HIYAS ng Kadayawan is not just a platform for beauty competition of the 11 candidates represnting their respective tribs, but a display of their rich culture.
As what Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre, Kadayawan sa Dabaw 2015 spokesperson said: "This is not a beauty contest. This is a presentation of the 11 tribes through one individual."
Alejandre said the search is for Dabawenyos to recognize and appreciate the ways of living and being of the first settlers of the metropolis.
The event aims to make the audience realize that their lineage still exists, their system of living is still practiced even by the modern generation, and that it will still continue for the next years to come.
Some of the candidates shared their reasons and goals in joining the search.
Rechel Dumalag, from the Matigsalog tribe, said "Gusto nako ipakita sa katawhan ang akoang paghigugma sa akoang tribu ug proud ko nga usa ako ka Matigsalug (I want the people to know my great love for my tribe and show how proud I am of being a Matigsalug)".
Alamaida Agasor, of the Iranun Tribe said: "Ipapakita ko po ang aking kultura bilang dugong Iranon. Ang adbokasiya ko ay ang maiparating sa kabataan na buhay pa ang aming kultura at hindi dapat baguhin ng makabagong teknolohiya ang isang tao."
Flormea D. Manyawron, of the Ata Tribe, said: "Our tribe covers meaningful practices that give life to the community by preserving, protecting, and valuing our environment. I want to show the people what we contribute to the community and I am proud that our culture and values are still intact."
Michelle Ansal of the Bagobo-Klata Tribe, for her part, sees education as a way to alleviate the lives of her folk, “I am pushing on the literacy of children. Mahirap para sa isang bata ang hindi makapag-aral dahil kung walang education, walang awareness, walang cultural identity."
Haifa Rica Bansilan, from the Maguindanaoan Tribe said: "Gusto kong i-share sa Philippines na ang mga negative story about our place is not all that Maguindanao has.They should discover that the people living there are kind and hospitable."
The annual parade of beauty and talent will take place at Davao City Recreation Center on August 21, starting at 6 p.m.
Here's the complete list of Hiyas 2015 candidates and the respective tribe they respresent:
Aj Ruth H. Sumandang of the Ovu Manubo Tribe
Myra D. Calihim of the Kagan Tribe
Haifa Rica B. Bansilan of the Maguindanaon Tribe
Sitti Sara Sakkam of the Tausug Tribe
Michelle G. Ansal of the Bagobo-Klata Tribe
Flormea D. Manyawron of the Ata Tribe
Haida Dawn J. Ainin of the Sama Tribe
Rechel B. Dumalag of the Matigsalog Tribe
Alamaida Casanguan Agasor of the Iranun Tribe
Fatma Jaheema Malatus of the Maranao Tribe
Wenallie Ivy A. Atan of the Bagobo-Tagabawa Tribe.