The equally-gorgeous women from the 11 tribes of Davao showcased their culture through their talents but it was Jenfin Puroc Aguan from the Bagobo- Tagabawa tribe who emerged ‘Best in Cultural Presentation’ in the competition for the Hiyas ng Kadayawan 2017 at Gaisano Mall Davao on Tuesday.
The 1st runner-up award went to Sittie Haya Lanto Cairoden from the Maranao tribe while Ainadhel Awang Blas of the Tausug Tribe plucked the 2nd runner-up award.
“ Very happy po ako ngayon, daku kaayo ko’g pasalamat sa mga tao na nag suporta sa akoa ug gani man wala jud ko nag expect na ako ang mudaog tungod daghan ug props nga kulang ,dako pud kaayo ko ug pagpasamat sa Ginoo,” said Aguan.
She said that the victory was not just for her but for her tribe as well.
The panel of judges for the event included Cristito D. Ingay, Davao City Provincial Officer National Commission on Indigenous Peoples; Norhaida M. Lumaan Acting Regional Director National Commission on Muslim Filipino; Leonardo Cariño, artistic Director, Teatro Ambahanon, Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges, General Santos City; Dr. Corazon Agustin Board of Director, Philippine Folk Dance Society and Orly Escarilla, Museum Director Museo Dabawenyo.
The criteria for judging included 30 percent for representing the values, aspirations and history of her community, 30 percent for artistic appeal and showmanship that includes the voice quality, pitch, use of instrumental instruments or props, precision and technique, choreography, rhythm and coordination; 20 per cent for variety and style or uniqueness and 10 percent for props and costume.
The SyCip Gorres Velayo & Co, a member firm of the Ernst & Young Global Limited Headed by Alvin M. Pinpin, acted as the official tabulator.
“We are very thankful that the Kadayawan 2017 has gone off to a very exciting start and we look forward to see you to the future events”, said Capt. Ronald Go, The President of Davao City Chamber of Commerce and the Co-chairman of the Kadayawan Executive Committee. He also thanked his co-Executive Committee memebers Gatchi Gatchalian, Festival director and Regina Rosa Tecson, City Tourism Officer, the sponsors for the support for the festival and the people for witnessing the event. “We also like to invite everyone for the Coronation Ceremony which will be on August 18, held at USEP Gymnasium 6 o’clock in the evening;” Go added.
He said that he has his own bets but all of them are equally beautiful and talented. “ It’s nice to see the beauty of the Dabawenyo from the different tribes and their talents as wel,l and I think we have so much to look forward to the coronation night,” Go said. Based on the number of people and the overwhelming support of the different tribes on their representative he can conclude that the Talent completion for the Hiyas ng Kadayawan is a success. He also mention that there will be10 Russian tour guides that will join the Kadayawan. “They want to attend the festivity and hopefully they will stay until Sunday for them to witness all the events that we have,” Go said.
He said that they wanted to highlight the 11 tribes of Davao as well as their cultural diversities. “It is also important especially for the young ones to really see what Davao is about and the Lumads and Muslims tribes we have come together, we have come together and we have unified,” said Go. He said that it is symbolic to what we really need to have in Davao is unity and the Love for Davao.
He also confirmed that this year’s Kadayawan Festival is his first Kadayawan experience and he is caught up with the excitement . “ I like it, I honestly wished that I had attended ( the Kadayawan Festival) in the previous years there is so much hype and there is so much excitement and so many activities and it is so colorful.” said Go. He said that getting first-hand information about the history of the tribes is really interesting.
