The vibrant heartbeat of Davao City pulsed even louder this June as it opened its arms for Duaw Davao 2025, a month-long festival that brought together music, food, culture, sports, and unity, reminding everyone why it’s Definitely Davao.
Held from June 5 to 29, Duaw Davao, which means “Visit Davao,” welcomed locals and visitors to rediscover the city’s many colors through a packed lineup that also proudly served as a Pride Month celebration, championing diversity and inclusion alongside tradition.
Speaking on behalf of Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte during the opening ceremony, Councilor Alberto Ungab said the significance of the festival, calling it a true reflection of the Dabawenyo spirit.
Ungab shared that Duaw Davao, first launched in 2024, was created not only to celebrate the city’s rich culture and heritage but also to highlight its thriving tourism industry, flourishing arts scene, resilient communities, and natural attractions.
Jennifer Romero, officer-in-charge of the Davao City Tourism Operations Office, said the festival aimed to attract more visitors and support local enterprises through engaging tourism-focused activities.
“These events highlighted Davao’s rich culture, creative arts, and vibrant food scene, offering something for every visitor,” she said.
The festivities began at Rizal Park and continued with flavorful stops like the Kape ug Tsokolate Crawl, spirited matches at the Esports Tournament, and the Invitational Volleyball League — each event drawing crowds and community engagement.
Pageantry took center stage at the Reyna ng Davao 2025, where Reyna 12, Chesca Montes, captivated both the judges and the audience with her grace, eloquence, and authenticity, ultimately earning the crown. Nina Tanjay was named 1st Runner-Up and received the title Reyna ng Kapayapaan, while Sophia Eyana was awarded 2nd Runner-Up and crowned Reyna ng Pagkakaisa.
Music lovers gathered at Rizal Park for the high-energy Duaw Davao Music Fest, and many joined the Definitely Davao City Tours, exploring the city’s iconic landmarks and lesser-known corners.
One of the festival’s defining moments was the Duaw Davao Pride Parade on June 22, where the streets from Roxas Avenue to Rizal Park were filled with color, unity, and love. The celebration continued with the Night of Fun & Colors, reinforcing the festival’s message of inclusivity and safe spaces for all.
The week-long Films & Arts Exhibit, Turismo & Food Bazaar turned Rizal Park into a vibrant hub of creative expression, local cuisine, and cultural appreciation, open daily from morning until midnight.
The festival concluded on a high note with the Fiesta sa San Pedro: Paghiusayaw on June 29 — a spirited evening of dance and thanksgiving that brought the Dabawenyo community together one last time to close the month.
From city tours to esports, parades to pageants, and music to marketplaces — Duaw Davao 2025 showcased the best of Davao’s culture, pride, and community spirit. As rainbow flags waved and crowds came together in celebration, Dabawenyos once again proved that their city is — and always will be — Definitely Davao: proud, united, and full of life.