DAVAO — The queen of Philippine flowers has reclaimed her throne at SM City Davao this August. The Waling‑Waling Competition and Exhibit, a centerpiece of the Kadayawan Agri‑Trade Fair 2026, invites locals and travelers to witness the rare beauty of an orchid that has become a symbol of the city’s identity. The free showcase runs the entire month, through August 31.
A Royal Welcome at the Fair
Visitors stepping into the Open Parking Delta are greeted by a stunning display of the Waling‑Waling, or Vanda sanderiana, an orchid endemic to Mindanao’s rainforests. Its large, intricate blooms in shades of magenta, brown, and pink hang gracefully from display racks, creating a living gallery of color. The competition entries, tended by passionate private collectors and garden clubs, prove that this treasured flower is far from vanishing.
For years, many feared the Waling‑Waling had retreated from public view, surviving only in the greenhouses of dedicated hobbyists. The Kadayawan 2026 exhibit changes that narrative entirely. It brings the flower back to the people, offering a rare chance to admire varieties that are seldom seen outside specialized collections. Each bloom carries a story of careful propagation and a community’s effort to preserve its natural heritage.
A Festival Rooted in Gratitude and Beauty
The Agri‑Trade Fair is one of the many threads that weave the Kadayawan Festival together. Kadayawan, derived from the native greeting madayaw, is Davao’s grand thanksgiving for nature’s bounty and a celebration of its eleven ethnolinguistic tribes. The Waling‑Waling exhibit embodies this spirit perfectly: it honors the gifts of the earth and the cultural identity tied to the region’s flora.
The orchid shares the spotlight with Davao’s other tourism icons—the Philippine Eagle, Mount Apo, and the durian—each a symbol of the city’s rich natural and cultural wealth. Together, they tell the story of a destination that values both its environment and its traditions. Tourists who visit the fair leave with a deeper understanding of why Davao proudly calls itself a city of unity and abundance.
Beyond the Orchids: A Marketplace of Local Treasures
While the Waling‑Waling takes center stage, the surrounding Agri‑Trade Fair buzzes with activity. Rows of booths offer fresh tropical fruits, cacao products, and local delicacies, turning the mall parking area into a vibrant marketplace. Visitors can sample durian, marang, and mangosteen while chatting with the farmers who grew them.
The fair also showcases Mindanaoan handicrafts, from handwoven textiles to clay jewelry, providing a platform for small enterprises to reach a wider audience. For tourists, it is a one‑stop shop for authentic souvenirs that carry the soul of the region. The combination of horticulture, gastronomy, and crafts makes a single visit a multi‑sensory experience.
How to Experience the Kadayawan Agri‑Trade Fair
The exhibit and fair are conveniently located at SM City Davao’s Open Parking Delta, accessible via Quimpo Boulevard. Operating hours follow the mall’s schedule, typically from ten in the morning to nine at night, and admission is completely free. The venue’s central location makes it an easy addition to any Davao itinerary, whether before a meal or after a day of exploring the city’s other Kadayawan events.
The festival runs throughout August, culminating in grand street parades and cultural performances. The Agri‑Trade Fair, however, remains a steady presence for the entire month, giving tourists flexibility. For those who want to take a piece of Davao’s floral legacy home, potted orchids and seedlings are available for purchase.
