May 6, 2013

Accommodating your Teens on the Next Ski Holiday

It’s never easy going on holiday with hormonal teens. Whether you think they’ll love the break or not, they’re bound to want to spend more time on their own rather than losing their street cred hanging about with their parents. We’ve all been there – we know that as a teenager, a holiday is awesome but a little bit of “me time” wouldn’t go amiss.

The same applies to ski holidays. Despite the fact that parents are super cool if they love the thrills of skiing, a teen will still hope that their style doesn’t get cramped. While Austrian ski holidays are an incredible option for a winter break, making sure that there’s enough for your teens to do to keep them happy will mean the difference between happy faces and adolescent strops. Luckily, whether you choose to ski Austria or beyond, there are plenty of ideas for you to consider.

First of all, research the various resorts so that you book one that suits them as well as you. Resorts that may have been perfect in previous years may not be nowadays, so adapt to suit. Keep an eye out for off-piste and après ski activities – a cinema, teen-friendly bars, tubing or a bowling alley, for example.

Choose a ‘trendy’ resort that they will be all too happy to brag about to their mates – one where other teens are likely to be who they can hang out with, without their ‘uncool’ parents. Pedestrianised resort centres are ideal for this, because you won’t have to worry too much about where they are or how they’re going to get back.

Let them choose their own ski gear. While younger kids wouldn’t care what they’re dressed in, teens do. Introduce them to the cooler brands like Roxy and O’Neill – you can pick up some great bargains in the end-of-season sales so you won’t have to spend over the odds.

Make sure you look for snow parks too – whether your kids are boarders or skiers, snow parks are a fantastic way to keep them out of mischief, in the vicinity of like-minded teens.

Most of all, don’t stress too much! The more laidback you are, the more your sulky teen will be inclined to spend time with you!

Posted in Guest Posts
Tagged Austrian ski holidays, holiday, ski, Ski Holiday, Teens, travel
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April 16, 2013

Holidays in Magaluf: Epic Events and Daytime Debauchery

A few things spring to mind when the phrase ‘holidays in Magaluf’ is muttered; neon nights, plenty of unapologetic party rocking, and some seriously shameful shenanigans – that’s just how things go down in the party capital of the Balearics.

It goes without saying that when you’ve saved up your spends for a wicked week in the sun, you’re eager as beaver to get to sunnier climes and get the carnage started. Just over an hour away from the UK, you’ll be in Magaluf faster than it took for Cheryl Cole’s Stateside dreams to die.

You need to know it’s gonna be worth it, and booking with a clubbing holiday company gives you the best bet at a barmy break abroad. Get your mates round and look at Club 18-30 Holidays in Magaluf (http://www.club18-30.com/magaluf-mallorca). As well as expert advice on the area, you’re in for some real perks with your package, from clubbing wristbands, free entry, cheap drinks and tons of epic events.

There’s a ton to do in the day in Magaluf. Luckily, the resort and its neighbour, Palma Nova, cater for all kinds of capers, and have a waterpark, aquarium and off-road rallying excursions. As if that wasn’t enough, blue flag beaches, watersports, and the Red Lion Boat Party (a la The Inbetweeners Movie) should be enough to keep your daytime debauchery on top form.

Although don’t be distracted, spend your days chillaxing, and get ready for some serious sessions once the sun falls. Mallorca Rocks, School Discos, Silent Arenas, Paint Glow Parties and the infamous Pirates Reloaded are on hand to challenge even the most daring of diehard disco freaks.

All that, and then BCM – you know you have to. A Club 18-30 package will get you free entry into a handful of clubs, as well as the option of upgrading to a free bar package from midnight onwards.

#Magaluf2013 Oh yes, my friends.

Posted in Guest Posts, Travel
Tagged holidays, holidays in Magaluf, Magaluf
2 Comments

March 21, 2013

Great Deals on Gorgeous Getaways

If you’re planning to go away this year but you’re hoping to get a little help with the cost, you’re in luck. Thanks to the booming package holiday market, which is home to a rich variety of holidays covering virtually every type of getaway imaginable, you’re never too far from a great deal or a money-saving discount to help make your getaway that little bit easier.

