Durian lovers rejoice! The Kadayawan Durian Festival has finally kicked off last August 11, 2017 at the Northwing event grounds of the SM Lanang Premier.
“One of the main objectives of this event is to really highlight the bountiful offerings of the city especially of the durian industry of Davao City,” said Aron Dalaza, SM Supermalls Group Brand Manager.
He said they also want to offer Dabawenyos and visitors of Davao City a one-stop location where can they readily get durian.
One of the cool features of the festival when I visited is Department of Agriculture’s display of different varieties of durian. You are not only here to enjoy some delicious durian but at the same time you get to learn about them.
A word of caution though, if you are a visiting tourist here in Davao City, be sure to check with your hotel if you are allowed to bring durian. Last I checked, you are not allowed to bring durian to the hotel. If you are planning to take durian back to your hometown or wherever you are based, be sure its frozen durian and sealed in an ice box. Durian is delicious but its smell is tough to some people. 😉
Aside from durian, I also noticed pomelos and other products, like yema, being sold here.
Aside from the Kadayawan Durian Festival, SM Lanang Premier has lined up a series of events in time for the celebration of the Kadayawan Festival.
For the shopaholics, you have the Kadayawan Festival Sale on August 14 to 21, 2017 for both SM Lanang Premier and SM City Davao. Enjoy up to 70 percent off on amazing selections.
For the foodies, the South by Mouth Food and Music Festival will be held on August 16 to 21, 2017 at both SM City Davao (Ecoland) and SM Lanang Premier. On August 16 to 18, it will be at SM City Davao while on August 18 to 21. I am very excited for this!
Participating exhibitors include Sisig Factory, Fat Boy’s Kitchen, Shatter, Citrus Squeezed, Nonong’s Grill, Pokerito Poke Bowla, Kamay Kainan, Sugbajeros, Stre3ts, Pitstop, South Wings, Gypsy’s, Lechon Haus, Tita Rosita’s, Lobster Shack, Backyard Burgers, Viet Cafe, Munchtown, Pyro, Perch, Alibaba and Confex & Co., among others. As to which food concept will be in either malls, that is for you to find out. 😉
Dalaza also mentioned that they will be bringing in Silent Sanctuary (August 16 at SM City Davao) and Up Dharma Down (August 19 at SM Lanang Premier) to perform during the food fair.
There will also be two fashion events that will be staged at SM Lanang Premier — Habi Kadayawan on August 17 and Moda Mindanao on August 20.
The Habi Kadayawan, a new event of the Kadayawan Executive Committee for the 32nd Kadayawan Festival, is made possible in partnership with the Davao Fashion Design Council. The fashion event “aims to bring to life the rich heritage of the 11 Kadayawan tribes — Sama, Maguindanaon, Iranun, Ata, Klata-Guiangan, Tausug, Kalagan, Ovu-Manuvo, Tagabawa, Matigsalug, and Maranao — through a fashion accessories design competition.”
Meanwhile, one of this year’s major fashion event, Moda Mindanao, is now on its 12th season, bearing the theme DEMI-COUTURE: Fashion on the Age of Technology.
“This hopes to bring Mindanao fashion to a new summit, embracing the use of technology to preserve, develop, and promote southern culture and aesthetics. Twelve young Mindanawon designers will showcase their evening wear and ready-to-wear pieces that features the use of digitally patterns inspired by Mindanao tribes,” SM Lanang Premier said in a statment.
Then from August 18 to 21, 2017 will be the Art Commune where mall columns at the Northwing will be brounght to life with color and creativity by the Artlink Davao Artists Guild.
On August 23 to 27, 2017, the Art for Everyone will be staged where art pieces from university students take centerstage in this traveling art fair, highlighting fresh skills and young talents of Davaoeno youth. University of Mindanao, Ateneo de Davao University, Asian International School of Aeronautics and Technology, University of Immaculate Concepcion, Ford Academy of the Arts, and Fashion Institute of Design and Arts Davao will be participating in this art event.
A lot is in store for Dabawenyos and its visitors in this year’s Kadayawan Festival and SM Lanang Premier, including its older sibling, SM City Davao, has laid out events that will get keep the festivities and positive energy in Davao City high.