This is Tambayayong
Convergence. It is a path to unity, a way to transcend preconception, a catalyst for bridging peoples and cultures.
Tambayayong showcases the traditional and contemporary arts and culture of Davao and Mindanao. In a city with a rich and diverse culture, Tambayayong gathers the ethno-linguistic groups and the local cultural performing groups of Davao
Tambayayong, a Visayan word, holds true to its meaning –“to converge.”
Tambayayong is a platform where Davao’s indigenous tribes, cultural performing groups, locals, and foreign visitors converge to celebrate the colorful culture of the Indigenous Peoples of Davao Region. Davao Region has 11 tribes, and for them to converge to share their artistry and tradition is a beautiful and rare occurrence.
A portion of Tambayayong was an event called Lumadnong Pagsaulog where there is an engagement between the ethno-linguistic groups and the audience. At the end of each performance, the audience is invited by each performer to dance and immerse themselves in the celebratory experience. When seen, this is a performance shared by the performers and the audience.
Lumadnong Pagsaulog highlights the indigenous artistry and ancestry of Davao. Aside from the performances, traditional practices such as costumes, games, storytelling, and food are also featured.
It was in 2019 that Tambayayong Dabawenyo and Lumadnong Pagsaulog were combined and the event retained the name Tambayayong. In the same year, NCCA had officially become a partner of the event.
Music is in play and dances are performed as means to manifest stories of hope, unity, strength and resiliency. Some of these tribes that have been able to share their own community stories are Bagobo Klata, Ata Manuvu, and Tausug. Each tribe’s story has a different color that went brought together make up a beautiful sight to see for artists and visitors alike.
Tambayayong also exhibits the artisanal products of the 11 different tribes of the Davao Region. Not only are the products exhibited, but the actual crafting of these are being showcase by the tribal members and elders themselves such as cloth weaving, beading, and bag-making. Some of the tribes that have shared these traditional crafting is the Mandaya tribe Members of Davao Oriental and the Babogo-Tagabawa of Sta. Cruz, Davao Del Sur.
Aside from the 11 tribes of Davao City, the city is also known for its number of local performing artists especially in the music field. These musicians do not only demonstrate excellence in their craft but their love for the city as well.
Tambayayong also helps in promoting both seasoned and emerging local musicians. Therefore, apart from the traditional music of Davao Region, new songs that are originally composed by our local musicians are being performed. Indeed, music can convey emotions and messages. Therefore, in this event, as the musicians express the message of the songs, the spectators are able to witness the beauty of our own culture. Some of the local bands that have participated in this art-making are Pupung ug mga Igsu, Mad Dong and the Blues Drivers, Nairud, and the Naughty Notes. Davao icons Popong Landero, Eric Dalisay, and Icoy San Pedro have also joined Tambayayong.
Aside from the convergence of the tribes, performers, and the spectators, Tambayayong also aimed to gather support from private sponsor-partners, local and non-local media. At the same time, the event encouraged the presence of educational institutions and the tourism sector so that the city will further appreciate and be educated on our culture and tradition.
With all these being said, Tambayayong is an encounter where the public would be able to witness, appreciate, immerse, and share the distinct and colorful culture of the Indigenous Peoples of Davao Region.
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Contact
Tambayayong Dabawenyo Virtual Festival
PWC Kabilin Center
Mindanao Folk Arts Museum and Studies Center
Artisan Heritage Studied and Creative Enterprise Center
Philippine Women’s College of Davao
University Ave., Juna Subd., Matina,
Davao City, 8000
Davao del Sur, Philippines
Phone: (082) 297 – 8035 local 171
Email: yayong.dvo@gmail.com | kabilinmuseum@pwc.edu.ph
