Hijos de Davao Gala. It’s where the city’s prominent butterflies convene and where the butterfly sleeves flutter. While the annual event pays tribute to Davao’s Patron Saint, San Pedro, June 29th has always been the date to celebrate camaraderie.
From the seaside gatherings of Hijos de Mindanao in the early 1900’s to ballroom affairs of 1964-established organization of Hijos de Davao, the social club has grown to include a civic mission to promote, enhance and preserve the cultural heritage of Davao and the educational and social improvement of city’s citizens. Last year, the philanthropic mission extended to include Fenixia Foundation, Philippine Mental Health Association Davao Chapter and the Archdiocese of Davao as beneficiaries.
In his message, Hijos de Davao current president said, “This year, we honor not only the traditions that have shaped us, but also the future we are building together. In the faces of our youth, in the strength of our elders and in the shared stories that connect us, we see the enduring spirit of what it means to be a hijo or hija of Davao.”
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| The Rigodon de Honor is a tradition for Hijos de Davao Gala. Dancers at the Cabezera |
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| Rigodon de Honor dancers at the Costado |
Inside the grand ballroom of Dusit Davao, this year’s 61st gala was a grand spectacle. Filling the hall were prominent figures representing the different sectors of Davao society. While the founding members and their families were expected to be in attendance, it’s such a delight to see the next generation of hijos and hijas present—and seem to exude eagerness to take on the helm of the organization in the fullness of time.
Most impressively, the formal dress code was observed. While the men were dashing in their calado embroidered piña Barong Tagalogs, the women were exceptionally stunning in their iconic Filipiniana dresses. Whether it was vintage, bespoke ternos, custom-made long gowns, refitted finery or off the rack numbers, a number of graceful and confident women stood out oozing with grace and sophistication.
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| 61st Hijos de Davao muse Ayisha Lagdameo with escort Seve Diago |
Presented at the occasion is this year’s muse 16-year old Ayesha Madlen T. Lagdameo, lovely daughter of Anton and Dawn T. Lagdameo, princess-like in a pink Inno Sotto number and Emilia Sitjar Jewelery’s tiara. Equally as attractive is her dashing escort, Seve Diago, son of Rene and Claudine Sasin-Diago.
With every Hijos de Davao gathering, there is a Rigodon de Honor, an important part of the formal affair. This year’s composition of the Cabezera and Costado led by the organization's president and wife, Jose Carlos Hizon Velez and Gemma Tumambing Velez, list a good mix of dancers from different generations proving that Hijos de Davao’s legacy has been passed on to its heirs.
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| HIjos de Davao officers, board members & advisers |