A convertible scarf from the Bagobo tribe and a Kimono suit jacket detailed with Ovu-Manuvo bead works were just two of the ethnic-contemporary menswear pieces which competed for this year’s Habi Kadayawan. Among the three editions, the 2019 run was thus far with the most entries for men.
Read also : Fashion Weekend Davao 2017
Habi Kadayawan is a fashion accessories design competition held every August as part of Davao city’s celebration of Kadayawan Festival. It is a collaborated project of the City Government and the Davao Fashion and Design Council. Design entries are inspired by the rich and diverse 11 tribes of the City. (Photos are from the Davao City Government Facebook Page)
Apart from the usual categories for Fashion Accessories namely professional, hobbyist and student, a Luxe Apparel for professional designers category was added to this year’s competition. Parameters for the competing designers and their tribal inspirations were not limited anymore within the Davao Region. Starting this year, wearable articulations from any ethno-linguistic tribe found in Mindanao were qualified to compete.
Menswear Picks : Habi Kadayawan 2019
SCARF-TO-SLING BAG CONVERTIBLE ACCESSORY by Bae Arlene

PINK SUIT WITH TNALAK SEWN SLEEVES by Noga Vesorio

KIMONO SUIT JACKET WITH OVU-MANUVO BEAD WORKS by Jun Artajo

SCULPTURED COPPER WIRE NECKLACE by Dennis Almoroto

T’NALAK-MADE ACCESSORIES
T’nalak is made from weaved Abaca fibers. It is a traditional craft of the T’boli tribe from South Cotabato. Seeing these accessories made from it is truly a style statement with functional features.

Honorable Mentions
Props also to the finalists behind these menswear.

There were definitely two reasons that made this year’s “Habi” such a prelude to a promising tribe-inspired fashion spectacle to look forward every August.
First, the competition is now pan-Mindanao. This southern Philippine island is truly an ethnic bliss adorned with rich tribal artistry that the fashion world deserves to see.
Second, is the influx of Menswear entries. The participation of these style pieces for men proposes that a “Clothing Collection” is complementary. There are pieces for him and pieces for her. Thus, inviting more male audience (and designers) in the coming Habi seasons. See you then!
“Clothing pieces may be stiff as “For Him” and “For Her”. But, we should be reminded though that “Dressing up” on the other hand is fluid, is freestyle. For him, for her, for him who wants to look like her or for her who wants to look like him, for them, for us.
Winners: Habi Kadayawan 2019
Luxe Apparel Design Category, judged by fashion designers Ito Curata and JC Buendia and former Preview Magazine editor-in-chief and Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) Executive Director, Pauline Suaco-Juan.




Pabon, Casiño and Artajo’s went home with P150,000 in cash, P75,000 and P50,000, respectively.
Fashion Accessory Design Categories, deliberated by accessory designers Adante Leyesa and Ann Ong and lifestyle writer Mons Romulo.

The grand winner for the Hobbyist category is a sculptured copper wire necklace by Dennis Almoroto of Davao City. Each are awarded with a cash prize of P100,000.
All four Grand Winners get the opportunity to showcase in Manila FAME in October along with the Davao Fashion Design Council.