SINCE its grand opening last August 14 last year, the Kadayawan Village inside the Magsaysay Park, lured thousands of local and international tourists who visited Davao City.
Showcasing the 11 tribes' different tribal houses, the Kadayawan village is more than just a tourist attraction but a window to the rich past of Davao's 11 tribes.
Just out of curiosity, I visited and took photos of the Village months after its grand opening.
Several houses, especially the Lumad tribal houses were either locked or manned by just one person. But what caught my eye was that the house looked like they were just built yesterday. Spic and span and looking new.
It only proves that our Lumad and Moro builders produced top of the line structures that could last several years if the local government will decide they will not remove it.
There are several visitors and park goers who show interest on the tribal houses. It is just that lesser and lesser people visit the village.
The Moro lane is livelier as there a malongs, bags, coin purses, and traditional dresses on display.
The cool breeze from the sea sets the mood as you enter the houses of Maguindanao, Tausog and Sama tribe.
One reason I always come back to the tribal village is the food being served by the Iranun tribe. Not because they are among the few tribes who serve food regularly, but because I love their pastil and Tiyatag, a traditional food made up of rice and sugar.
They say after Kadayawan and its re-opening last October 27 last year, fewer and fewer people are now visiting the Village.
The tribes invite the public to visit the village, with or without big festivals in the city to witness the rich culture of their tribes.
The Kadayawan Village is not just a tourist spot but it is a window that will enlighten the modern day Dabawenyos on the past's living. It is time to revisit our history, it is time to revisit the Kadayawan Village.