 3^rd week of February up to March 10 (creation of Bukidnon as province; 1917) in the Philippines, these tribes dress in full regalia, showing their most distinctive assets based on their culture.

“Kaamulan” came from the tribal word “amul” which signifies “gathering or to gather”. It is during these gathering where the tribes people of Bukidnon celebrate something special, be it a ritual for becoming a Datu, a wedding ceremony, a festival of thanksgiving, during harvest season, a peace rite, or some/all of these put together. The Kaamulan is simply a gathering of smiles from all of the people who live in the region with authenticity.

Kaamulan Grounds

During the Kaamulan Festival, most of the activities are held in the Kaamulan Grounds. Garden Show, Food Fest, Kaamulan Bazaar, Agri-fair, and Livestock Show are some of the things experienced at the Kaamulan Nature Park. Some of the crowd-drawing events such as concerts, amateur boxing, etc are held in the park’s gymnasium. Ground activities such as ethnic sports and other modern sports such as wall climbing are also held here.

During normal days, it serves as a tourist attraction as well as exercise and relaxation area for individuals, lovers, and families. Noticeable are the different houses of the tribes that lived in the region. It is a life-size replica of the real house built by these people that make the Kaamulan Grounds as it is. The Provincial Tourism Office is located here. One can ask for more information about the different tourist attractions of the province here. The Provincial Indigenous Office where most of the tribes coordinate with the Provicial Government in terms of problems, business, harvest among many other concerns, is also located here. Very visible are the rows of tall trees as well as the pine trees that surround the Kaamulan Grounds, which makes it more refreshing to have a breath of fresh air when you are jogging around the park or just simply sight-seeing. The landscape design, with labels of the different tribes that live in Bukidnon is attractive enough to catch anyone’s attention. In some areas of the park, one can see the flowing waters of the river and a lot of people stay there during the day so they can hear both the flow of the water and the swish of the trees.

The Kaamulan Ground about a kilometer away from the main Provincial Grounds where most of Bukidnon’s Provincial Offices are situated. It is 5-10 minutes away from the city center and is accessible by private vehicles, multicab, motorella or solo motorcycles. When in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, don’t miss the Kaamulan Grounds and see the different wonders of our ancestors’ culture and tradition, which until now, lives.

Wall Climbing at Kaamulan Grounds

Tall Narra Trees at Kaamulan

Provincial Indigenous Office

My relatives at the side of the Small Bridge

Mark and Lisa at one of the Tribal Houses

Lisa, Lyxa and RR in front of the rest house

Be dressed like a tribe

Concrete Road before the main Park

Foot bridge

Kaamulan Gym

Indigenous House

Provincial Tourism Office of Bukidnon

About the author

Mark Anthony Maranga is an Educator-Parent to his 3 Homeschooling Kids. He sells Ice Cream and Balloons in Mandaue City, Cebu. Exploring the Philippines tourist attractions together with his family is his passion; they are learning without borders.