The fire-benders of Tribu K’Mindanawan Cultural Village

No, these kids don't emit fire

It was probably the perfect way to welcome the participants of the Davao Food Appreciation Tour as we made our way to Crocodile Park and Tribu K’Mindanawan Cultural Village which were both located at the same complex. We were in for a treat that night and personally, the Fire Tiger in me was pleased.

DAVAO CROCODILE PARK

Tiger beat!

Our first stop was in Davao Crocodile Park where several animals can be found and each were friendly enough for tourists to pet them. One of my favorites was this feisty little tiger who instantly became everyone’s favorite. As one of my totems, I was really attracted to it and a chance to finally touch one was starting to come true. However, other rabid tourists seemed as aggressive as the beast and desired to have photos taken with them holding the tiger that I wasn’t able to get my chance (You should’ve scratched their eyes out, little one).

Snakes and feathers

Other animals for petting included an Albino Python. It wasn’t the first time I had one wrapped around my neck, but this one was particularly more aggressive as his head kept heading for my crotch. I wanted to have another ‘I’m A Slave 4 U’ moment but I was more concerned about the snake’s continuous efforts for ‘bird’ watching.

Speaking of birds, there were tons of them in the park! Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to take a lot of photos for two resons: 1.) We had little time to go around because we had to catch a show at 5:45 PM and 2.) I’m not a big fan of these types of birds anyway, if you know what I mean. *wink*

Davao's biggest croc

But of course, it wouldn’t be named Crocodile Park if there were no crocs to be found. At that time, since we had limited time to go around, I was only able to see one big croc sitting alone in his very own cage. There’s a bigger pool area where more of the same species could be found but at that  time I think they were all too busy to grace us with their presence.

TRIBU K’MINDANAWAN CULTURAL VILLAGE

Audience waiting for the show to start

Several steps away from Crocodile Park is the Tribu K’Mindanawan Cultural Village. Situated by the riverside, the place is surrounded by walls of tall bamboo trees and as you step inside, you’ll be transported to a world rich of Filipino culture as it is their aim to showcase indigenous Mindanao through cultural presentations.

I have no other photos as proof but the place has a permanent exhibition of artifacts belonging to different tribes of Mindanao, with houses, tools, and ornaments of the Bagobo, and Manobo tribes to name a few.

Modern day firebenders

On weekends, tourists visit to check out the cultural presentation and fire show that starts at 5:45 PM from Fridays to Sundays. Upon learning that we were about to watch a fire show that night, I wasn’t really that thrilled. Before seeing anything, I already dismissed it as another circus act. It wasn’t really, in fact I became a little more in awe than I expected.

The fire show started on time and just as it’s called, the performers really brought the heat on!

Young men playing with fire

What made this particular fire show different from the rest, and this is just me assuming since I haven’t seen a lot, are the devices that they used. While Poi-dancers have this balls of fire attached to strings that they swing around their bodies, the fire dancers of Tribu K’Mindanawan uses different metal contraptions that had several fiery points on them. So technically, a tiny mistake could be more dangerous and these young lads and ladies are probably risking a whole lot more compared to the Poi-dancers.

Ladies turn on the heat

Groups of men and women take the stage alternately to perform their routines. Every time a group would take the stage, the team would be holding a different device for the fire. Personally, I was a little more biased with the girls because of the chants they said while dancing. The rhythm of fire and song to the beat of the drum felt magical. At one point, these performers seemed to be emitting little embers all over the stage and it was a sight unlike any other.

Show's over

At the very end, the performance exploded like fireworks and all the rows of people watching gasped in delight. After the show, the audience could come up and have photos taken with the fire dancers. You could even go inside their fiery loops for an Instagram moment. I didn’t, because I was too tired that day. Nag-iinarte lang.

For more information, you can check out Tribu K’Mindanawan’s official website and Facebook Page. They have more photos over there!