For old-time Dabawenyos, July 29 is one of the most important dates of the year as it marks the celebration of the Feast of Saint Peter, the patron saint of Davao. But aside from the religious significance of the date, July 29 is when the old Davao families come together for a grand reunion in the form of the Hijos de Davao Ball.
This year is the 54th iteration of the ball, which was started by the families who migrated from Luzon and the Visayas as a way of keeping the community close, was held at the SMX Convention Center. This year’s muse is Eighteen-year old Cecilia Pauliño Reta, the youngest daughter of Rodolfo Cardoza Reta and Jessieden Pauliño-Reta. Escorting her that evening is Brandon Chad Cody Tuano–Gahol, son of Ricardo and Lucille Gahol.
As with tradition, the evening opened with a formal Rigodon de Honor featuring Davao’s prominent business people, politicians and past muses, followed by the crowning of the muse. Breaking with tradition however, a fashion show featuring Hijos de Davao’s younger generations of mothers and daughters brightened the mood of the affair. Aside from introducing the children to the significance of the ball, it was also a way for the different families to know each other.
I personally view the Hijos de Davao Ball as a way to kindle a sense of community through positive interaction between family members through the different generations.
