Following a rather short but serious phase of listlessness, it was a surprise to have found myself aboard a van crammed with people working in the media for a journey to Malita, Davao Occidental. It was the 2nd night of the week-long celebration of the 2nd Araw Ng Davao Occidental, October 27, 2017. We were invited to witness a parade of beauty, culture, heritage, and fashion.
It was just my luck I stumbled upon a worthy impetus because I was rotting in my apartment. It was a long drive—approximately 3 to 4 hours—but it was a ride I willed to sit through because a beauty pageant and a fashion show await me; a real treat for someone who holds a pride flag, if I were honest.
Davao Occidental has five municipalities: Sarangani, Jose Abad Santos, Sta Maria, Don Marcelino, and Malita. Each of them were represented by young, beautiful lasses vying to be this year's Reina De Davao Occidental.
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| Jinelyn II T. Cawa - Sarangani |
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| Chrstine Joy N. Sering - Jose Abad Santos |
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| Mary Elvi T. Dimzon - Sta. Maria |
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| Princess Grace B. Calvo- Malita |
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| El Shaphir Mareshah H. Manliguez - Don Marcelino |
The program opened with an interplay of a stunning light show and cultural dances performed to heart-thumping contemporary beats. The Reinas from the five municipalities made entrance in their artisanal traditional garments coming out one by one from behind the performers. The whole production was so tastefully thought-out and done; my every senses shook from excitement—not to mention the fact that a couple of celebrities were there to hype things up a little bit more.
Alice Dixson was host to the event alongside Magandang Umaga South Central Mindanao host, Joey Concepcion and PBB Celebrity Edition 2 Big Winner, Ruben Gonzaga. Kyle Velino, a fresh Star Magic artist who appears on the prime-time soap, The Good Son, was also present as a judge to the competition alongside Daiana Menezes, and one of the country's most influential names in the fashion scene, Mr Avel Bacudio.
One of ABS CBN's hottest leading men, Vin Abrenica, also made an appearance to serenade the Reinas while they were clad in locally designed Filipinianas. You could just imagine how the crowd reacted to the whole show.
Personally, I loved every bit of the program. In Bohol, our municipality would hold an annual pageant, but they were not as grand as this one, so I was totally delighted—even more so when the Trajes De Reinas Avant Garde Competition started. (Click here for the separate story.)
But it was more than just the gorgeous faces walking on pairs of long legs; it was more than just the glitz. When all the glamour is stripped away, you'll see that it was mainly about how five sets of people from the municipalities that comprise the province coming together to celebrate their independence, and oneness, and appreciation of tribal aesthetic, its local bounty in both talent and scenic attractions. Gov. Claude Bautista even highlighted in his closing remarks that the success of the 2nd Araw Ng Davao Occidental can be greatly attributed to the whole province's unity and cooperation.
In the end, the 18-year old queen from Sta. Maria, Mary Elvi T. Dimzon was crowned Reina De Davao Del Sur 2017. The night was a true success.
I went home to Davao City completely mesmerized by the experience, and definitely yearning for more. Here's Katrin Su's vlog at the event so you can peek a little further:
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