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 54th Hijos 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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

A toast to Hijos de Davao!

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