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.
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.
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:
5. Food
The Bambanti festival showcases the province's local products and produce
Alexa Villano
@alexavillano
Published 12:15 PM, February 05, 2018
STREET DANCE. The Bambanti street dance has won numerous awards from the Aliw Awards. All photos by Rob Reyes/Rappler
ILAGAN, Isabela – The province of Isabela held its annual Bambanti Festival from January 22-28. This year's festival theme, Isabela Kong Mahal (Isabela my beloved), saw each municipality and city of the province showing off their creativity in various forms. From the street dances, installations, ecotourism booths, and food contests, the Isabeleños proved that their festival can also be at par with the likes of the Ati-atihan and Sinulog festivals.
Selected members of the media and travel bloggers were treated to the hospitality of the people from the North. Bambanti, or scarecrow in Ilocano, highlights the provinces main produce – corn and rice.
