Maitum's Bangsi Festival

Bangsi festival is the most anticipated festival in Maitum, Saranggani.The festival is held every last week of January and named after Maitum's One Town, One Product (OTOP) - the delicious half-dried flying fish or "marinated bangsi". The celebration also honors the fisherfolk of Maitum.

Last January 24, 2013, we took part in their Maitum Safari Photo Contest. The contest is organized by Ma'am Beth Ramos to promote Maitum's Bangsi festival and tourist sites especially Anthropomorphic jars also known as burial jars. From Davao City, we took an early bus to General Santos then ride a PUV van (Ablog Terminal, Osmena St.,) to Maitum. Fare is around Php 100.

  Bangsi for everybody

Festival Activities
Marinated Bangsi Preparation Contest

The workers who participated in the competition wore aprons and hair nets, a global standard for food handling.

Hawaiian Dance Contest

Maitumians gathered in front of the beach to support for their barangays for the Haiwaiian Dance Contest. Contestants will be judged by their performance, synchronization, costumes and crowd appeal.

Bangsirit (Bangkarera)

Another activity not to be missed is the Bangsirit. Customized outriggers fitted with large motors race for the grand prize.

Sand Sculpture

Students from different schools showcase their talents and ideas through sand sculpting.

Other notable activities of the festival included the Street dance, Sand Sculpture, Lumba Bugsay/Langoy; SME’s Showcase/Trade Fair; Drum and Lyre Competition; Ms. Teen Maitum; Bangsi Amazing Race; Aquatic Dance Contest; Bangsi Cooking Contest; Slowest Drag Race; and Disco sa Kalye/Community Night.