Religious Images in the phillippines

Kaamulan Festival
Kaamulan is from the Binukid word amul which means to gather. It is a gathering of Bukidnon tribespeople for a
purpose. It can mean a datuship ritual, a wedding ceremony, a thanksgiving festival during harvest time, a peace pact, or all
of these put together.
Showcasing the unique indigenous culture of Bukidnon, the Kaamulan is held annually in the province, particularly in
Malaybalay City, the provincial capital, from the second half of February to March 10, which latter date marks the anniversary
of the creation of Bukidnon as a province in 1917.
As an ethnic festival, the Kaamulan celebrates the customs and traditions of the seven tribal groups that originally inhabited
the Bukidnon region, namely, the Bukidnon, Higaonon, Talaandig, Manobo, Matigsalug, Tigwahanon and Umayamnon.
Several tribal folks representing these seven hill tribes of Bukidnon gather in unity with the local dwellers in town, wearing
their intricately woven costumes studded with trinkets, anklets, earrings, necklaces, leglets, headdresses and amulets. They
dance together, chant, perform ancient rituals, and compete in indigenous sports.
Graced by cultural groups whose ways have remained unchanged throughout the centuries, the Kaamulan is characterized
by the authentic rituals with real indigenous peoples. There is the Pangampo (general worship), the Tagulambong hu Datu
(ritual for the installation of a Chieftain), the Panumanod (a spiriting ceremony), the Panlisig (rite to drive away evil spirits),
and the Pamalas (sin atonement ritual) among others.
Each activity is a meaningful ceremony that reflects the richness and diversity of the Bukidnon culture. Integrated into the
festival are activities designed to fuse the different sectors in the provincial community as a whole. The events which have
been institutionalized over the years of celebrating the Kaamulan include the Civic Parade; the much-awaited Street-dancing
Competition with contingents coming from the respective municipalities and cities of the province; the Laga Ta Bukidnon
where beautiful ladies from within the province vie for the title; programs reminiscent of the historic beginnings of Bukidnon
and its tribal oral traditions; and, the Ethnic Dance Clinic.
Furthermore, the present Kaamulan has evolved throughout the years and does not only highlight Bukidnons ethnic groups
but also the products and local establishments that abound in the province. These are displayed in the Garden Show, Food
Fest, Kaamulan Bazaar, Agri-fair, and Livestock Show. Crowd-drawing events such as the Motocross, Off-road Competition,
Rodeo, Amateur Boxing, Invitational Basketball Tournament, Adventure Races, concerts, and several others are also roped
into the festivity.
To the hill tribes, Kaamulan heralds the symbolic breakthrough of their long quest for meaning and identity. And to the new
generation, the old local folks and even visiting foreigners, the Kaamulan has become an avenue for the recognition and
appreciation of Bukidnons unraveled cultural legacy carefully preserved by the traditional population. Truly, the Kaamulan is
an interesting ground for the unification of the people of Bukidnon one that converges the past and the present, celebrates
its rich culture and inspires its people.

The Ati-Atihan Festival is a feast held annually in January in honor of the Santo Nio (Infant
Jesus), concluding on the third Sunday, in the island and town of Kalibo, Aklan in
the Philippines. The name "Ati-Atihan" means "to be like Atis" or "make believe Ati's". Itas
were the primary settlers in the islands according to history books. They too are the earliest
settlers of Panay Island where the province of Aklan is situated. [1]
The festival consists of tribal dance, music, accompanied by indigenous costumes and
weapons, and parade along the street. Christians, and non-Christians observe this day with
religious processions. It has inspired many other Philippine Festivals including the Sinulog
Festival of Cebu and Dinagyang of Iloilo City, both adaptations of the Kalibo Ati-Atihan
Festival, and legally holds the title "The Mother of All Philippine Festivals" despite of the other
two said festivals' claims of the same title.
(c.1200 A.D.) event explains the origins of the festival. A group of 10 Malay chieftains
called Datus, fleeing from the island of Borneosettled in the Philippines, and were granted
settlement by the Ati people, the tribes of Panay Island. Datu Puti, Makatunaw's chief minister
made a trade with the natives and bought the plains for a golden salakot, brass basins and
bales of cloth. They have a very long necklace to the wife of the Ati cheiftan. Feasting and
festivities followed soon after.[2]

Some time later, the Ati people were struggling with famine as the result of a bad harvest.
They were forced to descend from their mountain village into the settlement below, to seek
the generosity of the people who now lived there. The Datus obliged and gave them food. In
return, the Ati danced and sang for them, grateful for the gifts they had been given. [3]
The misoln was originally a pagan festival from this tribe practicing Animism, and their
worshiping their anito god. Spanish missionaries gradually added a Christian meaning. Today,
the Ati-Atihan is celebrated as a religious festival.

The Sinulog-Santo Nio Festival is an annual cultural and religious festival held on the
third Sunday of January in Cebu City, and is the center of the Santo Nio Catholic celebrations
in the Philippines. Other places like Kabankalan City, Maasin City, Balingasag, Misamis
Oriental, Cagayan de Oro City, and Southern Leyte also have their own version of the festival
in honour of the Santo Nio