HIYAS sa Kadayawan candidates from the Matigsalug, Kagan, and Sama tribes emerged as the top three contenders in the Hiyas sa Kadayawan cultural presentation on Sunday, Aug. 9.
The candidates showcased their communities’ heritage through music, dance, and traditional storytelling.
Christine Faith Gawilan of the Matigsalug tribe presented “Matigsalug Ethnoarts- the Art of Peace,” showcasing traditional chanting, salurey playing, and dance.
Her performance depicted the relationship between the spiritual and physical worlds through tribal guardians such as Tahabikal (Guardian of Talent), Kallayag (Guardian of Wisdom and Problem-Solving), and Mahumaney (Guardian of the Mountain and Provider).
The presentation followed a young girl escaping a forced marriage who, guided by spiritual guardians and the rituals of pamalas and panubad, became the next Laha te Matigsalug to preserve her cultural heritage.
Reflecting on her performance and inclusion in the top three, Gawilan expressed gratitude and emphasized the responsibility of the youth in sustaining tribal customs.
“Importante jud sya, no. Kay mao jud ni among identity as a tribe, ug mao pod ni ang dahilan ngano nagpabilin nga buhi ang amoang tribo. So kailangan jud sya kay para dili ma-end sa amoang generation ang amoang tribe,” “Gawilan said.
Meanwhile, Jamaica Prado of the Kagan tribe brought to light the musical tradition of the Bangsa Kagan, illustrating how music in her community functions as a living thread woven into daily life from courtship, communication, labor, and to celebration.
Her presentation incorporated ancestral voices and traditional instruments, concluding with traditional movements representing the heritage of the Kagan people across the Davao Gulf.
Prado emphasized the connection between Kagan music and community survival and the role of artistic expression in keeping tribal history vibrant.
“Music for the Bangsa Kagan is not just entertainment; it is our history, our way of life. You see, even in preparing the food, it is part, I’m glad you see the power of music,” Prado shared.
Marisol Barani of the Sama tribe portrayed traditional courtship, marriage, and coastal living.
Her presentation featured a young maiden weaving a banig while singing the folk love song “Budjang Manis,” accompanied by the kulintangan.
The storyline followed a young Sama man crossing the sea by boat to deliver dowry gifts, leading to a wedding celebrated through the Igal Linggisan (sea eagle dance) and concluding with parents passing down traditional fishing methods to their son.
Barani expressed gratitude for earning a spot in the top three, noting that showcasing their coastal culture goes beyond performance.
“Importante ma-showcase ni kay para ma-preserve pod amoang kultura, and also para mapasa pod sa atoang next generation,” Barani said.
She stressed that it’s not just about the economic condition of the Sama culture, but also about the people.
“Unta tagaan nato sila og support sa business kasi we earn not to get rich, but to survive lang sa amoang daily life,” she added.
The top three candidates will perform again to vie for Best in Cultural Performance, during the Hiyas sa Kadayawan coronation night on Aug. 13 at the USEP Gymnasium, where the 11 Hiyas candidates will compete for the title of Hiyas sa Kadayawan 2026.