Let’s say you’ve got exotic getaways on the agenda, and you’re hoping to find Goa holidays this year. It’s certainly not the cheapest location to get to, and you won’t find anything quite as cheap as a weekend in Benidorm – but you can still enjoy a good discount by taking some time to carry out your holiday search. Firstly, look for late deals. Usually, when you look for holidays departing within the next few weeks, you’ll find that the prices have been reduced to try and sell off those last few packages. This is a great time to look for bargains and, although availability is limited, providing you’re as flexible as possible with your search criteria you can snap up some wonderful savings.

Ideally, look for holidays that depart within school term time. This won’t work well for those looking for family holiday deals, but for other types of holidays, travelling outside of the school holidays can significantly reduce the cost of your getaway.

Another great way to secure a discount is to look for early bird deals. When you book well in advance, such as a year or more before your chosen departure date, you will often be privy to some great early bird discounts advertised by various tour operators. What’s more, by booking in advance you will have longer to pay off the cost of the holiday – plus you’ll have more time to save some spending money, meaning you’ve got more to play with once you get there.

Posted in Guest Posts, Travel
Tagged family holiday deals, getaway deal, getaway package, goa, holiday, holiday deal, holiday package, tours, travel tours
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March 20, 2013

Amyek Maleh 2013: Mt Matutum Climb

“You never climb the same mountain twice, not even in memory. Memory rebuilds the mountain, changes the weather, retells the jokes, remakes all the moves.”

— Lito Tejada-Flores

Yes. I know I’ve been there before during my high school years because of a scouting encampment.

But after almost 10 years, I found myself again about to set on a journey to a mountain that they say had one of the most challenging trails in the Philippines (even MORE DIFFICULT than Mt Pulag and even Mt Apo) – none other than the MT. MATUTUM.

About Mt Matutum

Rising to 2293 meters (7522 feet) above sea level, Mount Matutum prominently resides at the southern end of The Philippines southernmost province of Mindanao. Although only 70 km SSW of the country’s highest peak Mount Apo, this isolated dormant volcano dominates the landscape from all 360 degrees.

Thanks to the Amyek Maleh 2013 celebration I was given another opportunity to have my body endure another adventure to conquer this known landmark in South Cotabato.

What is Amyak Maleh?

The name Mount Matutum is derived from the local Blaa’n tongue “Amyak Maleh” meaning climb and plant. Indeed, all trekkers are required to plant a tree while visiting the Mountain.

The Mountain and its surrounding landscape are protected through a Presidential Proclamation issued March 25, 1995 by President Fidel Ramos.

Amyak Maleh is being conducted each year as one of the events that formed part of the weeklong celebration of the declaration of Mt. Matutum as “protected landscape”, or the Linggo ng Mt. Matutum.

Amyak Maleh 2013

Hundreds of mountaineers coming from all over Mindanao flock to the municipality of Tupi, South Cotabato to join this year’s Amyak Maleh.

March 22, 2013 – the day started early with the registration of the participants.

After which, a brief orientation had been given and all mountaineers are transported to the jump off point in Glandan, Brgy, Kablon, Tupi, South Cotabato.

Amyak Maleh Itinerary

Here’s the detailed itinerary for the climb.

Day 1 (March 22, 2013)

4:00 AM Wake up
6:00 AM Registration, Orientation and take service to Sitio Glandang
8:00 AM ETA Glandang
8:00-9:30AM Tree Planting
9:30 AM Start assault to Phase I
12:00 NN ETA Phase I
1:00 PM Ascent to Summit
4:00 PM ETA Mt. Matutum Summit and start pitch tent and sightseeing / picture taking
6:00 PM Dinner and Inato Social
11:00 PM Lights off

Day 2 (March 23, 2013)

5:00 AM Wake up
7:00 AM Breakfast / Sightseeing/ picture taking
8:30 AM break the camp and descent preparation
9:00 AM start descent to Phase I
12:00 NN ETA Phase I (Lunch)
1:00 PM descent to Sitio Glandang
4:00 PM ETA Sitio Glandang
4:00 PM Take service to Municipal Hall
6:00 PM Mountaineers Night (Free Dinner)

Registration Fee: 300.00
Inclusive: Souvenir T-shirt, Certificate, I.D., 1 Meal during Socials and Transportation from Mun. Hall to Sitio Glandang

Amyak Maleh Tree Planting

The climb started with a tree planting activity on the foot of Mt Matutum in Glandang.

