UPDATE: Less than a day after the Bukidnon provincial board decided to push through with the Kaamulan Festival 2020, Bukidnon Governor Jose Ma. Zubiri, Jr. has now canceled the annual gathering altogether. This, amid an advisory from the Department of Health (DOH) concerning the ongoing threat of the spread of the novel Coronavirus.

Kaamulan Festival 2020 na! Magbibo tang tanan! The annual gathering of the 7 Bukidnon hill tribes is just around the corner and before we know it, thousands of locals, tourists and guests will again flock to Malaybalay City, the capital of Bukidnon, for the annual Kaamulan Festival, the only authentic ethnic festival in the Philippines.

The Kaamulan Festival is a yearly gathering of the 7 hill tribes of the Province of Bukidnon namely: Talaandig, Tigwahanun, Matigsalug, Higaonon, Bukidnon, Manobo and Umayamnun.

By virtue of a provincial resolution authored by Board Member Atty. Jun Beltran, the Kaamulan Festival in Bukidnon is held from March 23 to April 23 every year.

UPDATE: Due to the Holy Week, there will be limited Kaamulan Festival 2020 activities on April 5 to 11, 2020. Please plan accordingly.

READ: How to get to Malaybalay City

Fun fact: Kaamulan is an indigenous Bukidnon term that means “gathering” for any purpose.

The full Kaamulan Festival 2020 schedule of activities has finally been released. Please join the Bukidnon Online FB Group for updates! You can also check the previous schedules so you can have an idea of the festival highlights.

You can also get an instant copy of the 2020 Kaamulan schedule through email if you SUBSCRIBE HERE (click, leave your email address and please don’t forget to check your email and confirm subscription)

The biggest crowd drawer is undoubtedly the Ethnic Street Dancing Competition. If you plan to witness that, best to already book your accommodations early since Malaybalay doesn’t have enough lodging places yet. You can search for discounted hotel rooms below.

Bukidnon Kaamulan Festival 2020 Schedule of Activities

February 7, April 17 and 18 – Ethnic Rituals (6 AM, Capitol Grounds, Malaybalay City)

March 21 – Kaamulan Basketball Tournament (1 PM, Valencia Gym — Note: Championship Game to be held on April 19)

March 21 – Danztrack Modern Dance Interschool Competition (2 PM, Bukidnon State University)

March 23 – Drum and Lyre Competition (8 AM, Capitol Grounds)

March 23 – Kaamulan Ethno Cultural Music Festival (Capitol Grounds)

March 23 – Fireworks Display (8 PM, Capitol Grounds)

Don’t forget to “like” the Kaamulan Festival Facebook page for updates!

March 23 to April 23 – Garden Show, Agri-Fair and Trade Fair, Culture and Arts Exhibit (Capitol Grounds)

March 28 and 29 – Kaamulan 2020 Horse Show (Grandstand Malaybalay)

March 27, 28 and 29 – Kaamulan Softball Tournament (Capitol Grounds) and Kaamulan Endurance Adven Tour

March 28 – Kaamulan Fun Run

March 28 – Kaamulan Tattoo Fest (8 AM, Kaamulan Open Theater)

March 28 and 29 – Dart Tournament (Barangay 6 Covered Court)

March 28 – Comedy Show (Capitol Grounds)

March 28 and 29 – Chess Tournament (8 AM, Bukidnon State University)

April 1 – Laga Ta Bukidnon 2020 pageant (7 PM, Open Theater)

April 3 and 4 – Rodeo (Saluba Ta Kaamulan – 8 AM, Grandstand)

April 3 and 4 – San Miguel Night (7 PM, Capitol Grounds)

April 3 to 6 – Ethnic Sports, IP Olympics, Tribal Mass Wedding (8 AM, Capitol Grounds)

Don’t forget to “like” the Kaamulan Festival Facebook page for updates!

April 4 and 5 – Overland Expedition Ride for Peace

April 5 – Boxing (1 PM, Barangay 9 Gym)

April 11 and 12 – Katribu Flag Football Tournament

April 12 – Mountain Bike Challenge (6 AM, Kaamulan Park)

April 16 and 17 – Motocross (8 AM, Grandstand)

April 17 – Piniliyapan Hu Bukidnon (7 PM, Kaamulan Open Theater)

April 17 and 18 – DOTA Tournament

April 18 – Kaamulan 2020 Ethnic Street Dancing and Ground Presentation (Sumpong to Capitol Grounds — scroll below for hotel options that will allow you to have easy access to the street dancing route)

April 18 and 19 – Kaamulan Tennis Tournament (8 AM, Freedom Park)

April 16/April 19 – Globe Night and/or Coca Cola Night (Capitol Grounds)

Malaybalay:

Loiza’s Suites – A bit more expensive than other choices but they’re the go-to places for special occasions. They recently opened their pool and bar.
Bukidnon Business Hotel – Very central location. Along Fortich Street, the same main thoroughfare where the street dancers will also pass through. Just a few steps away from Gaisano Malaybalay and Chowking.
1st Avenue Apartelle – This one offers value for money. It’s in the inner part of the city but you can always take the local motorela and it’s just a few minutes away from downtown.
Waterpool Micro Hotel – Located at the outskirts of the city so you would need to allow around 15 minutes in order to reach the city proper.
Pitcher Plant Farm – Also located at the outskirts of the city (about half an hour away). It could be an interesting choice for fans of flora and fauna and for those who prefer solitude and to be away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
JB Apartelle
Chalton Hotel
Eiffel Kubo

If the above hotels are fully booked, try AirBnB (we’re giving out FREE Php 2,150 in travel credits for you to use when you book THROUGH THIS LINK) or you can look in neighboring city, Valencia

Valencia:

Double M Hotel – One of the newer hotels in the area. Has a bar and a restaurant.
GV Hotel
AG Hostel
UNO Business Hotel
Hotel Valencia

While you’re in Bukidnon, why don’t you try visiting Dahilayan Adventure Park? Click below for discounted rates. You can also avail of a private van service, tickets to Seven Seas Waterpark and Great White Water Rafting packages:

Klook.com

Don’t forget to “like” the Kaamulan Festival Facebook page for updates!