Culture | Witnessed Panaghiusa Festival in Sta. Maria, Davao Occidental

Me, Te Jojie and Pretty Lumad Kids

I really have fascination on culturally-inclined activities in any part of our country. Seeing such activities amaze me and make me feel that there’s a lot to explore especially when it comes to traditions. I also think that this is an underutilized strength when it comes to tourism, especially that our regions are home to various indigenous people.

Showcase of Tribes

Mat Weaving/Making

Fire-making

Tribal Game: Kadang

Tribal Game: Bunong-braso

Jewelry Making

Panaghiusa Festival is like a festival showcasing the indigenous culture in the country through the Department of Education. A chance to witness Panaghiusa Festival at Sta. Maria, Davao Occidental last month, for the division leg of the Indigenous People’s Month celebration, was a great opportunity to see the different tribes of Davao Occidental. It was also fun to witness that there are a lot of activities like tribal games, mat making, jewelry making, poster making and others that will really make the indigenous people express their craft in this modern times. Thus, the activity was really making the culture alive and visible to-date. Those who won the competition in each game were the one’s who will represent the division for the regional feat. The activity will always be part of the National Indigenous People’s Month celebration among Department of Education supervised schools.

Proclamation of AO Joyce Mariscal as Bia Apanday

Aside from seeing those outdoor activities, it was also a first for me to witness how a non-lumad was adopted to become part of the community. In which, our friend, Admin Officer Joyce Mariscal was given the name Bia Apanday. She was given the name with the people’s trust and confidence of her services in the community.

Sta. Maria, Davao Occidental has a lot to offer. They have beautiful beaches like the little boracay (which I will visit again soon) and oh my goodness, I cannot forget the sina! Sina is bigger than the mussels and I know they are just relatives. LOL What I like about the sina? It is bigger, full and it has a distinct taste which I can not explain, but all I can say is it delicious.

The Yummy Sinai

The Davao Region is really home to many culturally-rich traditions and practices, nature’s beauty and fascinating food for the hungry tummy. This is among the reasons why it is fun to explore the Philippines!

The Municipal Hall of Sta. Maria, Davao Occidental

We would like to thank the invitation of the Municipality of Sta. Maria, together with the Department of Education Division of Davao Occidental for the opportunity to witness the event. Also, thank you for visiting my avenue, www.ten7avenue.com!