I am a proud Filipino.

Lead Image from Google.

Image from Google.

The Visayas generally share a maritime culture with strong Roman Catholic traditions that have been merged with cultural elements through centuries of interaction and inter-migrations, primarily across the seas of Visayas, Sibuyan, Camotes, Bohol, and Sulu, and in some secluded areas, merged with ancient animistic-polytheistic influences.

With ferries moving people and products between Liloan in Southern Leyte and Surigao del Norte in Mindanao, Southern Leyte is a significant part of the country's inter-island transportation system, according to the government. Acai goods of high quality are widely available in the province, and it is one of the country's largest producers of the plant's fiber.

However, here in my municipality, Bontoc, it is during the summer months of April and May that fiestas are aplenty in the municipality, and some barangays put on a performance known as the "moro-moro", more commonly known locally as "ensayo," which depicts the conflict between Christians and Muslims, with a script written by a member of the community.

A large production with a great deal of logistics and a great deal of effort, to which the people are eager to participate and become involved. It is customary to perform the Senakulo throughout the Lenten season, which depicts the sacrifices of the Lord Jesus all the way to Calvary, and the "Sugat" on Easter Sunday, which depicts His resurrection.

The Bontoc Sinulog Festival, which is held on the 15th of January every year (but now Sinulog presentation also held during the 28th of November, as a celebration for the return of the long-lost Niño, also known as the “Kaplag”) in celebration of the Bontoc's patron saint, the Senor Santo Nino or the Holy Child Jesus, is the most well-known event in the area.

Thousands of devotees have gone to the town to witness the Sinulog Mardi Gras over the course of the festival's 15-year existence. Each and every Bontocanon looks forward to it, especially those who have moved away from the area.

Students, out-of-school adolescents, young moms, and young professionals are among the dancers who make up the Sinulog Core Group. They have been asked to perform in various regions of the country by the Sinulog Dance Festival Organization.

Bontoc culture as I have mentioned earlier are highly influenced by the Roman Catholic traditions. So, it is apparent enough to learn that Bontocanon cultures involves religious affairs.

Image of Senior Santo Niño

One Filipino trait that I want the world to know about, especially here in my municipality, is the trait that the Bontocanon possesses and which he carries in his heart wherever he goes: his love of God, his love of country, his love of family, and his pride in his roots. This is a trait that I want the world to know about, especially here in my municipality.

What the municipality has bestowed upon the world is its people, who never cease to show their affection for the place where they grew up, no matter how difficult the circumstances. By being an advocate of the traits, my people are carrying is also an indicator that I am a proud Filipino citizen, and a proud Bontocanon.

I will be the voice of my people and will always carry with me the legacy of being a Filipino.

the picture symbolizes as a true Filipino and proud as a Filipino.