ingineous indigenous dance

Dancers representing the Kalagan tribe, one among the many indigenous peoples being given attention during the weeklong Kadayawan Festival, show ingenious dance steps that reflect the fresh dynamism and talent of its new generation of members. The Kalagans were a Muslim tribe that inhabited the river delta of the Davao River prior to the arrival and occupation of Spanish Colonizers in the Davao area by the 19th century and the eventual entry of Christian settlers from the islands of Visayas and Luzon. Various ethnic tribes such as the Bagobo, B'laan, Mandaya, Dabawnon, Talaingod among others, already existed in Davao many centuries before the colonizers came, each with their unique cultures and diverse belief systems ranging from Animist to stunning similarities with Christian doctrines. Some tribes had traced their ancestry whose forefathers arrived in the island by boat from as early as 5th Century. Yet the ancient Davao culture had survived, and still thrives in this modern era. With cosmopolitan Davao being a melting pot of cultures, Kadayawan celebrates the profoundly rich and colorful legacies of the indigenous peoples whose culture still lives and thrives even to this day.

Kadayawan blooms

The word Kadayawan comes from the native language of the Dabawenyo tribe, one among many indigenous groups in Davao, which means everything beautiful, good, wonderful, great. Kadayawan delivers just that, literally. The Floral Exhibit is one among many sights and sounds one encounters during the festival.

drums and gongs across the street

A throbbing, pulsating sound soon emanated from the windows of the Museum. An ethnic performance was being performed just across the steeet in Osmena Park. These indigenous performers from Ata-Manuvu tribe in colorful, unique and original attires beat their brass gongs (locally known as agong and kulintang) that reverberated in the air with that distinct, melodiously profound sound in celebration of Kadayawan Festival. They celebrate the thriving of their noble culture in its true wealth that had survived for many centuries, which can only be fittingly considered as priceless legacies. In Davao's Kadayawan, one witnesses the exciting, mystifying celebration of Humanity and Universality.

Solidarity Ring

An interesting artifact is also on display at the Museo Dabawenyo this Kadayawan Season. The Solidarity Ring of Compostela Valley, Davao city's neighboring province, is the country's biggest gold ring. The 18K two-toned ring of gold and silver is 6 inches in outer diameter and weighs 1.488 kgs. The Ring symbolizes the reconciliation of the people of Compostela Valley after strifes, sometimes violent and bloody, in its political history finally subsided. Miners, officials, politicians, businessmen and private individuals supported the governor's initiative and gave gold donations for the molding of the Solidarity Ring.





Compostela Valley is home to one of the world's largest gold deposits. The gold ores from one of its mounains, Mt. Diwalwal, was analyzed to have gold metal concentrations that outranks those from the world famous Witwatersrand Basin of South Africa.

museum reopens

The Museo Dabawenyo has finally reopened after full renovation of its interior. It is located in Magallanes St. on the rear of SP (Sanguniang Panlungsod) Building and Osmena Park. Recently an exhibit was held by an artist who also works for a media company. Today, the museum also showcases the works of local photographers and an art exhibit featuring the profoundly rich paintings and sculptures done by members of the indigenous communities here in Davao. The exhibits are one of the many activities for the much awaited event of the city this August, the Kadayawan Festival.





I consider the opening of this small museum in a very accesible location as one of the most important turning point of this young city's history. There may still be a long way to go, but it will ensure with the city tranforming more with highly cultured, art appreciative, civilized locals, and less of the nightmarish concern of living with seemingly modern but mediocre minded, materialistic, art-clueless society.

nude replica

This 40-foot replica of Michelangelo's David also caused much controversy in the city years ago. The gigantic figure in its nude splendour caused local "moralists" from all walks of life, from 'Christian' fundamentalists to politicians, to blush pinkish-red.

Or bluish-purple if not tisay/tisoy.*

So aghast were blushing politicians claiming to be vanguards of children's and women's welfare that they threatened to tear down the blasphemous statue for its gross violations and moral affront. The statue was one of the attractions of a constructed Baywalk Park built by a motel owner over a public beachfront land whose thriving business was located just nearby. The park was part of the motel owner's agreement with the government to build a seawall in his vicinity to prevent erosion.

The Mayor however, did a Solomonic decision. For legality's sake he may compromise with "moralists" to tear down the structure, but he must also include all other structures and beach resorts illegaly built on public shorelines of the city, including resorts owned by some politicians.

For the moment, the Baywalk construction was temporarily halted.

Meanwhile, adults and less malicious children continue to visit the area replete with other attractions like a pool with juvenile sharks and a mini zoo with sexy ostriches.

*(tisay/tisoy - a local slang connoting Filipinos with mixed lineage, occasionaly Caucasian)

a bridge less mediocre

Another controversial bridge in the city is this structure inside a downtown attraction, the People's Park. The footbridge would have been less mediocre were it not for the unceremonious interference of those involved against the free reign of its artist. Originally, the ecclectic design would have been akin with a Singapore footbridge but interferers with mediocre minds prevented it from becoming what otherwise could have been one of the country's avant-garde bridge.