“My heart is glad, my heart is high
With sudden ecstasy;
I have given back, before I die,
Some thanks for every lovely tree
That dead men grew for me.”
V.H. Friedlaender

The Journey to Mt Matutum

After the tree planting, it is now time to start the battle.

The climb almost lasted for 6 hours, 3 hours towards Phase 1 and another 3 hours to the Summit.

Your first stop will be in this marker, here you will get to refill your bottles for water from a free flowing spring. The next water source will still be at the peak

6 long hours of dodging from twigs, ducking low, crawling in between trees, holding branches tight, and sometimes slipping on slippery rocks. We even met a cobra along the way! Yikes!

The trail, especially after Phase 1 was REALLY STEEP.

There are even moments when you are in the middle of your trek, when you get to stop, pause, and ask yourself,

“Why ? Why, why, why do I do this ???

Arrival at Phase 1

Arrival at Phase 1

But as they say ‘That which does not kill you will make you stronger.’ Hopefully this will. Haha!

And yes, I am a living witness to the statement that

the trail to Mt Matutum is indeed MORE DIFFICULT THAN MT. APO or MT PULAG

“To put yourself into a situation where a mistake cannot necessarily be recouped, where the life you lose may be your own, clears the head wonderfully. It puts domestic problems back into proportion and adds an element of seriousness to your drab, routine life. Perhaps this is one reason why climbing has become increasingly hard as society has become increasingly, disproportionately, coddling.”
— A. Alvarez, The Games Climbers Play.

Arrival at the Summit

But as they say, once you get to the peak, it’s all worth it!

Afternoon clouds that met us upon arrival

“The bizarre trend in mountaineers is not the risk they take, but the large degree to which they value life. They are not crazy because they don’t dare, they’re crazy because they do. These people tend to enjoy life to the fullest, laugh the hardest, travel the most, and work the least.”
— Lisa Morgan

It’s Not Too Late To Live

What’s even more amazing is that during our trek to Mt Matutum, a couple age 57 and 59 years old came with the group and successfully conquered the mountain up to the summit!

When asked what their reason for climbing is, they only said, ‘Better do it now before it’s too late.”

Inspiring indeed. It reminds us all that it’s never too old or too late to have an adventure and live.

Mt Matutum Flora and Fauna

Just living is not enough. One must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower. -Hans Christian Andersen

Does they look something similar? Clue: Zombies love them!!

More Summit Photo Moments

Mt Matutum Marker

Pitching tents and the freezing atmosphere!

The Descent

But of course, you cant’ just stay on the summit.

What’s even more arduous is the descent, especially that it rained the night before. Scary slippery!

“Getting to the top is optional. Getting down is mandatory.”
— Ed Viesturs

“If adventure has a final and all-embracing motive, it is surely this: we go out because it is our nature to go out, to climb mountains, and to paddle rivers, to fly to the planets and plunge into the depths of the oceans… When man ceases to do these things, he is no longer man.”
— Wilfrid Noyce

Posted in GenSan, Koronadal City, South Cotabato, Travel, Tupi
Tagged amyak maleh, amyak maleh 2013, climbing mountain, gensan hiking, hiking tupi, matutum, mount matutum, Mountain Climbing, Mountain Climbing Philippines, mountaineering, mt matutum, philippines hiking, south cotabato mountain, tree planting, where to climb in philippines
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March 15, 2013

Sarangani Bay Fest 2013 : The Biggest Beach Festival in Mindanao

It’s summertime once again and yes, it’s time to head to the beach – and party all day long!

But what if you have a chance to go to this year’s BIGGEST BEACH FESTIVAL IN MINDANAO?! Would you dare miss it?

