SANTILLANA, CRISTINE N.

BA COMMUNICATION 1A

Despite being forced to relocate to the hinter islands as a result of urbanization, the Mamanwas tribe
continues to maintain their rituals and traditions, one of which is the belief in "kahimunan," a tribal
festival marked by beautiful dancing and music. These people have been chanting and playing with tribal
instbonok-bonok instruments like the gimbar (drum), kalatong (gong), and katik since the beginning
(bamboo instrument). A baylan (priest) presided over the festival to pay homage to their God,
"MAGBABAYA," and ancestors for abundant harvests and good health. Wild chicken, pigs, and fruits
are served during this ancestral festival, which includes the performance of a dance called "BONOK-
BONOK," which is the basis of the modern-day event. Apart from dancing, singing and shouting are also
used to convey friendship and happiness. This famed Mardi Gras event, which is now conducted in honor
of the city's patron saint, includes traditional ethnic dance traditions and street gatherings. It takes about a
day to walk around the city's Provincial Sports Complex and witness the many dance groups perform.

There are numerous reasons to visit Surigao del Norte, including pristine white-sand beaches, virgin
islands, and incredible rock formations. Of course, Surigao City's annual celebration of abundant harvest,
good health, and peace is also well-known. Our City hosts the Bonok-Bonok Festival every year in honor
of Saint Nicholas of Tolentino. The celebration's highlights include local "Mardi Gras" - street dancing
and contingents' final presentations at the City's Grandstand. “Bonok-Bonok Maradjaw Karadjaw” means
“Rain Showers, All the very best!” The Festival is reflection of Surigaonons rich cultural heritage and strong faith in
God thru the intercession of our patron saint, Saint Nicholas de Tolentino.

I enjoy a day of festival highlights during our annual municipal fiesta celebration. This Bonok-Bonok
dance performance, which is performed by the natives for worship, gratitude, and wedding rituals, is the
main attraction. The event begins with the Bulawanon Barangay, where "Bulawanon" means
"beautification." A preliminary competition will be place between the 22 barangays of Surigao City and
the 9 coastal barangays before the Bonok-Bonok begins. Overall, the festival is preceded by a month of
pre-celebrations that liven up the homes of the Surigaonons.

Our street-dancing activities, including gigantic floats and innovative costumes, will be performed by
various private and government groups while chanting "Viva Seor San Nicolas!" Maradjao Karajao, viva!
” Another attraction for our visitors is seeing members of the Mamanwas, one of the country's most
colorful tribes, populating the streets. These folks, who are known for their indigenous craft, artistic
designs, and brass jewelry, make up a large portion of the crowd dancing the Bonok-Bonok Maradjao
Karadjao. Aside from the dancing and colors on the streets, Panhutungan, Placer, has a significant
collection of antique archaeological digs, including burial coffins, jars, and old Chinese cooking
equipment. All of these items are on display in the Surigaonon Heritage Mini-Museum on the Boulevard.