Preparations for Tawi-Tawi’s grandest annual celebration the
Kamahardikaan Festival is now in full swing! And it will be happening in the
Municipality of Languyan!
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| Sikullis Beach in Languyan being readied for Kamahardikaan Festival |
A Sinama word which means
“the highest honor”,
Kamahardikaan is a commemoration of the founding anniversary of Tawi-Tawi, the day when it separated from the Province of Sulu.
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Languyan is a 1st class Municipality in Tawi-Tawi.
It is just about one hour away from Bongao by boat or by land. |
The 4-day event which usually starts every September 24 until the 27th showcases the rich cultures of the different tribes in Tawi-Tawi through their songs, dances, live music, fashion shows and a fluvial parade. They are the Jama Mapun, Tausug, Sama and Badjao tribes
Also among the highly anticipated event during the Kamahardikaan is the Search for the Budjang Tawi-Tawi (Miss Tawi-Tawi) and the Grand Cultural Parade.
The
Province of Tawi-Tawi is dubbed as "
The Seaweed Capital of the Philippines" thus it also celebrates the
Agal-Agal Festival during the Kamahardikaan week. According to reports, most of Tawi-Tawi’s seaweed produce are exported to different countries around the world.
As the main highlight of Kamahardikaan, different activities are also lined up during Agal-Agal Festival participated by Tawi-Tawi’s 11 municipalities.
Expect bigger and grander events this year specially that it will be held in Languyan, the hometown of the provincial governor.
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| This beautiful mosque is another attraction in Languyan |
Last week, we traveled to Languyan with people from the
Department of Tourism- ARMM headed by Regional Secretary
Ayesha Vanessa Hajar M. Dilangalen to have a glimpse of the preparations. The town is now busy preparing for the occasion. There were a lot of constructions and projects especially at the town proper – roads and commercial buildings, including a beautiful mosque. Accommodation facilities like the hotel, gymnasium and other event venues were almost ready.
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| Newly-constructed gymnasium and a hotel in Languyan |
Sikullis Beach, a popular resort in Languyan with its powdery white sands is also being prepared for the celebration. It will be the venue of most of the events of
Kamahardikaan Festival this year.
We were amazed with the salakot and culture-inspired cottages of the resort made from indigenous materials such as nipa and rattan.
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| Sikullis Beach. Almost ready for Kamahardikaan Festival. |