I’m sure you won’t.

So why wait any longer? Come and save these dates for the Sarangani Bay Festival 2013 in the white sands of Gumasa Beach shore in Glan, Sarangani Province.

Sarangani Bay Fest 2013 Schedule

Stay tune here for more updates on the event and schedule of activities. Or you may head on to the Facebook Page of Sarangani Bay Fest!

See you!

Posted in GenSan, Sarangani, Travel
Tagged beach party, gumasa, gumasa glan, gumasa glan party, gumasa party, mindanao beach party, sarangani, sarangani bay, sarangani bay fest, sarangani bay festival, sarangani bay festival 2013, sarangani bay festival schedule, sarbay, sarbayfest, sarbayfest 2013, summer party 2013, when is sarangani bay festival
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March 12, 2013

Lake Holon Outlet Adventure 2013: Trekking the Philippines’ Cleanest Lake

A lake is the landscape’s most beautiful and expressive feature. It is earth’s eye; looking into which the beholder measures the depth of his own nature.

~Henry David Thoreau

A few days ago I’ve written about an invite to climb and see the Philippines’ Cleanest Lake (read more here), and now I’m back again with aching muscles and an unforgettable experience to chronicle about our 2 day journey to Lake Holon.

Registration and Orientation

The journey started with the usual registration of participants and a briefing and orientation from T’boli MENRO.

Adventure ID

Lake Holon Orientation

From there we proceeded to start our adventure – aboard the municipal dam truck, we’re on for one of the greatest ride of our lives!

Dump Truck Ride

So brace yourself and here we go! A ride that will surely make you move left, right, down, and avoiding plants and shrubs from hitting you!

Start of the Trek

At around 10am, the trek started with quite an easy trail, mostly uphill, passing by communities along the way.

Not far you’ll also pass by a water source for you to refill some of your water containers.

Grow a Tree with Takladtamig

The Lake Holon experience was made even more memorable because of the unique mountaineering experience brought by Takladtamig’s tree planting activity.

Takladtamig is founded by the group called the Friends of Holon and Melibingoy (FHM), a group of independent and solo mountaineers from South Cotabato, South Central Mindanao, Philippines, to organize Takladtamig and to give life to the intention of making Lake Holon and Mt. Melibingoy known as a prime trekking destination while promoting its conservation and reaching out to the communities.

In every Takladtamig climb, the group aims to meet these three goals:

Takladtamig Grow a Tree

Grow a Tree
Lend a Hand
Be Amazed

Continuing with the Adventure

After the activity and some moments of rest, we’re off to continue the journey again.

Not far you’ll be amazed with this stunning overlooking view of the river below while standing on a cliff.

Scary for those with fear of heights, but a rewarding experience for adventurers alike.

The Treacherous Trail in Muddy Grounds

After another trek pause and a light quick lunch, we’re off to continue our path. This time the trail become more challenging – steeper enabling you to at times to lie, crawl and hold tight for you not to slip.

And to make the adventure even more treacherous, the rain poured its hardest, but the trek must continue coz it’s also starting to get dark.

The Rainbow after the Rain : Arrival at Lake Holon

But as they say, there’s always a rainbow after the rain. This time though there were no literal rainbows, but the majestic view of Lake Holon that awaits you upon arrival is surely a reward worth all the hard work.

Morning View of Lake Holon

The scenic view was even made more pronounced when the sun came rising the following day.

Sparkling clean water (that you could even drink just make sure you’ll get it near the mid part of the lake), luscious green, and a cool and humid atmosphere – indeed a perfect getaway to calm one’s soul and mind after a week long of work.

Lake Holon Outlet

Friends of Holon

I’m sure you could see from the photos the peacefulness they exude. If only it would be easier to get back here, I surely would every once in a while. Maybe someday if they devised a zipline from the ground up here. Hahaha!

Lake Holon Flora and Fauna

Apart from the majestic lake, you’ll also see these various flora and fauna native here in Lake Holon.

Lake Holon Centipede – You’ll see a lot of creatures like this in the area!

