BAMBANTI FESTIVAL: Isabela's Scarecrow Festival
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A big part of the lives of people from the Northern Philippines is Agriculture – the bread and butter of most families, if you will. So much of their lives revolve around grains and produce that it’s only fitting for them to dedicate an annual festival for it.
“Bambanti” is the Ilocano term for scarecrow. The watchguards of their fields and farms. This year, 20 out of 34 municipalities joined in the festivities.
Here’s a recap of my first time at Bambanti Festival 2018:
FIRST THINGS FIRST
Isabela is the country’s second biggest province in terms of land area, which in turn has led them to become an agricultural giant. Sprawling fields of corn and other grains dominate the province.
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Travel diaries: Discovering Isabela's rich history
One of the north's biggest province is getting attention thanks to emerging tourism attraction
Alexa Villano
Published 11:30 AM, February 18, 2018
MANILA, Philippines – Time and again we Filipinos have been encouraged to see our own country. After all, there are still so many places to visit and cultures to be discovered in our own backyard.
JAPANESE TUNNEL. The Ilagan Japanese Tunnel is one of many tunnels in Isabela. All photos by Rob Reyes/Rappler
Last January, selected members of the media, travel bloggers and writers got the chance to go to Isabela for the Bambanti Festival 2018. In between our coverage of the festival, we were able to explore some places in Ilagan, where the festival was held.
Named after King Philip's wife, Queen Isabela, this northern province is known for supplying rice and corn to various parts of the country. Through the years, Isabela has gained exposure through the tourism efforts of the Bambanti festival, the Sierra Madres, the Rio Grande of Cagayan, and the beaches promoted by the local government, headed by its governor, Faustino "Bodjie" Dy III.
Bambanti Festival in Isabela 2018: A Celebration of Bountiful Harvest in the Queen Province of the Philippines
http://www.mariaronabeltran.com
Monday, 12 February 2018
It was my first time in Isabela to join the province's 2018 Bambanti Festival. Last year, I was so honored to see Guling Guling Festival in Paoay, Kadayawan Festival in Davao, Ati-atihan Festival in Aklan, Kasanggayahan Festival in Sorsogon, Paray Festival in Irosin and Tan-ok Festival in Ilocos Norte. Having seen some of the Philippines' biggest and brightest festivals, I can say Bambanti is one of those. A province known as the Philippines' agricultural backbone, Isabela gives back to the locals by conducting an annual fiesta honoring the people who work hard to produce the best harvest and to make sure that this will be a legacy that will forever be observed by Isabelans. - Maria Rona Beltran
2018 Bambanti Festival: Isabeleño artistry front and center
Michelle Anne P. Soliman
February 9, 2018 | 12:11 am
One of the 22 street dance contingents at the Isabela Sports Complex
ON THE WAY to Ilagan City, one sees field upon field of rice and corn, each with a bambanti (Ilocano for “scarecrow”) standing guard. One is dressed in a long-sleeve blouse and dark trousers. A few meters away is another dressed in a princess’ ball gown. Then another, this time made of recycled plastic bottles. The abundance of crops in the area and creativity seen in the scarecrows gives visitors a hint of the Isabeleños’ diligence in farming and their admirable craftsmanship.
The Bambanti Festival was first celebrated in 1997, launched by then governor Benjamin Dy as a symbol of a farmer’s diligence and resoluteness to provide for his family and produce for his community. The festival was revived in 2011 after Faustino G. Dy III assumed the governorship in 2010.
“The bambanti is a representation. It is the ultimate symbol of all the best attributes of the Isabeleño,” Provincial Information Officer Jessie James P. Geronimo told visiting media at a briefing on Jan. 26, citing specific attributes such as diligence, creativity, spirituality, resilience, and vigilance.
Isabela Kong Mahal: Five Days of Bambanti Festival 2018
By Melo Villareal - February 6, 2018
In the Philippines, almost every city has a grandiose festival that involves at least a month’s worth of preparation, an entire spectrum of colors, and a thousand of smiling tourists from all corners of the country. Isabela has one such event—the Bambanti Festival.
Bambanti Festival Grounds
Agriculture plays a huge role in the economy of the province that is frequently called names like the “Rice Bowl of the North” and the “Corn Capital of the Philippines”. It follows that the fundamental farming tool scarecrows, which the locals refer to as bambanti, should be celebrated. The iconic Bambanti Festival has been observed in the province since 1997. What started out as a humble occasion quickly gained recognition nationally.
5 Reasons Why You Should Visit the Province of Isabela
By Ashley Lucas - February 6, 2018
The province of Isabela is often overlooked as a destination for tourists, mostly because people head toward the white sandy beaches in the Ilocos region or the highlands of Mountain Province. But, if one takes time to dig beneath the province’s surface, you will uncover the town’s rich and vibrant past, colorful festival, beautiful people, and gorgeous attractions that make up its northern charm.
Needless to say, you need to endure a 10-hour drive from Manila to see this part of the country. You will, however, be granted a scene worthy of your time once you’ve arrived. There is the refreshing sight of greeneries, the view of the cornfields, and the typical herd of cattle on the side of the highway—everything is a feast for the eyes.
If you’re not yet sold, though, you might want to read our top 5 reasons why we think you definitely should visit the province: