Connect the Dots of Sarangani's History at Munato Festival

The province of Sarangani is celebrating its 22^nd founding anniversary and the 12^th  MunaTo Festival. This festival commemorates the birth of Sarangani Province with the celebration of its People, Culture, and Treasures.

Sarangani Province was born through the efforts of Congressman James L. Chiongbian in 1992, by the passing of Republic Act 7228.  Formerly the area was part of the 3^rd District of South Cotabato. It became a separate province on May 19, 1992.

MunaTo Festival is coined from two Blaan words that means “First People”.  The anthropomorphic jars found in the caves of Maitum (Ayub, Pinol, and Sagel), give clues to Mindanao’s early history and of the Philippines as a whole. The carbon dated anthropomorphic jars depicts that Maitum was the home of early civilization dating back to the Metal age. The original jars are currently in the National Museum for safekeeping and exhibition.  Based on the historical time line of the early history of the Philippines, after the Tabon Cave in Palawan, the next earliest pottery is found in Pinol Cave in Maitum.  Thus the claim that in Mindanao, the First People or “Munah To”, possibly are from Maitum, Sarangani Province.

Sarangani province is a young province with a very long and rich history.

MunaTo Festival is a festival that was conceptualized in 2002. The idea was to create a cultural festival that would celebrate the vibrant diversity of Sarangani Province… It has been celebrated yearly bringing the 7 municipalities of  Sarangani together and featuring the best in each town.

MunaTo Festival 2014

For this 2014, MunaTo festival is taking a new twist in making Sarangani more relevant, more fun, and interactive!  The province of Sarangani is creating this new concept of the MunaTo Yesterland Themepark.  This will allow the students, cultural enthusiasts, and the general public, learn and appreciate History, Social Science, Science, and Culture and Arts in an “experiential” kind of education. This year’s MunaTo Festival is slated on November 27-29, 2014 at the Sarangani Capitol in Alabel, Sarangani. We look forward to seeing you join us in this endeavor.

  The Munato Yesterland Themepark is showcasing 12 Attractions.

•  Cave of the Ancient – This is a light and sound show regarding the anthropomorphic jars found in the caves of Maitum, Sarangani 

• Tribal Village – This will showcase the Tboli, Blaan, and Tagakaolo tribes. There will be a show every hour about their music, dances, chants and stories.  Also found here are products for sale made by the Indigenous peoples of Sarangani. 
•  Sarangani Wildlife Museum – This is found at the ECPC, where one can see the different animals that are preserved for study. This museum shows the varied species found in Sarangani.  Also at the 2nd floor auditorium will play Sarangani- made films from last year’s Salamindanaw’s entry. 
•  Looms & Beads  - Located at the Kasfala Hall, the Looms and Beads is an extensive, elaborate, and detailed exhibit featuring traditional arts and crafts in Mabal Tabih, Saul (bead works), and other artifacts.  This is an exhibit of Heirloom designs and fabrics  from our Indigenous Tribes in Sarangani. 
•  MunaTo Fotoloco – This is the sculpture of Kublai found at the Sarangani Capitol depicting the first people. Here people can take their wacky and fun photos.  A photo booth will be available to take photos for a fee! 
•  Sarangani Street Arts – On the back street of the Capitol, several Sarangani artists will create a 3D street art of the different Sarangani tourist destination for those with tickets to take their chance for photo ops. 
•  Glan 100 – Since Glan, Sarangani is celebrating their 100^th year this 2014, we are giving a tribute the first settlers of Glan.  We invite you to also try to be one of the Colonos! 
• Sarangani Historical Lane – Sarangani gives tribute to all the leaders that have served Sarangani Province since its creation since 1992. 
• Moro Cottages  - The different tribes and Moro themed cottages will be on display with hourly cultural dance show. Here you will learn about the traditional practices for marriage, for childbirth, and the others.  The Moro themed cottages will be a people’s choice competition.  People gets to post a sticker vote for their favorite cottage! 
•  Fabli Guni & Farmers Market – This will be the biggest gathering of Sarangani Produce and Products. Included here will be Organic Vegetables, Fruits, Sarangani Upland Rice varieties including ornamental plants, and potteries. Also for sale, will be Sarangani’s processed foods, Aquaculture harvests, handicraft and furniture, fashion, and even Halal foods.  This is one full market where you can buy and even deal with suppliers! 
• MunaTo Arcade – This is the section for food and novelty items. Here we will have traders selling snacks, meals, drinks, and other goods. 
•  MunaTo Center Stage  - Found at the center grounds of Sarangani Capitol.  Here free shows and activities that can be viewed by all Themepark goers.  This includes the daily parade and mascot appearances, the tribal sports and boxing competitions, magic shows, concerts and Pearl of Sarangani.

And meet Sara and Gani! Oh, the kids will love this!

You may book your MunaTo Yesterland tickets in the following outlets:  Sarangani Tourism & Investment Promotion Center (STIPC) – (083) 5085230, Go Sarangani Travel (083) 5528015, or at their Ticket Booth in KCC/Veranza.