Mabubusog Ka sa Ubi ng Ina Mo!

Basta Ubi Bohol‚ Basta Bohol Ubi!!

Tara na’t makisaya at tumikim ng nagsasarapang ubi.

ubi ko‚ ubi mo‚ ubi ng ina mo!

Let's delve into the Ubi Festival, highlighting its importance, festivities, and the deep-rooted connection between Bohol and this humble purple yam.

BOHOL THE LARGEST PRODUCER OF UBI/UBE (yam)

Bohol, known for its pristine beaches, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, has an annual tradition that brings together locals and visitors in a vibrant celebration of one of its most treasured agricultural products - the ubi, or purple yam.

The province of Bohol is home to a special type of tuber, the ube kinampay. Recognized as the “Queen of Philippine Yams” by the Bureau of Plant Industry, the ubi kinampay is favored for having smooth and round roots, a sweet flavor, distinct aroma, and vibrant color that ranges from marbled purple-white to deep purple.

The Ubi Festival, held with great fanfare each year, showcases the versatility, flavors, and cultural significance of this unique tuber.

Origin

A tradition that started in 2000, the Ubi Festival is held every 27th of January to celebrate the ubi crop that has become an agro-historical symbol for Bohol. The festival aims to further promote the ubi crop in other parts of the country. All events and activities during this month-long celebration are held to showcase ubi and the many other products that are made using this root crop. The celebration usually features cultural activities, seminars, and exhibits.

Ubi or Ube means savior for Boholanos. In English, it is commonly known as purple yam or Dioscorea alata. Aside from being an abundant root crop in Bohol, it also is a livelihood for the residents. Since this product can last for six months, it is the staple food of the locals. To honor the importance and significance of the root crop, they conceptualized a festival that features cultural activities, Cooking Contest, Ubi Exhibits and livelihood seminars on how to cultivate and produce various food products made from Ubi.

This majestic festivity not only aims to showcase the different varieties of this root crop but to also celebrate the abundance and the historical and cultural significance of Ubi or Ube in the island province of Bohol.

The historical significance of the ubi crop to the Boholano is described by a Jesuit missionary, Fr. Ignacio Alcina, S.J., in his Historia de las islas e.indios de Bisayas”: The so-called Ubi, which are numerous in kind, color and shape. The larger ones are called kinampay and are mulberry in color. The Ubi is the chief staple of the mainland Bohol and other islands (Dauis/Panglao Island) where they yield abundantly and very well.” In addition, Fr. Blancos Flora de Pilipinas mentioned the best variety of ubi, is Cebu Ubi which comes from Bohol.

Fun Facts

Why Boholanos kiss the ubi?

The practice of kissing the ubi originated as a form of psychological way to make people respect a very important root crop for us. It is interesting to know that among the people of the Philippines, it is the Boholanos who have the long and intimate relationship with the crop. Boholanos learned to revere it in a very special way, ubi is considered more useful than rice. 

During the World War II and several famines, it is said that ubi was the only crop that grew in Bohol soil that saved the Boholanos from starving to death, thus their great respect for it, so much so that it’s the only staple food included in their Bohol hymn.

According the elders, when anyone accidentally drops an ubi to the ground or table, they would utter an apology and kiss it as a sign of reverence and respect, so you will not be inflicted with ‘gaba’ (wrath or misfortune).

As the country’s ubi capital, the Ubi festival was patterned as an eco-tourism event that showcases ubi products, contests and cultural shows featuring ubi. It doesn’t showcase street dancing (but organizers can consider it in the near future), but zooms in on the development of ubi products or the entrepreneurial aspect of ubi‘s existence.

The Ubi festival gives an opportunity to the young generation to grasp of the traditions involving ubi culture like one would have to do chanting or incantations before he or she plants the tuber. Call it palihi, our elders said it’s effective.

On the beauty aspect, the Ubi Festival also showcased the search for Miss Ubi Festival Queen. The Miss Ubi Queen Festival serves as ambassador of goodwill and must be well-versed on information about the ubi so she can help in its promotion.

Some of the activities held during the Ubi Festival 

• Fireworks Display‚ the festival concludes with a spectacular fireworks display, lighting up the night sky and signifying the end of a memorable celebration.

• Street Dancing‚ participants showcase their talents and the rich culture of Bohol through vibrant and colorful street dances.

• Beauty Pageant‚ a beauty pageant featuring contestants from different municipalities showcases the beauty and talent of Bohol's women.

• Music and Dance Performances‚ local and national artists perform traditional and contemporary music and dance numbers, entertaining both locals and tourists.

• Food Festival‚ a wide array of Boholano delicacies and local dishes are offered for visitors to taste and enjoy.

• Float Parade‚ intricately designed floats depicting Bohol's history, heritage, and local products are paraded through the streets.

• Cultural Presentations‚ demonstrations of traditional crafts, weaving, and other local arts are showcased, providing insight into the daily life of the people of Bohol.

• Sports Events‚ sports enthusiasts can enjoy various competitions like basketball, volleyball, and other traditional games.

• Eco-Tourism Activities‚ visitors can participate in various eco-tourism activities such as island hopping, snorkeling, and exploring the beautiful Chocolate Hills.

• Trade Fairs and Exhibits‚ lcal businesses and entrepreneurs exhibit their products and services, promoting Bohol's economy and entrepreneurship.

Makisaya sa pagdiriwang,

H’wag magpapahuli sa mga aktibidad,

Mag-enjoy at magsaya,

H’wag palalampasin ang pagdiriwang ng

UBI FESTIVAL‼️