Pakaradyan Festival 2014, Malapatan, Sarangani province

Tucked near the southern edge of Sarangani province is a small, sleepy town with a rich and colorful culture; whose richness is only matched by its equally beautiful mix of well-preserved tradition and reserved natural tourist destinations.

The town is named Malapatan, which means "mala" - pepper and "fatan" place in Blaan.

Malapatan's unique culture is mainly borne out of the diversity of culture that is inherent in the place. It is inhabited by the three major cultural contributors namely the Blaans (first inhabitants), Maguindanaons (Muslim pilgrims) and the mostly Christian group of immigrants that first settled in the area during the land settlement years.

In its 45th foundation anniversary last June 21, the inhabitants of Malapatan showcased how all this colorful cultural contribution is now interwoven and integrated itself into what we now know as the unique festival called "Pakaradyan".