Kadayawan sa Dabaw 2011 Pamulak Float Parade

Text and photos by Jojie Alcantara, published in SunStar Davao Aug. 25 ("Abreeza shines in Pamulak Float Parade")

Around 115 contingents participated in what was touted to be the biggest number of delegates who joined the 26th Kadayawan sa Dabaw’s most festive Pamulak or Floral Float Parade.

Uniquely designed floats of various shapes and sizes showcasing the abundant vegetation of Davao Region snaked their way along the assigned routes where a huge crowd is scattered from as far as the starting point in Magsaysay Avenue.

With the biggest win, Abreeza’s first experience with the floral float competition earned it a deserving championship with a whooping P500,000 in cash prize for the Open or Big Category.

Abreeza’s float was explained as thus: “Like a breath of fresh air, Abreeza Mall epitomizes the Davaoeno’s culture and lifestyle. It’s free-spirited, child-like icon depicts a celebration of life, together with the children happily running and joined together by the festive flaglets. The wealth of culture is shown with representation of the different tribes in their ethnic attire and musical instruments.”

“Davao’s bountiful harvest is represented by a colorful array of plants, fruits, vegetables and flowers and a lush natural environment emphasized by the uniting green landscape. Abreeza Mall celebrates the best of Davao and breathes into its landscape a new breeze of progress and development. ABREEZA brings Davao to full bloom.”

Kisan Lu’s colorful float came in as 1st runner up, with a float design that “symbolizes Davao City as a nurturing mother to her people filled with nature’s abundance and bountiful harvest, making Davao as a progressive place, thus, a premier city of Mindanao. It also represents the overwhelming joy and excitement of diverse people in witnessing Davao’s celebration of Kadayawan – its wide array and richness of fruits, flowers, diverse cultures, pristine beaches plus the exotic and wonderful scenic spots, making Davao as a must-see tourist destination paradise.” Kisan Lu won P300,000.00.

Coming in as 2nd runner up was Synnex Concentrix, with a float representing the “ethnic tribes of Davao symbolized by the iconic Durian fruit the city is known for, as well as the array of flowers to showcase the rare blooms that mark the unique and diverse flora of the region.” Concentrix won P100,000.00.

Consolation prizes of P50,000.00 each were given to Dreamvet Group Philippines and Agdao Multi-Purpose Coop.

In the Small or Alternative Category, grand prize of P150,000.00 went to Barangay Sasa, 1st runner up (P100,000.00) went to Klata Tribe and 2nd prize of P50,000.00 was awarded to Rene B. Jereos’ float. Consolation prizes of P25,000.00 each were given to Belle Vesti & Sr. Sto. Nino de Davao.

Imposing and impressive floats each paraded before the judges and thrilled audience, with performances from marching bands in between (not to mention the cars, motorcycles, and horses parade). The non-competing floats, particularly those of the TV networks and popular brand products, gave the crowd a boost with their celebrities in tow, bringing a wonderful and fitting finale to yet another successful Kadayawan for Dabawenyos and tourists alike.

Duaw Dabaw Foundation Inc. and the festival committee members would like to acknowledge the following Pamulak Kadayawan 2011 judges: Dr. Norberto Jim Agad; Ms. Merchie Bustamante; Ms. Evangeline Go; Mr. Antonio Padilla and Mr. Oscar Villanueva.

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