Blogs | TOURISM SECTOR EXCITED OVER MUNATO FESTIVAL |
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BY SUNSTAR GENERAL SANTOS ALABEL, Sarangani -- The Sarangani Tourism and Industry Association, Inc. (Sartia) is excited for this year's November 26-29 MunaTo Festival, which will showcase the cultural pride of the province. "This time you will see the very reason why we call it MunaTo, and see how it is incorporated even in their dances," Sartia president Michelle Solon said at a press conference Friday. What's your take on the Mindanao crisis? Discuss views with other readers MunaTo is a native coinage for "first people". The term itself comes from the indigenous people of Sarangani. "The theme 'Ang Galing Mo, Sarangan' epitomizes our people's excellence, creativity, and culture," Solon said. "This is a self-fulfilling prophecy," Governor Miguel Dominguez said. Dominguez despises armed conflicts that have caused fear and displacement in communities in the past months. He called it a disease that plagues the government. "Sometimes we have to take one step back and five steps forward to tell the good news to our people," he said. Munato Festival events are divided across four days but will showcase Sarangani's best in culture, fishing or agriculture in a larger scale. "We will give tribute to outstanding Sarangans and their innovations and creativity," Solon said. Some of these activities are tribal sports like gamti (archery) and Sbuno (wrestling), tribal paintings by Tboli artist Ronald Tamfalan, award-winning Cocoy Sexcion's photography called Sights and Faces, and colorful tribal displays called Gum Ni. A tribal trade fair will be held and different municipalities will participate. Boxing title bouts will be sponsored by Mayor Jojo Lopez of Maasim. Maasim is the hometown of World Boxing Organization titleholder Richie Mepranum. A motocross competition will be held at the Capitol oval grounds with more than 100 entries from across the country. "As we (the province) grow older, we become more passionate. We learn every step of the way," Governor Dominguez said. Along with the celebration is the launching of "Justice on Wheels" on November 28. The provincial government purchased a bus worth P900,000 to bring the court to the barangays and "speed up" the administration of justice in the communities. Sarangani celebrates its cultural heritage and the province's 16th Foundation Anniversary which will culminate on November 28. |
