The 54th Hijos de Davao, Part 1 ~ D' Durian Daily

Davao’s grand affair was celebrated with high hopes for the future. In the past years, the younger set has been visible among the crowd that filled the large ballroom. This year’s 54^thHijos de Davao gala ushered the presence of new faces from the younger generation of Davao immigrants of old and new—and they all came stylishly dressed to the occasion. The “Davao family” is getting bigger.

The waltz of the muse & her escort

Foundation president Vince Garcia looked back to last year’s celebration when his fellow officers were apprehensive over the Marawi incident and the declaration of Martial Law. Would it be wise to scale back the event?

Current President Vince Garcia & Ex-Officio Jacki Garcia

This was nothing new to Hijos de Davao. It was Board member Rose Cabaguio who reminded the foundation that in 1972 Martial Law was also declared yet the event was never cancelled. The event tuned out to be a well-received and festive one.

Through the best or less auspicious times, no matter what the circumstances Davao is in, the tradition of celebrating Hijos de Davao remains unbroken.

Officers, Board directors & advisers of Hijos de Davao Foundation- Marissa Tionko, Benjie Lizada, Lourdes Estanislao, Vince Garica, Rose Cabaguio, Carmen Diano, Jacqueline Dizon, Isabel Lemen, Rowena Daluz & Pilar Rodriguez

So was this year’s event. Following previous event’s injection of a fashion show that featured modern take on indigenous design, this year featured a mother and daughter fashion show.

Ann & Sandy Gotamco , Leah & Celine Nitorreda

Mia & Sophia Floirendo, Bianca & Christine Baretto-Uy

Michelle, Danielle & Natalia Ang, Marga & Nikka Nograles with their daughters

Speaking of fashion, the beautiful Cecilia Reta, broke the practice of having a non-Davao-based designer to tap for a muse’s gown. Cecilia turned to the family’s trusted local designer, John Belandres, to create the elegant number she wore to the night’s affair. She was radiant princess of the evening.

The 54th HIjos de Davao muse, Cecilia Reta, & her escort, Cody Gahol

The muse & her family. Rodolfo, Jessieden & Cornelio

Cody Gahol with his family, Cecilia, Ricardo & Carla

Officiating the coronation of the muse were Executive Secretary to the President Salvador Medialdea, Margie-Moran Floirendo, Cong. Karlo Nograles, Cong. Milen Albano, Vince Garica and Anette Tionko.

The crowning of the muse. Anette Tionko, Cong. Milen Albano, Margie Moran-Floirendo, the muse & her escort, Salvador Medialdea, Cong. Carlo Nograles & Vince Garcia

A toast to Hijos de Davao!