Here is the second and final installment of an article on Kadayawan Festival. This article is contributed by a Davao-based Internet writer who goes by the pen name Dabawenyong Robot.
Did you know?
Formerly a Kadayawan staple, the Bagobo Horse Fight has been scrapped off the Kadayawan calendar in recent years. It is widely believed that the event was shelved because several activists protested the idea of horses fighting and maiming each other in front of thousands of spectators.
During its active years however, the horse fight was easily one of Kadayawan’s most popular events. It was usually held near the AGRO grounds right along Bolton bridge. Oddly enough, it was notorious among townsfolk not because of the sight of horses slugging it out with each other, but rather because in many instances these restless horses end up kicking their cruel human handlers. Ouch.
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Hiyas Ng Kadayawan
What’s a Kadayawan festival without the search for its Hiyas?
Last year’s search for Hiyas ng Kadayawan saw a total facelift in the mechanics of the pageant. Gone were the days when the criteria for the Hiyas and Mutya ng Dabaw were just almost the same. Also gone were the days that even male contestants could join in and march around the stage. Instead, we have intelligent and beautiful women representing each of the 10 indigenous groups, vying for the Hiyas crown. And it feels just right that way.
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Fruits, fruits and fruits.
The month of August also happens to be the time of ample harvest here in Davao. So expect lots and lots of fruits here in the city during the Kadayawan Festival. Durian, Mangoes, Papayas, Watermelon, Lanzones, Mangosteen, Pomelos and the like… Davao has them all. Lots and lots of them actually.
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Closed Entry Points
Certain roads in downtown Davao will be closed during the Floral Float Parade and the Indak-Indak. The roads usually closed are the intersections right along San Pedro street. So if you want to watch the Indak-Indak showdown just right outside the San Pedro Cathedral, you’ll have to park your car somewhere near the closed entry points and walk the walk.
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Anyway, that’s all for now. Unless dummies like you and me suddenly disappear from the surface of the earth, we’ll be back to give you more.
Madayaw Dabaw!