“Araw ng Dabaw”, Museo Dabawenyo open today
The 71st Araw ng Dabaw will have its formal opening today, 14 March 2008, Friday, 10:00 AM at the Quezon Park (infront of City Hall).
The ceremonies will commence with a prayer song by the Davao Boys Choir and the UIC Chorale, followed by the Prayers of Harmony by Datu George Mandahay (representing the indigenous tribes), Allem Jamal Munib (representing the Muslim communities) and Reverend Apollo Quiboloy (representing the Christian communities).
71st Araw ng Dabaw co-chair Ed Bangayan will deliver his message of thanks to the supporters and the people behind this year’s celebration.
The program will then segue to the theatrical performances starting with the “DAWOW, DAVUH…DABAW!”, a look back at the history of Davao City, which will be participated by the City Councilors, City Government officials, Mutya ng Dabaw 2008 finalists, Davao Community Band, Kaliwat Theater Collective, Kathara Dance Theater Collective, representatives from the indigenous peoples, Muslim and Christian communities, deputy mayors, , DCNHS SPA students, Magallanes Elementary School, Madayaw Cultural Ensemble, Magallanes Community Dance Group, Davao City Police Anti-Riot Squad, Atty. Kaloy Zarate, Glenn Aque and Kai Durst.
After the showcase of Davao’s history, Dabawenyo artists Popong Landero will lead the singing of “Bahaghari Tayo”, the official anthem of this year’s celebration. This will be followed by the State of Davao Address to be participated by the Hiyas sa Kadayawan along with various personalities from the government and private sectors and the “Binhi sa Kasaysayan Alang Kang Rody” by Palanca awardee Don Pagusara.
City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte will then deliver his festival message and the declaration of the opening of the 71st Araw ng Dabaw. After which, the celebration’s theme will be unveiled by Bangayan and 71st Araw ng Dabaw vice-chair and City Councilor Susan Isabel Reta.
As a finale to the ceremonies, 71 balloons will be released by the City Councilors, 71st Araw ng Dabaw Executive Committee and the State of Davao Address representatives, while singing “Tayo’y Dabawenyo”.
After the opening ceremonies, invited guests will then be ushered to a promenade to the Museo Dabawenyo for preview and blessing at 12:00 NN. Mayor Duterte will unveil the museum marker and deliver his message of imploration while Davao City Auxillary Bishop George Remando will lead in the blessing of the building.
This year’s Araw ng Dabaw theme is “Kasaysayan Balikan, Ihanda Kinabukasan”, aptly so as the city pays tribute to the legacies and the best practices of their ancestors as the Dabawenyos today pave the way for a better, more secure and brighter future for the next generation. (ctoo/ircgarcia)
