32nd Kadayawan Sa Davao Festival

The successful and festive week-long celebration of the Kadayawan Festival 2017 has come to an end. As a Davaoeno, I am most grateful for the very peaceful 32nd Kadayawan and successful celebration aside from the fun and memorable moments while I personally witnessed some of the official events unfold in this year’s festival despite the extended Martial law in Mindanao. Busy with many events leading to the Kadayawan week, while me being sick at the same time, we still found time to be at the events as much as I can so as not to miss out most of the fun of the week-long annual celebration.

This Kadayawan 2017 was specially meaningful as the Davao Digital Influencers, Inc., the only SEC registered blogging organization in the Davao region, was chosen as the official social media partner by the Davao City Government for this year’s Kadayawan.  Headed by DDI President Glen Santillan and Vice President Verna Luga with DDI’s Influencer of the Year Chito Samontina (more known to Byaheng DO30 fans as Kol Chito), we are grateful for the trust given by our City Government and the appreciation from the Kadayawan ExeCom. Being a new organization that had our first anniversary three weeks ago, they have entrusted DDI to help them in the social media promotion aspect of the festival. We encourage everyone to continue sharing their fun Kadayawan memories through photos on social media of their beautiful experience in the recently concluded Kadayawan to keep the spirit on throughout the month. Also, please do not forget to use the official hashtag: #Kadayawan in all your social media posts about the festival.

This 2017, there are 15 events for Kadayawan while last year there were only 7 according to the Kadayawan Festival executive committee director Gatchi Gatchalian, who also is the Davao Tourism Association (DATA) President. Aside from that, there were also so many other various events held around the city during this month in time for Kadayawan.

Now here is a quick look at the Kadayawan events…

Among the first event was the Kadayawan Dragon Boat Festival last August 12-13, 2017 held at the Sta. Ana Wharf in Magsaysay Avenue. Pag Abli Sa Kadayawan 2017 Opening Ceremony was last August 14 held at the Magsaysay Park where the Kadayawan Tribal Village exhibit and Bantawan cultural show was also opened to the public from August 14-20 at the park.

Hiyas Sa Kadayawan Cultural Presentation and Talent Competition last August 15 held at the Gaisano Mall of Davao atrium where Jenfin Aguan from Bagobo – Tagabawa Tribe won and she repeated her performance also during the coronation night.

Habi Kadayawan Fashion Accessories Design Competition last August 17 held at SM Lanang Premier, is a new event for Kadayawan that showcased the beautiful creations of 13 Davao artists-designers creative talents.

Photo above by DavaoLife.com

Maan Chua was the champion for Habi Kadayawan, while Jun Artajo was 1st runner-up and Lala Chua was 2nd runner-up. Habi was organized by the the Davao Fashion and Design Council (DFDC) Foundation with Aztec Barba as President.

Kaondayawan Food and Music fest was held from August 17-20 along Palma Gil Street near People’s Park was one of the food fest held in the city during Kadayawan. Many Davaoenos patronised the different food events around the city.

Last last August 18 various events were held including Subang Sinugdanan and Panagtagbo (River Float Parade) at Tionko Field; Dula Kadayawan (Tribal Games) at People’s Park; Mugna Kadayawan (Doodle Competition) at the Kadayawan Village in Magsaysay Park (showcasing the City’s 11 indigenous tribes; Ata, Bagobo-Tagabawa, Bagobo-K’lata, Sama, Kagan, Obu Manuvu, Matigsalug, Iranun, Tausug, Maranao, Maguindanaon); and the SMB Street Party at the Kadayawan Square in San Pedro Square during the night.

Photos credit to Kadayawan Sa Davao FB Page (@KadayawanFest) and @LouWorksStudio.

Sayaw Kadayawan last August 19, 2017 at SM City Davao Annex Event Center.

Congratulations to the winners of SAYAW KADAYAWAN!

Children’s Category

Champion: Dalican Central Pilot Elementary School Dance Troupe
2nd Place: Stella Maris Academy of Davao Junior Dance Guild
3rd Place: Magallanes Central Elementary School
4th Place: Cesario Villa Abrille Elementary School Dance Club
5th Place: (Pasundayag) Matina Central Elementary School

CONGRATULATIONS to the winners of Tunog Kadayawan!
Grand Champion: DINHI SA DABAW by LJ Manzano
2nd Place: DABA DABA by Aldyl Kent Charcos
3rd Place and People’s Choice for Best Performance: DUYOG SA KAPAYAPAAN by Davao City National High School SPA

Coke Studio last August 19 at the Kadayawan Square in San Pedro Square where Davaoenos were treated to a night of music!

Pamulak Sa Kadayawan (Floral Float Parade), one of the favorite events by the people was held last August 20 from Roxas Avenue to San Pedro Square parade route.

Pitik Kadayawan (Drumbeat Competition) is a new event added this year which took the same route as the Pamulak Sa Kadayawan.

Congratulations to the Pamulak and Pitik sa Kadayawan Winners:

Alternative Category
3rd prize: Poochi Poochi Group
2nd prize: Tahawrog Tribe Ancestral Domain
Grand prize: Davao Horse Club

Davaoenos were once again treated to a night of music to cap the Kadayawan week with Pahalipay Sa Kadayawan at the Kadayawan Square in San Pedro Square with performances from RockSteddy, Jason Dy and Michael Pangilinan!

Overall, Davaoenos say the 32nd Kadayawan Festival was one of the best ever celebrations we have experienced!

Hope you all had a great experience this Kadayawan 2017! Till the next Kadayawan Festival!

Madayaw DAVAO!