Wild berries

The Trek Home

The whole trail runs for a total of 7 kilometers.

And on the way home, we thought we’d all be dry but the weather prove us otherwise again.

Lucky this time we’re with our rain coats!

Celebrating the Mountaineer’s Night

And to end the adventure, a mountaineer’s night awaits.

Here climbers from around South Cotabato got to know each other more, with a message from Sir Doms, certificate giving, lovely tshirts, and of course the most awaited foooooddd (that really goes appreciated when you’ve been from the mountains). Haha!

Lake Holon Outlet Adventure 2013 Participants

Until next time Lake Holon! Thanks for another adventure!

March 8, 2013

Travel Tip: How to Create Your Own Portable Travel Wi-Fi?

Ever want to travel with a portable wifi and be connected with your online community anywhere you go?

For a traveler, a blogger, and an online freelancer like me this has always been not just a want, but a need. I’m sure you could relate with me.

Wanted Wi-Fi Story

Waiting in the departure area of an airport, doing absolutely nothing, so you decided to grab your mobile phone, look for available wifi networks in the area – then you found a lot, wow!

But as you try to connect, all of them turned out to be password protected! uh oh..

Fret not for you still have that option of going into a ‘Wifi Café’ and order a cup of coffee to grab that needed password –

But then you realize you don’t have enough money, the remainder of your allowance went to the ever expensive 200php terminal fee – ouch!

But knowing that you don’t give up easily, you think of another approach – ahah! Why not just use my mobile data to get connected to the internet!?

So you tried registering for a 1 day unlimited internet or a similar one – but found out that you ran out of cellular load!

Bang! It’s the end .. you start to hope and envy those rich kids around you with postpaid internet mobile plans, or those men and women in suits in coffee shops tinkering their laptops..

Oh well, let me end this kind of situation for you. Next time you travel, why not try my portable wifi way

How Do I Travel and Be Online All the Time?

I do not have any existing mobile plans. Just a regular prepaid user who’s subscribing to a regular unlimited call and text promo.

But of course as needed in my work, I prefer my internet connection to be a mobile broadband rather than an internet line connected to a router in our house.

Mobile broadband allows me to travel more and be online anywhere. But how knowing that a broadband stick is not wifi?

How to Make your Broadband Stick Wifi?

Did you know that you could actually make your broadband internet stick wifi? Just buy one of these Huawei Pocket Wi-Fi..

For me I use a Huawei E355… bought from an online shop.

My Portable Travel Wifi

This gadget can be use as USB Broadband Stick and/or a wifi router to broadcast your 3G / 4G internet using only one sim card.

What I do is I transfer here my broadband internet sim and vwalah! be instantly connected! You could also put regular sim cards registered in internet promos!

This wifi stick however needs to be powered via a usb port – you could plug it into your laptop (but of course this necessitates that you go around traveling with your laptop just for the stick to work? no way – that’s no longer ‘portable’) so what I do is this..

Power Your Wi-Fi Stick with a Power Bank

Now that you already have a wifi stick as small as that, you now need something to power it – with this I use a Power Bank.

My brand new Yoobao 13,000 mAH powerbank to replace a cheap one that I have before

A Power Bank is a device that once charged, could power mobile phones, tablets, ipads, digital cameras (connected with usb cables) and yes, usb wi-fi sticks!

Here’s the set up that I do –

The Wi-Fi Stick and Powerbank set up I carry with me (with my old powerbank)

Then as simple as this, just plug it in, and you’re already connected to the online world!

No need for router set ups, expensive mobile internet plans, coffee shop purchases, and more password seeking for available wifi efforts!

So next time you travel, carry a Wi-Fi anywhere! Have that portable pocket Wi-Fi stick with you!

