The lumads of Agusan start the planting season by gathering together performing a series of rituals called the kahimunan. It is characterized by chanting, singing and playing, and is usually accompanied by indigenous musical instruments such as the gimbor (drum), gong, and bamboo instruments called kalatong and kotik.
The last time I witnessed this psychedelic festivity was wayback in high school. I can still recall that feeling of euphoria me and my friends had walking and chanting along with the participating contingents. Almost two decades later, I did the same. It felt the same.
Couple of weeks ago, after we successfully concluded our mobile photography workshop in Butuan, one of our group’s goals was to experience the Kahimunan Festival together. I planned for these two events to be in sync not only because I am a firm believer of this “hitting two with one” axiom. I also knew it would be a good time for the attendees to test-drive their workshop takeaways.
Here are some of the photos I took despite the storm warning raised by the PAGASA, togethere with the colleague, we braved the elements doing what we love. Our bodies dampened but spirits not, we flocked the Butuanon streets head on capturing and seizing these moments of grandeur.
