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TPB Philippines launches Regional Travel Fair 2026 in BARMM

by Gio Tanudtanud
written by Gio Tanudtanud

TOURISM Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines held the 18th Regional Travel Fair (RTF) at the Alnor Hotel and Convention Center in Cotabato City from Aug. 14 to 16 to highlight Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) as a new and thriving tourism destination in the country.

This year’s RTF comes to BARMM as the region is geared for tourism, investments, and prosperity, as well as supporting the ongoing Bangsamoro Tourism Development Plan (BTDP) 2025-2033. 

Exhibitors from the Department of Tourism (DOT) regional offices, municipalities, artisans, hotels, and resorts around the Philippines joined the three-day event.

“Today, we bring together tourism enterprises from BARMM and across the country with key buyers who help transform tourism products into actual unforgettable travel experiences,” TPB Philippines manager of the domestic promotions department Arnold Gonzales said during the launch.

BARMM Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua hopes that the fair may become a gateway for new partnerships, investments, markets, livelihood, and opportunities for the communities. 

He also said the event will allow more Filipinos and international visitors to come and visit what BARMM has to offer.

On the first day, business-to-business (B2B) sessions were conducted through invitations and participated in by 42 buyers and 76 sellers.

The second day opened business-to-consumer activities offering discounts on tourism packages and exclusive flight deals to the public.

The 18th RTF is in partnership with the Minister of Trade, Investments and Tourism – BARMM, Cotabato City Tourism Council, City Government of Cotabato, and Philippine Airlines.

RTFs are a government-initiated travel fair to conduct events in different regions in the Philippines with a goal to promote and sell domestic tour packages by highlighting the best regional products and services.

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News

Alagang Ayala to strengthen community collaborations in Mindanao

by Gio Tanudtanud
written by Gio Tanudtanud

ALAGANG Ayala, an Ayala Group community engagement initiative, aims to partner with Mindanao’s key stakeholders in advancing the region’s health and education sectors and elevating the lives of communities.

At the Wednesdays Media Forum on Aug. 12, Ayala Foundation president Tony Lambino, together with the managing director and chief social infrastructure officer, Paolo Borromeo, and We Are Ayala Business Club (WAABC) of Davao chairman James Lopez, said they are focusing on social infrastructure to support the group’s platforms on health care, education, and improving the human capital in the Philippines.

“We are investing very heavily in social infrastructure platforms because we believe that’s how people will thrive; hence, we launch Alagang Ayala,” Borromeo said.

Borromeo added that a place that is dynamic and diverse like Mindanao can be at its strongest regional progress when there are appropriate health services, quality education, livelihood support, and resilience.

Lambino shared that the foundation is also working with a lot of partners in times of emergencies and disasters through WAABC, such as relief efforts in the recent earthquakes that affected South Cotabato and Sarangani.

Alagang Ayala brings together the platforms of AC Health, iPeople, Ayala Foundation, and Ayala Sustainability to bolster Ayala Group’s contribution to long-term national progress.

The Ayala Group took part in and supported the activities of the ongoing Kadayawan Festival 2026 as well as engaging with local stakeholders.

Ayala Foundation held a training on Aug 8 to help Davao Region journalists to adapt emerging technologies and responsible reporting.

The AC Health platform, through Generika Drugstore and Healthway Medical Network, contributed to the program’s launch via a Wellness Caravan at Magsaysay Park to provide Davaoeños with free medical consultations and medicines.

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News

Kadayawan Festival 2026 officially launched at Magsaysay Park

by Gio Tanudtanud
written by Gio Tanudtanud

THE CITY Government of Davao officially opened the annual Kadayawan Festival themed “We are One, KadayaONE!” on Friday evening, Aug. 7, celebrating the unity of the 11 ethnolinguistic tribes, vibrant cultures, and agricultural abundance.

Vice President Sara Z. Duterte led the ceremonial banging of the gong to kick off the biggest month-long Kadayawan celebration so far, featuring a total of 26 events.

“The Kadayawan festival is more than a colorful celebration of culture, harvest, and gratitude. It reflects the strength and resilience of the people of Davao City, especially in the face of economic and political struggles,” Duterte said in her opening remarks.

Duterte was also joined by Vice Mayor Rodrigo “Rigo” S. Duterte II along with the 11 tribal deputy mayors.

The creative direction for this year’s festival is “Banig sa Kagikan,” which conceptualizes a woven mat as the image representing the city’s IP communities.

Highlights of Kadayawan 2026 will include the highly anticipated Indak-Indak sa Kadayawan competition and Pamulak ug Indak-Indak sa Kadayawan parade set for Aug 16.

According to the City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO), Indak-Indak’s grand winner in the open category will receive P1.5M, while the school-based category will receive P1 million. The winner for the Pamulak float parade will also bring home P1 million.

Hiyas sa Kadayawan, Davao City’s annual cultural pageant, features 11 candidates representing their tribes who will compete to become the next crowned “Hiyas sa Kadayawan 2026” as well as titles for “Hiyas sa Panaghiusa” and “Hiyas sa Kalambuan”.

