IN A splendid display of poise and purpose, the vibrant stage of the Acacia Hotel became a beacon of tradition and unity on Wednesday morning, August 2, as the 11 lovely Hiyas sa Kadayawan 2023 contenders stepped into the spotlight.
They weren't just faces; they embodied grace, eloquence, and a deep-rooted commitment to their tribes' heritage.
Each candidate took the stage as the media launch unfolded, exuding confidence and humility. Their voices, strong and unwavering, carried the echoes of their tribes' hopes and dreams.
Among the diverse advocacies were safety and security, cultural preservation, and nurturing age-old traditions.
These dedicated young women had more in common than met the eye – a shared commitment to preserving their cultural artistry and craftsmanship through education and the passage of ancient customs to future generations.
Their hopes
Kristine Claire Tar, a representative of the Bagobo-Klata tribe, spoke passionately about the significance of Hiyas sa Kadayawan.
"Nakita naku na ang [I see the] Hiyas sa Kadayawan is a very good or important platform for myself as a ‘hiyas’, as an advocate kay [because] you are given a voice to share your concerns, the problems within your tribe and not only within your tribe but also to other communities as well, to other tribes as well," she said in a phone interview.
For Tar, her advocacy is centered around sustaining the Bagobo-Klata cultural heritage and livelihood programs and revitalizing the cherished art of weaving their ancestral 'Naw'wo' – the illustrious Abaca textile of their people.
Edmary Quinto, a spirited contender from the Bagobo-Tagabawa tribe, echoed similar sentiments. Quinto believed that the pageant was an avenue for action, an arena to champion her causes, regardless of victory.
Her mission encompassed fortifying their culture and traditions, unifying her tribe for future generations, preserving traditional weaving, and nurturing a renewed passion for this artistry among the youth.
"This is a great opportunity and privilege for me to use this platform to implement my advocacy whether manalo man ako or hindi [I win or lose]," Quinto said.
Amid this tapestry of ambition, Hessa Sailabi, representing the Sama tribe, stood resolute. She yearned to inspire the younger generation, imparting the importance of cherishing their heritage.
Sailabi noted the profound shift in today's generation compared to the past, emphasizing her advocacy's essence – raising awareness about their dwindling traditions, which hold the essence of 'sama-sama' unity from ancestors to the present.
"That's why I join ko sa Hiyas na gusto naku na mapermente ang amoang practices [I want to make our practices permanent)," Sailabi said.
Juhanah Sultan of the Maranao tribe, for her part, saw the pageant as a unique opportunity to advocate for a crucial issue – safety and security. With unwavering determination, she said, "The Hiyas sa Kadayawan gives me a unique opportunity to reach a large audience and raise awareness about this important issue."
Sultan's focus encompassed topics ranging from crime prevention and workplace safety to cyber security, channeled through events like community forums.
Not any other pageant
The Hiyas sa Kadayawan, a revered gem in the Kadayawan Festival's crown, is more than an alluring spectacle. It has become a platform for these passionate, driven souls to channel their voices, weaving threads of tradition, advocacy, and modernity into a compelling narrative.
Unlike conventional pageants, this prestigious search embraced a grander purpose: to identify the epitome of a modern Dabawenya, a representative who epitomized unity and celebrated the rich tapestry of ethnic diversity.
The candidates for this year's Hiyas sa Kadayawan are Althea Aswani of Tausug, Hessa Sailabi of Sama, Juhanah Sultan of Maranao, Ruhaina Utto of Maguindanaon, Maimuna Pangcoga of Kagan, Johara Buissan Itanun of Iranun, Princess Ericka Pagayao of Obu-Manuvu, Angelie Benito of Matigsalug, Edmary Quinto of Bagobo-Tagabawa, Kristine Claire Tar of Bago-Klata, and Niña Mie Lausan of Ata.
These 11 remarkable women, as stewards of their tribes, will be evaluated for their beauty and capabilities, demeanor, and ability to forge connections with diverse indigenous communities.
The cultural presentation at SM Ecoland on August 13 promises to showcase their unique qualities, a vivid tapestry of individuality and tradition.
The coronation night will unfold at the Rizal Memorial College (RMC) Petro Gazz Arena on August 17. As the grand moment approaches, the stakes are high, and the reward is substantial.
The victor will take home a grand prize of P150,000, with subsequent runner-ups receiving P100,000 and P80,000. The eight Hiyas sa Kaliwatan will be rewarded with P25,000 each, while the paragon of cultural presentation will receive P10,000.
United in purpose and diversity, these extraordinary women of Hiyas sa Kadayawan 2023 stand poised to weave a legacy that intertwines the past, present, and future of their tribes.
Their voices, their causes, and their advocacy will resonate far beyond the stage, nurturing the spirit of unity and celebrating the rich cultural mosaic of Davao City.