Bonok-Bonok Festival
Surigao City, 9 September
Behind Surigao's multi-faceted culture is its original tribal background. The Surigaonons go back to their roots this month as they celebrate their heritage with a loud, rowdy street dancing parade. Includes the SILOP CAVE ADVENTURE.
One of the oldest and still existing tribes in the Philippines is the Mamanwas, who are quite alike to the Negritoes in
physical profile. Although forced to settle in the hinter islands because of the arrival of development, they still practiced, however, their customs and traditions. Among these is the faith about “KAHIMUNAN”, a tribal festivity, where music and graceful dancing are typical features. They chant and play accompanied with their instruments, such as: the gimbar (drum), the gong and the bamboo called the “kalatong” and “katik”. A “baylan” or priest preside the celebration as a tribute to their God, “MAGBABAYA” and ancestors for good health and abundant harvest intercessions.
Surigao City, 9 September
Behind Surigao's multi-faceted culture is its original tribal background. The Surigaonons go back to their roots this month as they celebrate their heritage with a loud, rowdy street dancing parade. Includes the SILOP CAVE ADVENTURE.
One of the oldest and still existing tribes in the Philippines is the Mamanwas, who are quite alike to the Negritoes in
physical profile. Although forced to settle in the hinter islands because of the arrival of development, they still practiced, however, their customs and traditions. Among these is the faith about “KAHIMUNAN”, a tribal festivity, where music and graceful dancing are typical features. They chant and play accompanied with their instruments, such as: the gimbar (drum), the gong and the bamboo called the “kalatong” and “katik”. A “baylan” or priest preside the celebration as a tribute to their God, “MAGBABAYA” and ancestors for good health and abundant harvest intercessions.During the “kahimunan” or ancestral festivity, wild pigs, chicken and different fruits are offered to the ancestors. A thanksgiving dance called “BONOK-BONOK” is presented by the different village chieftains and babaeyons. Happiness and friendship are expressed through dancing, shouting and singing. They wave scarves of “BANAY” as signs of good will, wealth and blessings for the whole tribal village.
Thus, Bonok-Bonok is a ritual dance which originated from these early settlers. The rhythm usually starts with a slow beat and slowly gets faster, causing the dancers to work at pace with the music. Adding to theattraction of the dance is the colorful costumes, which includes beaded headdresses or tubaw, bracelets and anklets of the women. The ceremonial dress of the men and women are likewise elaborate in design, and of various colors.The dance ritual has been brought down through the generations and still being practiced today. In respect to the Patron Saint San Nicolas de Tolentino, the people have already adopted the “Bonok – bonok Maradjaw Karadjaw” Festival which is a reflection of Surigao’s rich cultural heritage.Held in honour of the city’s patron, San Nicolas de Tolentino, this famous Mardi Gras celebration features street parties and traditional ethnic dance rituals. The day-long festivities take place in the area around the Provincial Sports Complex which is a great place to see the many different dancers perform. This deeply traditional event is a way of asking the gods for excellent health and abundant harvests.
