In a small town of Wao soft wind breeze, breathtakingly beautiful landscape, and highly spirited individuals welcomes other local, tourist, and the like. In this place, they showcase their unity through their celebration of the Kariyala Festival. The said celebration highlights the congregation of different tribes for a colorful thanksgiving to the peace and prosperity they have. The festival also emphasizes the Meranao transliteration of the word “Kariyala” which means Merrymaking. Some of the most awaited event in this yearly festival are the following: Parade, Trade fair, Kariyala street dance competition and the Kariyala night or the search for Mutya ng Wao which is participated by different schools and is held every third week of February. Further, in these weeklong event different tribes from Wao expresses their unique customs and ceremonial gathering through their rhythmic dance, colorful props and flauntingly vibrant costumes.
As the festival take its toll, the people there takes pride in displaying the beauty of a harmoniously diverse culture, they exude the strength of a united people and they steadfastly wear the tag “it’s also more fun in Lanao Del Sur.” This festival is more than just a cultural fest; it is symbolism of a thriving and prospering society. In addition, this Kariyala or Merrymaking is a response to the bountiful harvest blessed upon them, although they have different beliefs but the spirit of thanksgiving makes them one in this celebration. Thus, other locals and tourists will really feel the excitement and joyfulness brought by the Kariyala.
During the street Dance Competition, the field colored with eye catching cultural get ups and is charged with exhilarating energy. Whereas, in the search for Mutya ng Wao beautiful and glamorous ladies represented different tribes. Participants of these events have shown their talent and creativity in displaying the tribes of Cebuano, Ilonggo, Kapampangan, Meranao and Waray.
Undeniably, one can hold that beliefs, culture and the people being one can promulgate wonderful scenery and is also a message that needs to be inculcated and nourished. Additionally, it is not the “Wow Wao” line that the makes it reverberate but what is within the chant. The meaning it signifies evokes interpretation varying from one person to another upon witnessing the place and its people. Hence, one can therefore say that Kariyala personifies the hopes of the Wao people and the beliefs of the Lanao land that they are far more than the stigmatized and its history.
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