DAVAO CITY — Eleven young women from the city’s indigenous and Moro communities will take the stage on Sunday, August 9, 2026, for the Hiyas sa Kadayawan Cultural Presentation. The event offers a rare, free opportunity to witness the living traditions and stories of Davao’s eleven ethnolinguistic groups.
A Stage for Cultural Storytelling
Hiyas sa Kadayawan is not a conventional pageant. It is a search for cultural gems—women who embody their tribe’s heritage, wisdom, and artistry. On Sunday, each candidate will perform traditional dances, share ancestral narratives, and showcase the music and crafts of her community. The event is a masterclass in Mindanao’s diversity, open to everyone at no charge.
The presentation begins at 4:00 PM at the Annex Event Center of SM City Davao. Visitors can expect an immersive journey into the soul of the Kadayawan Festival, which celebrates bountiful harvests and cultural unity. The gathering sets the stage for the Grand Coronation Night, scheduled for August 13 at the USEP Gymnasium.
Meet the Eleven Cultural Ambassadors
The candidates represent the five Lumad (indigenous) and six Moro (Muslim) tribes that call Davao City home. From the Ata tribe, Leslie Jean Manambay will share her people’s connection to the highlands. Diane Patrice Soliman of the Bagobo‑Klata and Mary Joy Antic of the Bagobo‑Tagabawa will reveal the intricate beadwork and epic chants unique to their communities.
Christine Faith Gawilan (Matigsalug) and Christine Joy Again (Obu‑Manuvu) will also take the stage for the Lumad groups. The Moro representatives include Sittie Hayah Usman (Iranun), Jamaica Prado (Kagan), Bai Ayessa Mangansakan (Maguindanaon), Marziyah Channa Abinal (Maranao), Marisol Barani (Sama), and Lowella Nakilan (Tausug). Each woman carries the responsibility of preserving and promoting her heritage.
A Celebration of Unity and Harvest
The Kadayawan Festival traces its roots to pre‑colonial thanksgiving rituals honoring the supreme creator for nature’s bounty. This year’s theme, “We Are One, KadayaONE!”, underscores the harmony among Davao’s diverse cultures. The Hiyas sa Kadayawan presentation is a centerpiece of this month‑long celebration, drawing locals and tourists alike.
The festival is expected to attract around 250,000 visitors, and extensive security measures are in place to ensure a safe experience. Attendees are advised to observe venue rules, including restrictions on backpacks and non‑transparent water containers. The city’s vibrant Kadayawan spirit extends beyond this event, with a floral float parade and street dancing finale on August 16.
A Personal Invitation to Experience Davao
For travelers seeking authentic cultural immersion, Sunday’s presentation offers an unmatched window into the Philippines’ indigenous soul. The event is not just a performance; it is a conversation between generations, a living museum that walks and breathes. After the August 9 event, visitors can plan to return for the coronation night and other Kadayawan highlights throughout the week. Davao City welcomes the world to witness its heritage, one story at a time.
