The Agong and Kulintangan and Tunog Kadayawan, held at Rizal Park on Friday, August 15, 2025, reminded Dabawenyos of the richness of Davao – in terms of musical talent and skills.
The events, part of Kadayawan 2025’s highlights, also showcased the importance of honoring and passing down the knowledge of their roots to the newer generations.
During the events, musical performers from the 11 tribes and former Tunog sa Kadayawan winners performed in front of dozens of people from such far areas as Marilog and Paquibato.
Indigenous People and Moro tribes showcased their tradition of playing their musical instruments, representing a living authentic tradition with performances composed of both the old and the young.
The Bangkakawan Dancers from the Ata Tribe were declared the champion in the Agong and Kulintangan IP Tribes Category with Kolliga Kollina Tribal Ensemble from the Bagobo-Klata coming in second place. The Mt. Apo Bagobo Tagabawa Ensemble Troupe from the Bagobo Tagabawa Tribe was declared in third place. Meanwhile, the Bangsa Kagan from the Kagan tribe was declared champion in the Moro Category with Manganganon Kulintang Group as second runner-up, and the Kagan Kulintangan Ensemble in the third place.
Maguidanaon Tribe Deputy Mayor Gabriel Nakan said that this year’s Agong and Kulintangan is also memorable because they had just been revived after a brief hiatus.
“Nabalik ang Agong and Kulintangan. It used to be celebrated before, kaso na stop ta last year, I don’t know why..ngano, but nabalik nato karon kay daghan kaayo og mga tao, especially sa atong mga tribo na gusto ibalik to para mapakita og ma-showcase ang ilahang mga kultura, musika aron mapakita sa katawhan ang historical past music sa katawhan especially sa 11 tribes (The Agong and Kulintangan is back. It used to be celebrated before but it was stopped. I don’t know why but this year we have brought it back because many people, especially from the tribes wanted to showcase their culture and music, and also show the people their old music,” Nakan said. He said the revival of the event was supported by the City Tourism Operations Office.
Nakan said that spectators from all over Davao were invited to experience the type of music that the tribes have to offer. He added that while there are cash prizes for the winners, the real prize of the event is the showcase of the uniqueness and the beauty of the music of each tribe.
Obu Manuvu tribe performer, Hazerylle Anne Villegas, told Madayaw Dabaw that she was excited to perform with her relatives. Hailing from Gumalang and Tawan-Tawan in Calinan District, Villegas said that the pieces they prepared for the Agong ug Kulintangan are those which they regularly play during celebrations.
Villegas said that the event served as an opportunity to showcase the talent of their tribe.
“Kaning Agong ug Kulintangan, dako kaayo ni siya nga oportunidad sa among tribo, dili lang sa akoang tribo nga makita sa Dabawenyo diria unsa kanindot ang tribo sa Davao (The Agong ug Kulintangan is a huge opportunity, not only for our tribes but also for the other tribes to show Dabawenyos how beautiful and rich the tribes of Davao City are),” Villegas said.
Putri Zinanginan, a resident of Barangay 5-A and a member of the Bangsa Maranao tribe, said that she frequented Kulintangan contests and was hailed as champion in the past.
“Matagal na po kaming tumutugtog, simula bata pa ako hanggang ngayon. Sumasali din ako sa mga ganito kasi ito ang maganda sa amin na nagsimula sa mga magulang namin. Kapag may selebrasyon ito yung ginagawa namin. Mahalaga ito sa amin kasi ito yung tahanan namin, ipamana ng mga magulang namin, pinapa-alala nila sa amin na hindi po namin ito pwedeng iwan hanggang sa kamatayan na (We have been playing for a long time, ever since I a child. I also joined similar contests because it is good for us, this started with our parents. We do this whenever there are celebrations. It is very important for us because this is our home, an inheritance from our parents who reminded us that we cannot abandon this until we die),” Zinanginan said.
Before the announcement of winners, the tribal performers and the spectators enjoyed the performances of Tunog Kadayawan past winners LJ Manzano and Maan Chua. Music icon Joey Ayala also played his greatest hits before the crowd. CIO
