Raving about the Kadayawan Invasion

It was a busy street outside Crocodile Park last Friday—and almost impassable, because of the cars parked along its length and the partygoers drinking and prepping themselves before going into the Kadayawan Invasion event proper.

The event, hosted by Spectrum and Frolicfox, was the second installment of their Invasion tour, in line with the 30th Kadayawan Festival in Davao City.

It started a little late

The event was supposed to start at three in the afternoon. But according to some attendees, it started late and they had to wait for two hours before they were allowed to enter.

"I arrived at 3 p.m. because we were excited about the freebies, but when we arrived, the gates were still closed." said partygoer and Davao local Enzo Tuason. "We waited for two hours before they opened the gates, but it was super worth it because it was festive inside."

Tuason added that he received a number of freebies including mason jars, headsets, bandanas, a waterproof sling, cellphone cases, and pillows from the event's sponsors.

"And ma-enjoy kang maglaro kasi may sabay na magandang music," he said.

Other partygoers preferred to stay outside, where they were spotted in the parking lot at around 9 p.m. drinking and dressed in rave attire: the girls in midriff tops paired with denim shorts and the boys in colorful sleeveless tops and shorts with paint on their faces.

According to Az Biruar, who traveled to Davao City for the Kadayawan Festival, "Me and my friends didn't really plan to go inside the event itself. We just wanted to drink at the parking lot and just listen to the music at the Kadayawan Invasion from the outside."

Eagle's head

The event had a welcoming vibe because of the setup. General Admissions (P500) and VIP (P1,500) ticket holders weren’t as divided as other events in Davao City, considering the big price difference.

There were two platforms. In the center was the general dance floor facing the stage, and at the back was the media pit.

The stage was simple, with a black and white backdrop of an eagle's head with LED lights that looked like a mask, with sun rays bursting out of the center.

There was a deck where the DJs played a mix of indie and mainstream electronic dance music, with purple lights piercing through the crowd while the music played.

Just like last year's Kadayawan Invasion, the list of performers did not disappoint.

"What I like about invasion's music is that really makes me alive. It also reminds me that life is good because I can forget all my worries and just enjoy my time with euphoric music and good DJs, good drinks and the love of my friends," said raver Chino Gagui, also a Davao local.

Two international DJs played at the event—Norwegian producer and DJ duo No Class, and Uberjak'd from Australia.

And while the international DJs were the highlight of the event, Filipino performers like Ace Ramos, Nix Damn P, Katsky Lee, DJ Jom, Chad Fajardo, and Davao City's DJ Jack Ripper held their own with good music and all-night fun. Also there to keep the the party alive was MC Paolo, a three time Hypeman of the Year awardee.

The set list was hypnotic, with the performers taking the ravers on a ride with their masterly manipulation of rhythm and bass.

The Kadayawan Invasion is a great outlet for performers to showcase their talent and also serves as a reminder for non-locals and tourists that Davao City— despite the strict city ordinance on drinking—has a great party scene.

What also makes Kadayawan Invasion worthwhile is the fact that it only happens once a year, and every time it comes to an end, you'll think of nothing else but wait for the next August to come. — BM, GMA News