Surigao City, the capital of Surigao del Norte, will host on September 9 the award-winning Bonok-Bonok Maradjaw Karadjaw Festival, a ritual dance which originated from the indigenous Mamanwa mountain tribe.
The fest means “heavy downpour” and “all the very best” based on the belief that the heavy rains ensure a bountiful harvest. The festivity was later held in honor of St. Nicholas of Tolentino, the city’s patron saint, whose feast is observed the next day.
The city had marked on August 31 its 46th Charter Day as a city through Republic Act 6134.
With the theme “Serbisyong Matinud-anon Ipadajon sa Syudad na Malamboon” (Continuing Genuine Service for a Progressive City), the celebration showcased Surigao’s gains in the economy and governance, and its emergence as a tourism and business hub in the Caraga region.
Activities included the Tilaw Food Festival, various socio-civic events and the Charter Day program with guest of honor and speaker Martin Andanar, chief of the Presidential Communications Operations Office and a native of Surigao City.
Surigao gained fame as the country’s nickel capital due to its abundant mineral deposits, reputed to be the biggest in the world.
