In Koronadal City, in the province of South Cotabato, people celebrate the T’nalak Festival. It is a festivity to commemorate the foundation anniversary of South Cotabato with emphasis being given to its one of a kind product –the T’nalak. Now if you’re not familiar with it, it is a colorful woven abaca cloth made by the hands of the women belonging to the T’boli tribe. You might also be wondering why they chose the T’nalak over a number of products in South Cotabato. They singled out the T’nalak because it symbolizes the fusion of culture and traditions of the different ethnic tribes in the province. This year’s festival theme is “One Dynamic People, One Vibrant Spirit”.
On the culmination of the festival, a parade and street dancing provided merriment and gaiety on the streets of Koronadal. The people who came to witness the event was not held back by the gloominess of the weather.
Actually, it’s truly amazing to see the participants (some of whom are just in the elementary level) performing their dance number amidst a drizzle of rain. They really took it to heart that whatever happens, “the show must go on”. Well, of course considering the fact that these kids already invested a great part of their time practicing their steps and putting a lot of work on their impressive costumes… I’m pretty sure they wouldn’t want all their hard work to go to waste. So a little rain (or much) didn’t seem to dampen their spirits. It was also amusing to see the photographers especially the contingent from the Gensan Camera Club (GCC) braving the drizzle to snap their own masterpieces of the event. Some with make-do waterproofing device (with a picked up plastic bag =)) to protect their expensive gear.
What really made the day really exceptional especially for the participants of the street dancing competition was when the newly elected Governor Arthur Pingoy announced an additional take home prize for all the groups who participated in the street dancing competition.
Other major events of the T’nalak Festival comprise of the Regional Agri-Trade fair and bazaars, cultural shows, nightly live bands, search for the Mutya ng South Cotabato, Governor’s Fellowship Night dubbed as “Balik South Cotabato” which gives tribute to the balikbayans who hail from South Cotabato (hmm.. wishing I’m one of them =) a grand fireworks display and “Disco sa Kalye” also on the culmination night
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