Dahican beach panorama, Mati City, Davao Oriental province

“Indaksayawgalaw”, was the bouncy tagline of this year’s street dancing competition of Sambuokan Festival in Mati City, the capital of Davao Oriental province. One of Mindanao’s youngest and most progressive cities, Mati became a most visited destination which lures you to its beautiful coastal beaches, warm people and laid back atmosphere. Once a hidden, unspoiled coastal community now pumped with beach resorts and action on coconut-filled shores, Mati has become so progressive that development is unstoppable.

Mati celebrated its 12th Sambuokan Festival on October 23-29, 2011, as thanksgiving and commemoration of its 109th founding anniversary every 29th of October. Sambuokan (“buok” means one) showcases Mati’s “oneness” despite diversity of culture, ethnic traditions, and the way of life. Add to it the bounty of blessings in natural attractions carefully preserved and enhanced by ecotourism.