Mambukal Mountain Resort in Brgy. Minoyan, Murcia, Negros Occidental, Philippines is one of the gateways to Mt. Kanlaon and has been a favorite destination of Negrenses and travelers since the first half of the 20th century (READ: First-time in Mambukal Mountain Resort). Each year, on the 3rd week of June, Mambukal celebrates the Mudpack Festival.

Known for its sulfur, colorful clay and rich biodiversity, Mambukals is featured as the haven of nature-lovers during the Mudpack Festival. It symbolizes our oneness with nature and reminds us to take  good care of our environment.

You can see, feel and smell the sulfur in the resort.

The beauty of Mambukal Resort

Travelers frequent Mambukal Resort to take refuge in its natural beauty. While amenities like swimming pool, boating lagoon, zipline, and cottages are built inside the resort, it also has natural streams, waterfalls, rich flora and fauna, as well as animals like butterflies, fruit bats and other species. Because of its hot springs due to its proximity to Mt. Kanlaon, Japanese architect Kokichi Paul Ishiwata decided to build a bathhouse and garden here in 1927 as a relaxing sanctuary to weary city dwellers.

The boating lagoon is just so serene and breathtaking.

The moon was out during the Mudpack Festival. It was a beautiful backdrop to a hanging fruit bat.

These bats are ready to take off.

Guests love to have a dip in this hot pool.

The steps that lead to the waterfalls.

Water is life and they are flowing almost everywhere in Mambukal Resort.

Mudpack Festival 2017

It was my first time to witness the Mudpack Festival and it was already on its 21st year, this year with a theme of a theme of “Pray, Heal, Celebrate Life”. We came early, to see the activities and the spectacle, along with roaming around the resort property, which I never tire doing. Each time I visit it, it’s just picture perfect. Too bad we weren’t able to go to the waterfalls because we had a child in tow. The last time I trekked to the falls was when I was a kid. Most of my visits in Mambukal last only for a few hours. I still have to schedule spending a night or two in this resort.

Meanwhile, we lingered at the campsite where most of the participants in the Drum Beating Competition and Tribal Dance Competition were being made up. We encountered a group of teenage boys covered in white mud all over their body. They were one of the dancers and they were also heading to their camp for their body paint.

While some busied themselves with their costumes and body art, others were rehearsing their music. It was enthralling watching them practice.

We arrived in Mambukal Resort with the guests sweating it out at the Hataw sa Mudpack.

Energy was definitely high when we arrived at the Ishiwata ground.

Children are busy doing their posters.

The mixed media entries.

Right after lunch, the competition started. Mother Earth poured down her blessings in form of a soft rain but it even made the Drum Beating Competition more exciting. The tribes wowed all of us as they performed in succession: Tribu Busay, Tribu ni Maming, Tunog Azucar Drumbeaters, Ruisa Percussa (2nd prize and Best in Clay Body Paint), Tribu Norte (1st prize), and Tribu Pocut (3rd prize).

Then they presented to us the winners of the Poster Making Contest for Kids and the Mixed Media, while children covered in clay and with body paint paraded at the stage.

Participants in the competitions are getting made up.

Young boys rehearsing for the Drum Beating Competition.

Tribu Busay opened the competition.

The rain didn’t stop the participants from showing their skills.

The drum beaters delighted the audience with their music.

The Tribal Dance Competition featured the tales and myths of animals.

The VMA Poseidon Dance Theater coveted the first prize.

The story of the eagle was performed by Tribu Kabuhi.

The “eagle” flew during their performance.

Tribu Kabuhi was also awarded the Best in Clay Body Paint for the Tribal Dance Competition.

We decided to wait for the Tribal Dance Competition before we retrace our path back to Bacolod City. What I liked about this contest is that each group portrayed the local fable of animals. The VMA Poseidon Dance Theater, which bagged the 1st place, did the “Alamat ng Ahas” (snake). Second-placer Tribu Kabuhi charmed the crowd with their “Alamat ng Agila” (eagle) while they also got the best in clay body paint. On third spot was Tribu Hugpong which performed the “Alamat ng Gagamba” (spider). Other groups that performed were the Murcia Dance Company for the “Alamat ng Paru-Paro” (butterfly) and Tribu Naiga-ak for the “Alamat ng Paniki” (bat).

The event is a good awakening for us and an advocacy that engages artists, students and the public. Plus, they get to visit and enjoy the beauty of Mambukal Resort.

For information and inquiries, contact:

Mambukal Resort
Brgy. Minoyan, Murcia
Province of Negros Occidental, Philippines
Telefax: +63 34 473-0610

Mambukal Reservation Office
2F Northwing, Old Capitol Bldg.
North Capitol Road
Bacolod City , Negros Occidental, Philippines
Phone number: +63 34 433-8516; +63 34 709-0990
E-mail: mambukalreservationoffice@gmail.com
Website: http://mambukalresort.negros-occ.gov.ph/
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