KADAYAWAN is the biggest festival in Davao and the most-awaited celebration of the year. For the entire month of August, just about every soul, local or visitor, is the best mood to feast their senses—taste the array of fruit varieties that flood the city, ogle at the spectrum of colors from the most exotic of blooms, hear and dance to beat of the drums that fill the air, and run their fingers on the amazing world-class wares that is only handcrafted here in Davao.
For years now, the Mindanao Trade Exhibit (MTE) has been the trade exhibition that presents the very best of the regions’ best-produced, noteworthy creations. Thanks to MTE and DTI, what was only shown and marketed in international trade shows is now seen and sold where it was conceived. Hurray! Because of this, the locals have developed or increased their appreciation (aka the love-your-own attitude) for Davao-made products that has garnered fame and awards locally and across the globe like Ann Pamintuan’s furniture artfully fabricated from metal, TADECO Livelihood’s wide array of amazing home appointments fashioned from abaca fibers (available year-round at their flagship store, T’nalak Home, at the Abreeza Mall), Maria Vinecraft’s fabulous residential ornaments shaped from “unwanted” vines into, and many more talented producers. I really can’t help but be proud!
The city’s major spectacles may be at the risk of being cancelled due to the recent incidents in the neighboring regions but what is certain is that the display and sale of Mindanao’s “covetables” is happening at the Abreeza Mall. Rejoice! The shopping spree you have been looking forward to won’t be jeopardized by anything.
Here are some of my favorite only-made-in-Davao finds that will find its way in my home or, perhaps in yours. After all, the Yuletide season is just around the corner, this may be a good time to hunt for Christmas presents for the loved ones, myself included. Happy Kadayawan shopping!
P.S. There are to-die-for foodstuffs in the exhibit as well. The Durian Pastillas from Tagum, Davao del Norte is the best sweet treat I have tasted of its kind.
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