A progressive way of life – P’rangat – a Subanen word where the nomenclature of the province-wide festival celebration is coined.

Coinciding with the 93rd Provincial Anniversary held during November, the month-long celebration Pagsaulog sa MisOcc kicked off last November 2 and truly raved the Misamisnons with a plethora of activities showcasing each and every city’s and municipalities’ best of the best, and the pivotal fulcrum is the observation of the Subanen tribe’s culture and heritage – the dominating Non-Muslim aborigines in Mindanao living from the hinterlands of the Malindang mountain range following river tributaries down to the coastal communities. The term Subanen is hailed from the word “suba” – meaning river.

The Perangat term is chosen by the provincial government that is collaborative with the province’s tagline – #AsensoMisamisOccidental – as the provincial LGU is gearing toward economic recovery and tourism vibrancy. The Perangat Festival Competition is set for every second Saturday in November.

The Subanen culture colour palette is black and accented with yellow and red which are evident from the Subanen Ritual Performers. The main garb and skirt are designed at the hem and sleeves with various striped red and yellow fabrics. Akin to many tribes around the country, the Subanens have their unique way of life transcending from birth, betrothal, enthronement and even healing.

While observing various Subanen dances, I have to notice some repeating patterns that could be the signature of the tribe. One is having a low bow position with the arms alternating held at front and back with unique footwork, and another is a low and high lateral arm wave movement from the knee and overhead levels.

In recent history, any mention of tribes coming from Mindanao is linked to or stereotyped by settlers from Luzon and Visayas as war freaks or terrorists. Contrary to that assumption, the Subanens are one of the peace-loving tribes in Mindanao. According to Rose Lagarbe, Provincial Tourism Staff, the Subanens do not really partake in offensive warfare, but more on defensive strategies.

Understanding the Subanen culture would add another dimension to your understanding of #ColorsOfMindanao.

If you wish to learn more about the Subanen tribe, you can visit Misamis Occidental and the province would be happy to welcome you.

In this year’s edition, the Street Dances are performed at identified towns with Calamba as the venue for the First District and OZamis City as the venue for the Second District. Along with the contingent street dancers are the unique and colorful floats. Ultimately, all will convene at the Misamis Occidental Provincial Athletic Center for the Grand Cultural Dance Showdown.

LIST OF CONTINGENTS BY ORDER OF PERFORMANCE

MUNICIPALITY OF SAPANG DALAGA
Ritual of Birth

MUNICIPALITY OF CONCEPCION
Ritual of Healing

MUNICIPALITY OF JIMENEZ
Ritual of Betrothal

CITY OF TANGUB
Ritual of Abundant Harvest

MUNICIPALITY OF SINACABAN
Ritual of the Sick

MUNICIPALITY OF PLARIDEL
Ritual of Marriage and New Life

MUNICIPALITY OF LOPEZ JAENA
Ritual of Abundant Harvest

CITY OF OZAMIZ
Ritual of Enthronement

MUNICIPALITY OF DON VICTORIANO
Ritual of Betrothal

CITY OF OROQUIETA
Ritual of Enthronement

This year, the City Category Champion is Oroquieta City, while Municipality Category is Jimenez.

List of Winners for the 2022 Perangat Festival
CITY CATEGORY

Champion: Oroquieta City
Best in Costume: Oroquieta City
Best in Musicality: Oroquieta City
Best in Props: Oroquieta City
Best in Choreography: Oroquieta City

MUNICIPAL CATEGORY:

Champion: Jimenez
First Runner-Up: Don Victoriano
Second Runner-up: Lopez Jaena
Third Runner-Up: Sinacaban
Best in Props: Jimenez
Best in Costume: Jimenez
Best in Choreography: Jimenez
Best in Musicality: Don Victoriano

HOW TO GO TO MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL?

By Air:

The Province has direct flight routes to Manila and Cebu via Labo Airport in Ozamis City served by PHILIPPINE AIRLINES and CEBU PACIFIC. Alternative nearby airports are via Dipolog in Zamboanga del Norte and via Pagadian in Zamboanga del Sur

By Sea:

Via Port of Ozamiz – via Manila with 2go, via Cebu with 2go, Cokaliong, Tran-Asia, via Kolambogan, Lanao del Norte by Daima.

By Port of Plaridel – via Cebu by Lite Ferries, via Tagbilaran by Lite Ferries and OceanJet, and via Larena, Siquijor by Lite Ferries.

By Land:

Bus companies have direct bus routes from Cagayan De Oro and Zamboanga City to Ozamis and Oroquieta.

TOURISM OFFICE

Office of the Provincial Tourism, Arts and Cultural Affairs
Provincial Capitol Building
7207 Oroquieta City, Misamia Occidental, Philippines
(088) 521 – 5187
misoccprovincialtourism@gmail.com