The vibrant town of Porac in Pampanga successfully hosted its 20th Binulu Festival this November, a colorful event dedicated to preserving and promoting the unique indigenous culinary tradition of cooking with bamboo.
A Celebration of Indigenous Heritage
Mayor Jing Capil emphasized the municipal government's continuous efforts to find innovative ways to promote indigenous traditions. The festival, held in front of the New Municipal Building in Barangay Cangatba, featured two main attractions: the lively Binulu Street Dance Competition and the exciting Binulu Cook-off Challenge.
At the heart of the celebration is the binulu cooking method, an ancient technique that remains popular among the Aeta communities in the Mount Pinatubo area. This traditional process involves stuffing rice and various viands into thin bamboo tubes known as bulu and cooking them together, imparting a distinctive flavor.
From Humble Beginnings to Annual Attraction
The Binulu Festival has grown significantly since its inception. It was first organized as a festival in 2005 by then Porac parish priest, Fr. Elmer Simbulan, as part of the annual fiesta celebration honoring the town patron, Saint Catherine of Alexandria.
The event was initially conceptualized with the help of Fr. Resty Lumanlan, Prudencio Garcia, Tess David, and Adrian Garcia, among others. They started with simple demonstrations showing how the traditional bulu cooking process was done.
Over time, the festival was passed on to the municipal government, which transformed it into a yearly event that commemorates the town fiesta while also serving as a significant tourism attraction that draws both locals and visitors. The festival has expanded to include various civic events alongside its core cultural presentations.
Preserving Culture for Future Generations
Today, the Binulu Festival stands as a testament to Porac's commitment to cultural preservation. What began as simple cooking demonstrations has evolved into a major community celebration that not only honors indigenous Aeta traditions but also strengthens local identity and boosts tourism in the region.
The municipal government continues to ensure that this important aspect of local heritage remains alive and relevant, connecting younger generations with the wisdom of their ancestors through the enduring practice of bamboo cooking.