Posted in Laugh, Live, Travel
Tagged broadband internet, carry wifi anywhere, mobile wireless, pocket wifi, portable router, portable wifi, power bank usb wifi, travel router, travel wifi, travel with a wifi, wifi powerbank
10 Comments

March 7, 2013

A Guide to Cruise Ship Categories

With several categories of cruise, and, of course, a little overlap, it can sometimes cause bewilderment when looking into the cruising options that could fit into your budget. Whether you’re hoping to find a Royal Caribbean cruise that will appeal to all the family aboard the Radiance of the Seas or one of the 14-night luxury cruises on deck Silversea line, understanding the difference between cruise options is the first step towards choosing the ideal line for your needs.

With mega-ships such as the Royal Caribbean line, including the Oasis of the Seas that holds over 3000 passengers and smaller ships to suit a niche luxury market, there’s something for everybody wishing to sail the ocean.

The gargantuan mega-ships are usually considered the mainstream, basic liners, although as far as terminology goes, they are far from basic. The facilities are extensive, with plenty to keep you busy during the seafaring days, while the informal atmosphere will ensure that you can feel right at home. The cabins are usually on the space-saving side, although you can opt for more luxury berths as upgrades if you wish. Food and service is basic and the atmosphere is more fun-filled than glamorously refined.

Premium ships, such as the Celebrity lines, offer much of what the mainstream liners provide, but with a little refinement. Their ships tend to be slightly smaller, with a little more care and exclusivity added to the service. You can expect larger rooms and consistently good service, too.

Luxury lines such as Silversea and Regent Seven Seas have all-inclusive offers, including shore excursions and pre-cruise hotels, making this luxury option better than ever, excelling in areas such as service, gourmet food provision and high-end amenities. If you have the spare cash to reflect the naturally hefty price tag, a luxury cruise will ensure that you experience nothing less than an incredibly elegant stay.

Whether its 7-night basic sails or 14-night luxury cruises you are looking for, there will be a cruise to suit you. Research your options for a memorable trip.

Posted in Guest Posts
Tagged caribbean royal, cruise, cruise line, Cruise Ship, Cruise Ship guide, cruise ships, Royal Caribbean, Royal Caribbean cruise, the royal caribbean
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AdventuRoj Wins Best Upcoming/Newcomer Blog in the Philippines

Almost a month ago, we were surprised to know that The Adventures of Adventuroj is nominated as Skyscanner’s Best Newcomer Blog (read the full article here).

With crossed fingers we dared to venture for the competition.. then now, the results are out..

Here’s something from Skyscanner Philippines Official Announcement of Winners Statement:

The votes are finally in! We reveal the five Philippine winners of

Skyscanner’s first travel blog awards.

The Travel Bloscars 2013 are Skyscanner’s first travel blog awards, recognizing the excellent work of travel bloggers on informing and inspiring travellers by sharing their adventures and travel experiences, and honoring the very best of the travel blogosphere.

Here at Skyscanner, we spent countless hours reading travel blogs. It was a tough job. The standard of travel blogging is very high and there are many, many travel bloggers out there who deserve recognition, but eventually we narrowed down the field to five nominees in four categories.

Then it was down to YOU, the people, to decide which Bloscar nominee should be chosen as the “Best” Travel Blogger from the Philippines in each category. Thank you to everyone who voted.

And the winners are (drum roll please!):

Travel Blog Oscars Best Upcoming/Newcomer Blog: Adventuroj!

Best male travel blogger: Edcel Suyo (soloflighted.com)

Best female travel blogger: Gay Emami (pinaytraveljunkie.com)

Best travel photography blog: Langyaw (langyaw.com)

Best newcomer travel blog: The Adventures of Adventuroj! (adventuroj.com) —- smiles —-

Users’ choice: Lakwatsero (lakwatsero.com)

Congratulations to all our winners. Each winning blogger receives a Kindle Fire HD.

Our five (Philippine) winners go into the grand finale, competing against the winners from across the world to determine the Best International Travel Bloggers of the Year!

The winners of each category, chosen by Skyscanner’s International judging panel, will receive Php30,000 worth of flights.

The winners will be announced on the 4th March…

Source: Sky Scanner Philippines (Click here for the full info)

Congratulations Adventuroj and to all of us!

My utmost gratitude for everyone! We’re all in this journey together! Maraming maraming salamat po!

