Friday, July 30, 2010

Du-aw ta sa Dabaw! Dagan ta sa Kadayawan!

Practically all roads lead to Davao come August. The reason? Kadawayan.

Kadayawan is a celebration of Good Harvest, writes philippinecountry.com. The term Kadayawan is derived from the Mandaya word “madayaw”, a warm and friendly greeting used to explain a thing that is valuable, superior, beautiful, good, or profitable.

Kadayawan in Mandaya means anything that brings fortune, a celebration of life, a thanksgiving for the gifts of nature, the wealth of culture, the bounties of harvest and serenity of living. Ethnic tribes around Mt. Apo usually gathered during the harvest-time when they had a bountiful harvest to give thanks to their gods particularly the the Supreme Being "Manama." Singing, dancing and offerings to their divine protectors are the highlights of this ritual.

Colorful costumes and warm smiles at Kadayawan's Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan
(photos from Davao Traveller.com and Blogalicious)

The bountiful display of fresh flowers and fruits, and "indak-indak sa kadalanan" or street dancing in colorful costumes are reasons for many to spend a day or two in Davao during Kadayawan. Me? I'm going there for the Kadayawan Festival Run.

Running in Davao
(photo from Dabaw Pinoy)
Set August 8 on an out-and-back course at the Roxas Avenue near the Ateneo de Davao University, the Kadayawan Festival Run features 3K, 5k, 10k and 21K events. It is presented by Adidas Phils. with Motolite and Hi-Smart Vitamins as the major sponsors.

Hi-Smart in particular will sponsor the 3K run. All 3K finishers will receive Hi-Smart t-shirts and vitamins, said organizer Kenneth Sai of Vantage Promotions.

All the runners will get a free singlet and a certificate of participation. Cash prizes, medals and certificates will be awarded. The finishers of the 21K will also each get a finisher’s medal aside from the medals for the top three winners of the men and women’s open categories.

Well, I have always wanted a shiny medal of my own for a run. That would be motivation enough for me to finish 21K.

(Registration for the race is still on-going at the Adidas Store of Gaisano Mall in Bajada and at the newly-opened Run Club Davao located at the Plaza del Carmen in Loyola St.,Bo. Obrero. The registration fees are P150 for 3K and 5K, P200 for 10K and P250 for 21K.)

2 comments:

Bong said...

A good addition to my places and events to visit wish list, Davao and Kadayawan. Good luck on your half marathon run. :)

Carlos Bautista said...

thanks, bong. i bet you would love davao. :)

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