The 52nd Hijos de Davao Part 1


A NEW muse was crowned and a new Philippine president was inaugurated. The 52nd year of the Hijos de Davao marks a double celebration for the Dabawenyos.



The 52nd HIjos de Davao muse Anna Maria Louise de los Angeles Gahol & her escort Cornelio Paulino Reta V


Young, statuesque Anna Maria Louise de los Angeles Gahol was radiant in her viridescent Oscar de la Renta with heirloom jewelry repurposed to a tiara to match, and her escort, towering Cornelio Paulino Reta V, was dashingly handsome in his formal vestment by Rodel Macatangay.

The Rigodon de Honor is something to look forward to as well. The dance and the parade of Barong Tagalog and Ternos define the elegance of the affair. This year's designs were tastefully subtle in its elegance.



The tradition of elegance. The participants of the 52nd Hijos de Davao Rigodon de Honor in their elegant ternos & barong tagalog







In attendance were the founders of the Hijos De Davao organization and the generations after.

Just like the new president's banner for change, there were evident changes in the organization's grand ball this year.

For one, the party was back in a hotel ballroom, a more appropriate, warmer and yes, more tasteful venue for the traditional affair. A Davao celebration in a Davao brand is always a good idea, and Apo View Hotel is a fine choice.



The 52nd Hijos de Davao Rigodon de Honor at the grand ballroom of Apo VIew Hotel



Second, the set-up is a far graceful departure from the habitual design of the ballroom. The arrangement this time was more fitting for an elegant affair like Hijos where the central set-up can welcome a princess and the dinner tables for the VIPs were regal.



A more elegant central set-up for a change. Crowning the muse. HdD board member Rodney del Rosario, 50th HdD muse Ariana del Rosario, Philippine Ambassador to South Africa Joseph Angeles, HdD ex officio Jackie Garcia-Dizon, Japanese Consul Tomoko Dodo & HdD president Vincent Garcia


Anmarie & Lio with their parents. Dr. Luis & Malouchi Gahol, Popong & Jess Reta




Third, there was an air of fun in the air, especially when the muse gladly joined in the next generation's dance performance when she was asked -- and that was before the traditional first waltz.



The Hijos kids. Today this dance, tomorrow the Rigodon de Honor





She's game. The muse gladly joined the dance when she was lead to the dance floor.


This was supposed to be her first dance.


And her second dance.



Altogether, it was another joyous affair for Hijos de Davao. I'm looking forward to next ball.



The Montemayor family. Itang Ang, Baby & Binggoy Montemayor & the family matriarch, Patria Montemayor


The Gahol family. Ricky, Lucille, Carla, Cody, Emmy Filyawan, Bobong, Christian & Louie


Michael Garcia, Javi & Mary Campos, Erlinda Garcia, Mylene & Raffy Albano, Dennis Garcia & HdD current president Vince Garcia 


Sylvia Garcia HdD board member Atty. Rose Cabaguio, Lilian Abella & Alice Pamintuan


Meg Roque, Junior Diano HdD Vice-President Amy Diano


Jayjay & Meg Barcia with Alex & Rose Alcantara


Fred & Long Pineda


*****