A photo showing a white man being taught a Lumad traditional dance was chosen as the grand winner in this year’s Hulagway sa Kadayawan 2017 photo competition. “Hulagway” is vernacular word for picture or photo.
The entry of photographer William Lee Chin titled “Kulas” emerged as the winner of 266 photo entries submitted this year — each showing the many facets of the celebration that drew thousands of visitors from August 14 to October 20.
Kulas was a standout as it presented the message that Kadayawan is a celebration enjoyed by everyone, even by foreigners.
This year’s panel of judges did not only base their decision on the colors of Kadayawan, but also considered the elements that capture the culture, tradition, the story behind the celebration and how they are relevant in the current time.
“The photo was a standout because of the message, which was very clear and at the same time, very important — how everyone truly celebrated the festival at a time when there are challenges in Mindanao and when the entire island has been placed under Martial Law,” said Jefry Tupas, the Davao City Information Officer.
“The photo was a visual testament that Davao is a peaceful city, where people live in unity with each other despite the differences in religion, race, and culture — which is the reason why Kadayawan is being celebrated annually in the first place.”
Chin’s photo captured Canadian Internet sensation Kulas as he danced with the participants of the Lumadnong Dula at the People’s Park.
Dennis Tan’s entry, “Aming Kwento,” which captured a family passing the story of their tribe to the younger generation, closely followed by a couple of points and was declared the Second Prize winner.
Third Prize went to Joemar Lamata’s entry “Kaondayawan,” which captured the bountiful fruit harvest of Kadayawan.
Chin, Tan, and Lamata will receive P15,000, P 10,000 and P 5,000 pesos cash prizes, respectively. They will also receive a Smart Bro LTE Pocket Wifi each, courtesy of Kadayawan festival sponsor Smart-PLDT.
Meanwhile, the sunny smile of a young Matigsalog girl, captured by the lens of Pejey Boy Candari, was Mayor Inday Sara Duterte’s choice. As Mayor’s Choice awardee, Candari will receive P3,000 in cash prize, a Smart Bro LTE Pocket Wifi, and 1,000 worth of Smart load.
Another special prize, the Smart-PLDT Choice, was given to Michael Li’s entry “Smooth and Gentle,” which captured the moment of the street dance competition – Indak-Indak sa Kadayawan. A cash prize of P 5,000 goes with the award.
The other entries of Tan and Candari were also among the 17 runners up, which will receive P1,500 each. The other runners up are Dan Batts, Ludwig Tupas, Arfe Gavilanes, Ian Russell Requiso, Constantine Agustin, Benedict Rizaldo Maboloc, Ariel Pascua, Helen Verdaguer, Irving Leyson, Ruwen Verdaguer, Dexter Arcenas, Frederico Bonane, Arjoy Ceniza and Michael Li.
The entries were judged according to Composition (30 percent), Creativity (30 percent), Originality (30 percent) and Relevance to the Theme (10 percent).
All winners will be formally notified through email and text messages for the schedule of awarding of prizes. CIO
