Davao’s Kadayawan 75-day countdown starts

DAVAO CITY, Philippines - The start of the 75-day countdown to Kadayawan sa Dabaw 2008 kicked off Wednesday night at Casino Filipino's Lantawan Hall. Angel Puentespina, Davao Tourism Association (Data) president and Kadayawan co-chair for the private sector, led the launch hosted by Davao City Tourism officer Giovanni "Bong" Aportadera. Members of the Kadayawan executive committee and deputy mayors of Davao City's indigenous and Muslim tribes were also present. The new Kadayawan sa Dabaw logo and the accompanying promotional video that will be played in the airport, terminals, and hubs were presented. The Kadayawan committee also revamped and invigorated the Kadayawan website, www.kadayawan.com, for this year. Themed "Musanay Lumadnong Kagikan, Yutang Kabilin Panalipdan!" (Flourishing Indigenous Heritage, Protecting Ancestral Nations), this year's celebration has two main components: Lumadnong Kasaulogan (Indigenous Peoples Festival) -- showcasing indigenous peoples' culture and arts; and Subay sa Lumadnong Kagikan (Contemporary Indigenous-motivated Celebrations) -- showcasing the impact of indigenous culture and traditions on contemporary artists and communities. Kadayawan sa Dabaw 2008 will run from August 18 to August 24. – Sun.Star Davao