Tubod, Lanao del Norte – With colorful costumes and perfect execution of their choreography, the Kapatagan contingent with its “Kahumayan Festival” again grab the top spot in the Showdown of Municipal Festivals. Kapatagan last won the competition in 2009 and represented the province in the prestigious Sinulog Festival of Cebu City the following year.

The Kahumayan Festival is observed by the people of Kapatagan to celebrate their bountiful harvest of the most important staple food – rice. The moves of the dancers mimic the actions of farmers such as planting, sowing and pounding of rice.

The capital town of Tubod with its “Sagingan Festival” bagged second place, while last year’s winning contingent Maigo with its “Nangkaan Festival” won third place.

“The Showdown of Festivals is usually participated by our coastal towns which is predominantly Christian, while the Sagayan Festival is participated by our interior municipalities which is predominantly Muslim”, explained Tourism Head Minda Regis.

The municipality of Magsaysay is this year’s grand winner in the Sagayan competition, Balo-i won second place, while Nunungan got third place.

“The Sagayan is a war dance that depicts the rich Maranao culture. The dance was originally performed by warriors before they go into battle. Maidens also perform a fan dance during this festival”, Regis added.

Both the Showdown of Festivals and Sagayan Festival were held during the tourism day festivities last July 2 as part of the 2-week long grandiose celebration of the 52nd Araw ng Lanao del Norte.

“Here in Lanao del Norte, we respect each other’s tradition and belief. This is the reason why our Muslim and Christian brothers have peacefully co-existed with one another”, Governor Khalid Dimaporo said. VNL/PIO-LDN