The grand coronation will take place at the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) Gymnasium and Cultural Center on Aug 13.

Other events for the arts and music scene will also have “Tunog Kadayawan” on Aug 8, “Dayaw Arts, Culture, and Film Festival” on Aug 10 to 13, “Agong ug Kulintangan sa Kadayawan” on Aug 14, and finally “Konsierto Kadayawan” on Aug 15.

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Entertainment

Mindanao Repertory Community to launch ‘Hanggang sa Muli’ jukebox musical

by Gio Tanudtanud
written by Gio Tanudtanud

DAVAO-BASED theatre group Mindanao Repertory Community will hold its first full-length “Hanggang Sa Muli” on Aug 22 at the Leo Dominguez Amphitheater, Ateneo de Davao Matina campus, to celebrate the iconic OPM hits of  “The CompanY” and support cancer patients.

Writer and director Jairus Rosello said the event will have two acts—the first occurs during martial law while the second is the post-pandemic event for the Gen Zs to relate. Cancer will also be incorporated into the story that tackles the challenges of a cancer patient.

“This is somewhat an ambitious project because so far in Manila there are so many musicals that you can see up there. So this is the first time in Mindanao and even in Davao City to have this full-length musical that will span for almost four weeks,” Rosello said during the Wednesdays Media Forum on Aug. 5.

He also shared that Davao City’s musical scene is booming, where theatre groups have started doing full-length musicals.

The group partnered with Davao Amuma Cancer Support Association Inc. to support programs and services for cancer patients and their families.

Dr. Jose Beltran Jr., president of Davao Amuma Cancer Support Association Inc., shared their advocacies, which provide emotional and spiritual support for the cancer patients as well as survivors, as he believed that it is also needed for them aside from surgeries and chemotherapies.

“Most of them are stuck in their denial stage or depression states. So there’s no support group for them, to give counseling and prayers, so this is the role of Amuma to help these cancer patients,” Beltran Jr. said.

“Hanggang sa Muli” is an accredited Kadayawan Festival 2026 activity and will run from Aug 22 until Sept 13, every weekend. Proceeds of the event will go directly to the beneficiaries.

The Mindanao Repertory Community is the largest performing arts club in Mindanao and has more than 200 members. 

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Lifestyle

Bride and Bliss Expo 2026 at SM Lanang

by Gio Tanudtanud
written by Gio Tanudtanud

BRIDE and Bliss Wedding and Events Expo returns to Davao City for a bigger and bolder vision, bringing in luxury hotels, top lifestyle brands, and exclusive deals on Sept. 12-13 at the SMX Convention Center.

Monina Evangelista, president and CEO of MRE Events and Marketing Inc., said they will host grander expos every year to help the wedding and events business grow and help couples and event enthusiasts with their planning. It also provides Davao with a larger avenue and premium space focused on businesses.

She added they are aiming to have more exhibitors than last year’s event and hoping for more serious buyers.

“Our expo last year proved to be successful even if it was inaugural. We had confirmed around P2.5-M in on-the-spot booking fees,” she said during a launching event on July 30.

This year’s expo will introduce a new corner for the groom, a lounge set up of businesses and services which includes a mobile bar, lifestyle exhibitors for the men, a golf area, and others. 

In addition, a grand food and beverage tasting will be held at the event that is prepared by one of the event’s major participants.

Bride and Bliss Expo offers several showcases from wedding professionals, event suppliers, designers, jewelers, as well as travel providers. 

New collaborations were forged for the upcoming event to further strengthen Davao’s position as a premier destination for weddings and Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) events.

Organized by MRE Events and Marketing Inc., the expo is a platform that promotes partnerships and supports local businesses with its vision to become the biggest and most influential wedding and celebrations expo in Mindanao.

Launched in 2025, the previous event had over 70 exhibitors, more than 800 qualified attendees, and P15–20M in estimated sales generated.

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Business

The Wild Tree opens at Azuela High Street

by Gio Tanudtanud
written by Gio Tanudtanud

THE WILD Tree, Davao City’s newest restaurant and bar fusion of Thai and Filipino cuisine, held a grand opening on Tuesday, July 28, at Azuela High Street.

The establishment features a wide variety of food prepared with Thai aromatics and classic Filipino comfort foods that are loved by the locals. The menu includes popular and authentic Thai cuisines, namely the stir-fried rice noodles Pad Thai, Tom Yum sour soup, Som Tam (green papaya salad), as well as the Mango Sticky Rice dessert.

For those who want to enjoy the Filipino main dishes, the list offers Native Chicken Tinola, Bicol Express, Pork Humba, Beef Kare-Kare, and many more.

Signature handcrafted cocktails along with beverages such as Thai milk tea and fruit shakes are also available for customers.

The Wild Tree was inspired by Thailand’s gastronomy known for mixing sweet, spicy, and sour flavors, bringing its iconic dishes closer to Davaoenos.

Department of Tourism XI regional director Tanya Rabat-Tan attended the opening ceremony and said in an interview that The Wild Tree’s addition to one of Azuela Cove’s establishments shows that Davao City’s culinary scene is booming and becoming more vibrant.

