FIVE artists from Mindanao’s indigenous communities are among the 25 finalists in this year’s Habi Kadayawan luxe wear apparel and fashion accessories design competition, one of the flagship events of Davao City’s 38th Kadayawan Festival.
Showcasing the artistry of established and budding designers from Mindanao, the 2023 Habi Kadayawan, which carries the theme “MindaNow and Beyond”, has 10 finalists in the luxe wear apparel category and 15 in fashion accessory. The fashion accessory category is subdivided into three: commercial (professionals and freelancers), youth (15- to 24-year-old students from fashion and design schools and out-of-school youth endorsed by their respective local government units) and community (associations, cooperatives, indigenous people and emerging cottage industries).
The indigenous community accessories design finalists include: crocheted neckpiece warmer by the Samahan ng may iba’t ibang Kakayahan sa Dabaw, represented by Edelberta Bajinting of Davao City; langkus by the Namnam Kouyagan Eco-tourism Tribal Association (NAMKE-TTA), represented by Rosel Sulin-Ay Masaloon, Cresilda Sulin and Okya Sulin-Ay Masaloon, Bukidnon; guzo evening bag by the Association of Panabo United Crafters, represented by Rowena Yambao, Panabo; son’neng bag by the Bagobo Tagabawa Pangulabe Association, represented by Joseph Aalazar, Toril; and bakutal tagakalo women’s bag by the Datu Dawata Women’s Association, represented by Lolita Labis, Davao Occidental.
(Credit: pia.gov.ph)
“I made it to show that my tribe now is no longer hiding in obscurity. It showcases our talent and our culture. Our creations are symbols of how precious and rich our attires are which I want to show in Habi Kadayawan,” said Rosel Sulin-Ay Masoloon of NAMKE-TTA in the vernacular. The group’s creation is langkus, a scarf inspired by the headgear traditionally worn by the warriors of her community.
Emi Englis, event organizer and secretary of the Davao Fashion and Design Council, said Habi Kadayawan serves as a launch pad not just for up-and-coming designers but also for indigenous artists. “We have to empower them and we see Habi Kadayawan as a platform that can empower them. This will help them manage, enhance and market sustainably their designs,” he said.
Finalists for the commercial category of accessories design are: Sheila Borillo, Davao City; Oscar Floirendo, Cagayan de Oro; Christopher Gomez, Cagayan de Oro; Joshua Sabate, Davao City; and Arnold Vesorio, Sarangani.
For the youth category of accessories design: Roland Boyles, Davao City; Jason Doble, Davao de Oro; Robert Rey Molina, South Cotabato; Jurad Ricablanca, Davao City; and Meljan Patayan, Davao de Oro.
(Credit: Facebook)
For the apparel category: John Bonniedick Adaza, Davao City; John Erah Alcantara, Davao City; Shine Casiňo, Cagayan de Oro; Jozel Ignes, South Cotabato; Akmad Kari Jr, BARMM; Richard Miňoza, Zamboanga; Renee Francesca Sinfuego, Davao City; Jad Darrel Solito, Davao City; Garvy Terrado, GenSan; and Clenton Velarde, Sarangani.
Awarding ceremonies will be held on Aug. 12 at the Ayala Abreeza Mall, to be followed by a public exhibition on Aug. 13-31 at the same venue.
The grand prize winner in the apparel competition will get P200,000; first runner-up, P150,000; and second runner-up, P75,000.
In the accessories division, the three grand winners from the three sub-categories will each receive P150,000 and the non-winners, P10,000.
Aside from the cash prize, all winners will have a million peso-worth of business incubation perks, which include entrepreneurial mentoring, product development coaching and exposure to trade fairs and exhibits.
Habi Kadayawan 2023 is co-organized by the city tourism operations office and Davao Fashion and Design Council Foundation, Inc. and supported by the Department of Trade and Industry Region XI, Mindanao Trade Expo Foundation, Inc., Ayala Malls Abreeza, Alagang Ayala Program and Philippine Women’s College of Davao’s Bio-Circular-Green Technology Business Incubator in Creative Hub for Industry 4.0 or CHI+, a DOST-funded technology business incubation program.
Reviving creativity
For Jennifer Romero, city tourism operations office officer-in-charge, the absence of Habi Kadayawan during the pandemic and the 2022 Kadayawan, left a void in the celebration of Mindanao’s art, culture and fashion.
