Buri blooms in Sampaloc’s 14th Bulihan Festival
Sampaloc, Quezon’s quiet charm, bursts into vibrant energy every April with the Bulihan Festival. In its 14th celebration, the Sampalukin showcased its natural flair for cultural innovation and their remarkable products, mainly made from buri palms.
The Significance of “Bulihan”
The name “Bulihan” itself is a direct homage to the abundance of buri palms in their municipality. It serves a constant reminder of nature’s generous gift to the people of Sampaloc.
Historically, the buri palm has been integral to the lives of the Sampalukins, providing not only materials for shelter, clothing, and household items but also a significant source of livelihood. The festival now serves to honor this essential resource and the skills inherited through generations in its use.
With only one day remaining, the exciting activities of this year’s Bulihan Festival, which began on April 20th, continue to offer fun for locals and tourists until April 26th.
Underwater Wonders in the Payas Contest
One of the festival’s highlights is the anticipated Payas Contest, with the theme “Under the Sea.” This friendly competition transforms the streets into an underwater dreamscape crafted from the resourceful buri palm. Homes and arches are either filled with buri jellyfish or feature an icon of an underwater fish, such as Nemo.
The streets of Sampaloc come alive with houses and arches adorned with remarkable buri palm designs, a feast for the eyes during the day. However, the Sampalukins save their most captivating touch for the evening, illuminating their creations to reveal a breathtaking and luminous display.
With the buri’s strong yet pliable fiber, it can be a sustainable source for weaving a diverse array of practical and beautiful items, such as bags, hats, and clothing.
The Spirit of Bulihan
The festival’s growing appeal has also drawn visitors from outside Quezon, including content creators eager to experience the unique richness of Sampaloc’s local culture. Eli John Sotto, a travel content creator who recently explored the municipality, shared his impressions.
“Napaka-makulay, napakaganda, at the same time nasho-showcase ng mga Sampalukins ‘yung kanilang mga products mula sombrero, bag, at kung ano ano pa,” he fondly expresses.
As the celebrations drew to a close, the buri creations displayed in the town would eventually return to the earth. Still, the spirit of the festival – the pride in their heritage, the celebration of their craft, and the strong bonds of community – will undeniably continue to thrive in the heart of Sampaloc, ensuring that the legacy of the Bulihan Festival endures for years to come.
