Munato Yesterland Themepark and Munato Festival 2014 Schedule of Activities

Preparations are now in full swing for the celebration of the 22nd Founding Anniversary of the Province of Sarangani and the 12th MunaTo Festival slated from November 27- 29, 2014. The festival commemorates the birth of Sarangani Province with the celebration of its people, culture, and treasures.

The Sarangani Provincial Capitol

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 3rd 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 timeline of the early history of the Philippines, after the Tabon Cave in Palawan, the next earliest pottery is found in Piñol Cave in Maitum. Thus, the claim that in Mindanao, the First People or “Munah To”, possibly are from Maitum, Sarangani Province.

MunaTo Festival 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. Check out the Munato Festival 2014 Schedule of Activities below.

MunaTo Yesterland Themepark

This year, the Province of Sarangani is taking a new twist in making MunaTo Festival more relevant, more fun, and interactive through the MunaTo Yesterland Theme Park which will allow student, cultural enthusiasts, and the general public to learn and appreciate History, Social Science, Science, and Culture and Arts in an “experiential” kind of education.

The MunaTo Yesterland Theme Park will showcase 12 Attractions:

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

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Looms & Beads - Located at the Kasfala Hall, the Looms and Beads is an extensive, elaborate, and detailed exhibit featuring traditional arts and crafts in MabalTabih, Saul (bead works), and other artifacts. This is an exhibit of Heirloom designs and fabrics from our Indigenous Tribes in Sarangani.

5. 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 photobooth will be available to take photos for a fee!

6. 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.

7. Glan 100– Since Glan, Sarangani is celebrating their 100th 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!

8. Sarangani Historical Lane– Sarangani gives tribute to all the leaders that have served Sarangani Province since its creation since 1992.

9. 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 getsto post a sticker vote for their favorite cottage!

10. Fabli Gu Ni & 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!

11. MunaTo Arcade– This is the section for food and novelty items. Here we will have traders selling snacks, meals, drinks, and other goods.

12. 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.

MunaTo Themepark Rules and Rates:

Everyone coming to the MunaTo Yesterland Themepark can enter for free.

However, each attraction will require a ticket to enter. One may purchase a discounted One Day Unlimited Ticket Pass worth P50 and present this ticket at each ticket gate to enter the attractions. So please do not lose your tickets because there will be no replacement for any loss. If you opt not to get the One Day Pass, one may proceed to the attraction of choice and buy a gate ticket for the rate of P10.00.

Sarangani residents, Sarangani students, Sarangani workers, and all senior citizens must bring their ID and present at the ticket booth to purchase the One Day Pass for a discounted rate of P30 per ID. No Sarangani ID or cedula or Senior Citizen ID, no discount.

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 our Ticket Booth in KCC/Veranza.