“In the previous editions of Habi Kadayawan, we were privileged to witness the remarkable skills and creativity of our fellow Mindanaoan designers and artisans,” said Romero, who added that the city government of Davao has earmarked P4 million for this year’s Habi Kadayawan.
Romero emphasized that one of the highlights of this year’s edition is the inclusion of community-based artisans. She said it is aligned with the city’s thrust of giving more importance to the tribes in community building through arts.
Winners will be mentored for a year through a Design Ideation and Business Enterprise Bootcamp at Philippine Women’s College CHI+ in September and promoted at prestigious national fashion events like Manila FAME in October.
Alagang Ayala Land will also give free spaces for the winners at the Ayala Malls Abreeza to showcase and market their products.
“This year, majority of the applicants’ pitches are market-driven, which means they are now looking at the sustainability of their designs and products,” Englis said.
Inspired by diverse culture
One of the best things about the showcase of culture during Kadayawan Festival is that it is not only limited to dances, food, and tradition. The garments and accessories made by and with the indigenous peoples in Davao City are also highlighted.
This year’s Habi Kadayawan celebrates inclusion – not only of the 11 tribes in Mindanao but as well as those residing in the neighboring regions and provinces. It lives up to the name and purpose of celebrating Kadayawan – diversity and unity.
Kadayawan Festival
With this year’s theme of “Colors of Abundance, Vibrance of Diversity, Festivals of Festivals”, Kadayawan has been known for its grand celebrations such as street dancing, floral float parade, cultural festivities, street parties and concerts.
Davao City’s annual festivity celebrates life and thanksgiving for nature’s bounty, wealth of culture and serenity of living. The festival’s name is taken from the Mandaya word “madayaw” which means “valuable”, “good” and “beautiful”.
It’s said that during the olden times, the tribes living in the foothills of Mt. Apo would hold a thanksgiving feast to thank the creator for their bountiful harvests.
The festival in its current form was first celebrated in 1986 as Apo Duwaling Festival, representing the city’s three icons: Mt. Apo, durian and waling-waling orchid. In 1988, during the term of then-newly elected city mayor Rodrigo Duterte, it was renamed Kadayawan.
Today, the festival highlights the rich and diverse cultures of Mindanao’s 11 ethnolinguistic communities: Bagobo Tagabawa, Klata, Ata, Matigsalug, Obo Manuvu, Maguindanaon, Iranun, Sama, Tausug, Kagan and Maranao.
The 38th Kadayawan Festival also unveiled a new logo and theme music that aims to entice people to come and celebrate.
“The logo breathes life into our shared experiences, our traditions and our aspirations. It is a visual symphony that echoes the harmony of our diverse voices, especially the 11 tribes, with their beautiful patterns and culture, resonating through the streets and illuminating the hearts of all Dabawenyos,” according to the Dabawenyo creative team.
Activities
Pag-abli sa Kadayawan (opening ceremony), Aug. 10, 3-6 p.m., Magsaysay Park (Bantawan Amphitheatre)
Tabuan sa Kadayawan (a showcase of local cuisine, delicacies, arts, music and bountiful harvest), Aug. 10-13, 4 p.m.-12 a.m., Rizal Park
Agong ug Kulintanangan sa Kadayawan (music competition), Aug. 11, 4-9 p.m., Magsaysay Park (Bantawan Amphitheatre)
Hiyas sa Kadayawan cultural presentation (talent contest), Aug. 13, 4-6 p.m., SM City Davao
Bantawan cultural presentation (songs and dances of 11 ethnolinguistic groups), Aug. 14-16, 4-8 p.m., Magsaysay Park (Bantawan Amphitheatre)
Dula Kadayawan (Olympics of indigenous games), Aug. 17, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., People’s Park
Hiyas sa Kadayawan coronation night, Aug. 17, 6-9 p.m., RMC Petro Gazz Arena
Kasikas sa Kadayawan, Aug. 18, 6-10 p.m., San Pedro Square
Indak Indak aa Kadayawan (street dancing competition), Aug. 19, 2-8 p.m., San Pedro Square
Pamulak ug Hudyaka sa Kadayawan (floral float parade), Aug. 20, 6 a.m.-12 nn, Roxas to San Pedro Square
Konsierto Kadayawan, Aug. 20, 6 p.m.-12 a.m., San Pedro Square
Indeed, Kadayawan Festival is a time for thanksgiving and celebration, reflecting the heart and soul of Dabawenyos, their diverse tribes and their passion for life. It’s a time for communities to come together, share their traditions and showcase their unique talents and skills, making it one of the most awaited annual festivals in the country.
