The vibrant spirit of the 89th Araw ng Dabaw came alive as thousands of Dabawenyos and visitors gathered at Rizal Park for the Hugyaw Dabaw Sound Xperience, one of the most anticipated highlights of the annual celebration.
Beginning at 4 p.m., the venue transformed into a lively hub filled with enthusiastic residents, curious travelers, dynamic bands, and an energized crowd ready to celebrate the cultural pride of the city.
Supported by Converge ICT Solutions, the event became yet another unforgettable moment in a festival that continues to unite the Dabawenyo community.
Powered by the company’s pure fiber network and ultra-fast Converge FiberX, the celebration extended beyond the physical venue and into the digital space. With reliable and future-ready connectivity, attendees were able to capture photos, share videos, and livestream the festivities in real time.
Through the Power of X, the excitement of Hugyaw Dabaw was not confined to the stage — it was experienced simultaneously across screens, allowing friends and family everywhere to join the celebration online.
Adding to the excitement, the Converge booth became a crowd favorite with its vibrant and interactive setup. Friendly brand ambassadors welcomed guests to participate in games and activities specially prepared for the event.
Participants registered through a QR code before trying the popular catching stick game, which quickly drew enthusiastic participants from all over the venue. Winners were rewarded with exciting prizes, with their names later announced on stage to the cheers and applause of the crowd.
The energy of the evening was further elevated by the program’s charismatic hosts. Bisaya content creator and internet personality Sherwin Sangalan, widely known as Sherwinabols, shared the stage with seasoned Davao event host Kai Del Corro. Their lively banter, humor, and engaging presence kept the momentum high throughout the night, seamlessly guiding the audience from one exciting segment to another.
A defining highlight of the evening was the lineup of electrifying performances from some of Mindanao’s dynamic local artists. Bands such as Oh! Caraga, Tatot, The Dukes, Delinquent Society, Hightimes, and DJ Dale delivered powerful sets that resonated with the audience. Their diverse musical styles reflected the rich and evolving sound of the Davao music scene, bringing the celebration to life and showcasing the region’s creative talent.
Throughout the night, the crowd responded with waves of emotion, from energetic cheers and dancing to moments of nostalgia during heartfelt performances.
Many attendees documented the experience on their phones, capturing memories that would later be shared across social media. These moments underscored how reliable connectivity allows celebrations like Hugyaw Dabaw to reach beyond the stage and be relived by many more online.
Indeed, Hugyaw Dabaw once again proved why it remains a centerpiece of the Araw ng Dabaw festivities. Through music, culture, and shared experiences, the event highlighted the enduring spirit of the Dabawenyo community, reminding everyone that with strong connections and vibrant traditions, the celebration continues to grow year after year through the Power of X. Dariel Diaz, UM Main, SunStar Davao Intern