A gathering of Davaoeños as one family, a celebration of heritage, and the adoration and thanksgiving to a patron saint, St. Peter, on his feast day. The Hijos de Davao added its 62nd gemstone to its coronet in a gala to celebrate another milestone on June 29, 2026, at the grand ballroom of dusitD2 Hotel in Davao City.
Hijos de Davao’s seed took root in the early 20th century as “Hijos de Mindanao,” a social club that annually gathered the third-generation descendants of Davao’s first Christian settlers of 1848. Through the years, after taking other titles, the group evolved into a more inclusive and cause-oriented organization in 1964. Hijos de Davao today is an institution that supports the pillars of the Davao community while preserving tradition.
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| Hijos de Davao president Jose Claro Velez |
In his message, Hijos de Davao president Jose Claro Hizon Velez said, “For over six decades, our annual gathering has served as a beautiful testament to our shared heritage, a living archive of our city’s rich history, and a joyous homecoming for families who hold Davao deep in their hearts. This year, as we turn the page to our 62nd chapter, we anchor our celebration on a theme that is both timely and timeless: "Paglaom"—Hope."
He expounded that “Paglaom” is the thread that connects the Davaoeños' past, present, and future. It is the vision of the pioneers who first looked upon this fertile land and imagined a community where diverse cultures could flourish in harmony. It is the resilience that has guided the families through times of transition, and it remains the driving force as we look toward the horizon.
“You are witnessing a legacy of continuity. Our theme challenges us to look forward. It calls upon us to nurture the next generation of Davaoeños, ensuring they carry our values of faith, unity, and cultural pride into an ever-changing world. They are our ultimate paglaom,” he added.
In the tradition of the annual affair, a Rigodon de Honor officially opened the gala. The Cabezera and Costado dancers were made up of participants coming from the different generations of Davao families. Sarah Nicole Dumlao Copeland, a fifth-generation member of the Dakudao family, was introduced and crowned as this year's muse. She was escorted by Paul Bermudez Hizon.
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| Muse Sarah Nicole Dumlao Cope & escort Paul Bermudez Hizon |
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| The 2026 muse & escort with former muses Ann Marie Gahol, Lizzie Lemen & Sabina Diago |
Extending beyond its legacy of kinship, the Hijos de Davao, as a civic organization, plays an active role in uplifting the lives of the Davaoeños. This year, Hijos de Davao listed three key foundations to support: the Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA) Davao Chapter, the San Pedro Cathedral, and the Fenixia Foundation. “Through this charitable effort, the Hijos de Davao actively cultivates Paglaom—a promise of a brighter future—in the lives of the people it serves,” shared the president.
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| The Company |
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| Wilson Limon & his take on Mindanao contemporary design |
Turning the volume of excitement higher were live musical performances with The Company as the headliner and Davao’s fashion visionary, Wilson Limon of Niñofranco, presenting a collection of Mindanao contemporary designs.
Seen at the affair:
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| Gemma Velez & Hijos de Davao president Jose Claro Velez |
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| Mother of the muse, Jen Dumlao, with the parents of the escort, Vince & Patricia Hizon |
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| Antonio Lagdameo, Linda Lagdameo, Dinggay Sasin & Anthony Sasin |
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| Jean Cordiñera & Jerry Cordiñera |
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| Cornelio Reta, Jess Reta, Cecilia Reta & Popong Reta |
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| Binggoy Montemayor, Baby Montemayor & Ricky Floirendo |
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| Lizzie Lemen, Robertino del Rosario & Sabina Diago |
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| Tanya Tan & Rochelle del Rosario |
