Better than ever

KADAYAWAN sa Dabaw hits its peak today with the most anticipated Pamulak Floral Float Parade. Not that it wasn't already hitting utmost exciting the past few days.

The first high came with the coronation of the Hiyas ng Kadayawan Friday evening that saw 18-year-old Maguindanaoan lass Jean "Babyjean" K. Ali grab the crown. A BS Tourism student of Joji Ilangan Career Center, Babyjean dreams of traveling the world.

The Coronation Night was held at the Davao City Recreation Center (Almendras Gym).

First runner-up was, 21-year-old Ajema "Baby" Malatus, a Bachelor of Secondary Education-major in English graduate from Davao Doctors College, who is from the Maranao tribe.

While second runner up was from the Kalagan tribe, Hannah Catucag, a 21-year-old Bachelor of Physical Education student of Brokenshire College of Davao.

The three were among the top favorites.

Earlier, Hannah won the Best in Talent in a separate program held at the Gaisano Mall of Davao last August 15, while Jean Ali was just third runner-up and Ajema was first runner-up.

The other Hiyas candidates were Emierita A. Bogcal, a 23-year-old Ata who is a third year Bachelor of Elementary Education at the Holy Child College of Davao.

Sixteen-year-old Jamayla Angela M. Cabale, a Bagobo-Tagabawa, who is a first year college BS of Accountancy student of Holy Cross of Mintal.

Belle Colleen Bato, 20, from Bagobo Clata tribe, who is a graduate of BS in Agricultural Business from University of the Southeastern Philippines in Mintal.

Elmia Hussin "Matet" Sailadin from the Sama tribe who is a BS in Business Administration graduate from University of Mindanao.

Analine "Anne or Lyn" C. Mansabid from the Matigsalud tribe who is a third year college student taking up Bachelor of Public Administration of University of Southeastern Philippines.

Jehan Kartini H. Andan, 22, from Tausug tribe, a BS in Nursing graduate from University of Mindanao.

And 15-year-old Shenley Caba from Ovu-Manobo tribe, of Dalag Lumot, Marilog District, Davao City; a fourth year high school student of Dallag National High School.

Over at SM City Event Center, the contingent from Butuan grabbed the top prize in Sayaw Mindanao, Davao's Kathara Dance Theatre was adjudged second, while on third place was Surigao.

The children's category was won by Cesario Villa Abrille Elementary School.

Sayaw Mindanaw, while seemingly like Indak-indak sa Dalan gives more focus on the story-telling side, where Mindanao myths and legends are interpreted in a theater dance.

The venue for music artists, on the other hand, came much earlier last August 11 at Taboan of Matina Town Square where Tunog Mindanao finals were held.

The top prize was again copped by a group from Butuan with Davao's Gaus Obenza and Maan Chua on second and third place.

As of press time, the Indak-indak sa Dalan was still in full blast and thus there has been no announcement of winners yet.