March 1, 2013

Kalilangan Festival 2013: Kadsagayan Street Dancing Competition

The season of festivals in the Philippines isn’t over yet as the City of Generals celebrate Kalilangan Festival 2013!

Kalilangan is the city’s carrier event for its Foundation Anniversary celebration showcasing the city’s history, artistry, cultural heritage and tourism potentials.

Kalilangan Festival: National Best Tourism Event 2011 & 2012

In October last year, General Santos City’s Kalilangan Festival was declared Best Tourism Event in Culture and Arts Category. This was the second time the event bagged the same award following the preceding year.

Queue of Photographers Capturing the Event

No wonder thousands of tourists flock to watch this most anticipated festivity in the tuna capital of the Philippines – General Santos City.

Kadsagayan Street Dancing Competition

The main streets of Heneral Santos are once again flooded with people, colors and festive dancers on the afternoon of February 27, 2013.

Adventuroj along with my buddies joined in the merriment with our SLRs on hand in capturing memories of this once in a lifetime event.

A little something about Kalilangan

Kalilangan is derived from the rootword “Kalilang” which typically means celebration or commemoration in the Maguindanaon dialect.

In a broader perspective, kalilang projects a positive and dynamic meaning for it engulfs the artistic, humane and altruistic aspects of social interaction that takes place in any occasion or celebration.

Kalilangan means festival, feastivity or jubilee. It is a social gathering marked by exchanging of amenities among traditional leaders, elders, allies and subordinates in varying tones.

It is also a pageantry of unique and colorful ethnic rites, rituals and traditions like marriage celebrations, religious ceremonies, anniversaries, funerals, enthronement of royal dignitaries, thanksgiving and other social forms of social, political and economic activities.

Kalilangan Festival 2013 Photos

“Kadsagayan” or the glamorous street dance parade portrays the traditional tri-people’s dances.

This year 6 participants compete for the crown. Here they are:

May your eyes enjoy the feast and parade of photos and color!

Participant No 1

Participant No 2: Sambulayang Cultural Dance Troupe of Sultan Kudarat

Participant No 3: Pedro Acharon Sr. Central Elementary School

Participant No 4: Binandisan Performing Arts Group from Maguindanao

Participant No 5: Indak Kabataan Performing Arts

Participant No 6

Now who do you think will win?

Kalilangan Festival 2013 Winners

Kadsagayan 2013 Champion

Binandisan Performing Arts Group from Buluan, Maguindanao was declared overall champion in the Kadsagayan Streetdance competition 2013 at the Oval Plaza Wednesday, February 27. The group bagged P150,000 cash, a trophy and certificate of participation.

Perfectly depicting the theme: “Tri-People in Unity, Excellence in Harmony.” among the Indigenous Peoples (IPs), Muslims and the Christian populations

Kadsagayan 2013 1st Runner-up

Contingents from Pedro Acharon Elementary School was declared 1st Runner-up. The group bagged P100,000 cash, a trophy and certificate of participation.

Kadsagayan 2013 2nd Runner-up

Contingents from General Santos City National Secondary School of Arts and Trade Indak Kabataan Performing Arts was declared 2nd Runner-up. The group bagged P75,000 cash, a trophy and certificate of participation.

Kalilangan is a noble tradition. It is a complete work of art nourished and nurtured by a rich cultural heritage that has withstand the test of time from generation to generation. Indeed a portrayal of a culture that is only in General Santos!

Until next year Kalilangan!

A Call for Kalilangan Organizers

One thing that I’ve just noticed is that although the Kalilangan Celebration is a week long event, however the Street Dancing competition, which is the highlight of the festivity, falls on a weekday, February 27, making it almost impossible for other interested tourists to be at the festival due to work constraints.

Also, the competition is set to start at 1pm.. just after lunch..

Just imagine the blazing heat of the sun that the spectators and the dancers have to endure to witness the event? Unlike most of the festivals in the Philippines that I know that starts their street dancing early in the morning or in the evening (like the Hinugyaw) to avoid getting sun burnt.

Just take a look at these dancers, in their faces reflects the heat they have to endure.