“This is something that is very exciting and another addition to the many offerings of Davao. It’s also showing clearly that Davao is a melting pot,” she said.

She also said the City Tourism Operations Office has been very active in initiating circuit tours, one of which is a gastronomy tour to include the local restaurants.

Direct flights in domestic and international hubs, such as the route connecting Thailand to Davao, also help draw more visitors to choose from many dining experiences in the city. 

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Business

DTI XI hosts coconut trade fair at SM Lanang

by Gio Tanudtanud
written by Gio Tanudtanud

THE DEPARTMENT of Trade and Industry (DTI) XI launched the Madayaw Coconut Philippines: A Davao Region Trade Fair on Tuesday morning, July 28, at the SM Lanang atrium to showcase the best coconut-based products and innovations.

The trade fair features 30 exhibitors representing six provinces and cities in Davao Region, offering items ranging from food, drinks, health and wellness products, handicrafts, and other goods.

It also aims to strengthen the competitiveness of the coconut industry in the Philippines through the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) by widening market opportunities and promoting value-added chains.

Madayaw Coconut Philippines: A Davao Region Trade Fair will run July 28 to August 3, and is a major side event of the Davao Coconut Cooperative Summit 2026 in partnership with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), and SM Lanang Premier.

The opening ceremony was attended by key representatives of DTI XI along with partner agencies to deliver their message of support.

In an interview, DTI XI regional director Romeo Castañaga said the event provides a platform for market access and is a priority initiative by DTI Secretary Cristina Roque in order to provide more opportunities for the coconut farmers in trade fairs across the country.

“This [trade fair] we can already include it in our signature regional trade fair in Davao Region so that more farmers, more MSMEs will be able to connect with the market. Otherwise, we make a product, but there’s no market access so it becomes nothing,” Castañaga said.

Asec Leonila Baluyut of the DTI Regional Operations Group emphasized that the secretary also prioritizes MSMEs development other than the agency’s international-related programs and projects.

She also said the event will help generate sales and encourage farmers and cooperatives to participate in the trade fairs to see the value chain of products manufactured and processed using coconut as raw materials.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the Philippines exported $3.6 billion worth of coconut products in 2025. It is also the second-largest coconut producer in the world, with 14.9 million tons in 2026, based on the World Population Review.

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Business

South Cotabato to host first Mindanao bamboo forum

by Gio Tanudtanud
written by Gio Tanudtanud

THE PROVINCE of South Cotabato will hold the Mindanao Bamboost Forum: The South Cotabato Experience in Koronadal City on Aug. 7 to convene bamboo champions, partner government agencies, and industry players.

During the Habi at Kape media forum on July 29, Mahintana Foundation Inc. executive director Liza Duropan-Lopez said the event will focus on the development of the value-added chain for bamboo since it has become a growing industry in Mindanao.

Lopez added that experts and industry leaders will be invited to share insights as bamboo is a valuable and sustainable resource widely used for products such as soap, cotton, apparel, furniture, textiles, and others.

Tyron Jann Villanueva, provincial LEDIPO under the South Cotabato Economic and Investment Promotion Center, said the forum will also establish the market for bamboo in terms of its industry potential.

“In the province of South Cotabato, we see bamboo as one of our economic drivers. So we just need to push the idea of having bamboo as one of the priorities in our development,” Villanueva said.

South Cotabato is also poised to become the “Bamboo Corridor of the South,” focusing on sustainable industry development and innovative housing and infrastructure.

According to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Industry Strategic Science and Technology Plan Information System, the Philippines has a total of 39,000 – 53,000 hectares of bamboo stands found in riverbanks of forest lands and some in private properties.

The bamboo industry has also faced challenges, namely insufficient raw materials, limited technology, marketing strategies, and others. 

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Business

Cris Inn Davao to open soon

by Gio Tanudtanud
written by Gio Tanudtanud

CRIS INN Hotel, a growing budget hotel chain by Felcris Group, will hold a soft opening for its new branch in Davao City on July 24, 2026, at Washington Street, Poblacion District, near the Andres Bonifacio rotunda monument.

Thea Dimaano, Cris Inn sales and marketing manager, announced that the launch will open 63 out of the 186 rooms to cater to guests. She also mentioned the grand opening will occur in the next two or three months.

“We are located in the heart of the city, so we are accessible to everything, like the hospital, the museum, the coffee shops, and the malls. So, that makes it a nice hotel to stay in,” she said during the PEP Talks on July 17.

The new branch will have flexible function rooms that can accommodate 30 to 300, along with partner companies to provide food and beverages for in-house guests, with plans to open an in-house kitchen next year.

Room rates range from P1,900 to P3,300 per night with inclusions of breakfast, air-conditioned rooms, and free Wi-Fi.

Dimaano shared that the hotel will also be prepared for the Kadayawan Festival 2026, which will kick off next month.

Criss Inn Hotels offers comfortable and convenient accommodations in Mindanao with properties located in Bayugan, Tagum, Samal, and a new hotel to open in Digos soon. 

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