Waterfront Davao's Insulares de Mayo

Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao tells the story of three women on its second staging of “Insulares de Mayo” held May 31, 2019. Formerly just a celebration of the annual Santacruzan, this year’s version was crafted to be a three-act narrative about a woman’s encounter with her faith, fate and being Filipino. 

The story started with the pomp and pageantry of “Flores de Mayo”, highlighting the colorful creations of Davao City’s fast-rising couturiers. Garbed in imaginative renditions of the Philippine Terno as Reyna Sagalas were some of the region’s empowered women and civic leaders: Chairperson of Compostela Valley’s Provincial Women Development Council - Sholai Lim as Reyna de las Estrellas; Former Japanese Consul - Tomoko "Sophia" Dodo as Reyna Paz; Chef-Restaurateur of Rekado Davao - Pauline Benedicto-Mallillin as Reyna de las Propetas; Honorary Consul to Mexico - Dr. Maria Lourdes Monteverde as Reyna Emperatriz; Councilor-Elect of the 3rd District - Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz as Reyna del Cielo; Proprietor of Picobello Ristorante Italiano and The Swiss Deli and Restaurant - Rochelle Venuti as Reyna de las Flores; Mutya ng Davao 2000 - Leah May Luna-Panisales as Reyna de las Virgines; and the newly appointed Regional Director of the Department of Tourism Region XI - Tanya Rabat-Tan as Reyna Elena. 

The second act unfolded beautiful beginnings, with Waterfront being a premier destination wedding location. A bridal feature by Love & Styles, “Weddings at the Waterfront” showed the season’s latest trends in bridal gowns and destination wear. 

And finally, as the woman embraces her femininity through womanhood and marriage, she goes full circle being a Filipino by reaching deep into her indigenous roots. The tale reached its climax with a special presentation of The Province of Maguindanao’s very own Inaul fabric turned into a neo-ethnic couture collection titled “The Inaul Tapestry” by no less than the advocate of Philippine Fashion, Renee Salud. 32 From a woman’s blossoming to her journeying to beautiful beginnings, what followed was a weave of her next chapter through the beautiful tapestry. 

Adorned with timeless pieces of the Mindanao Pearl International were Renee Salud’s muses: Binibining Supranational 2014 - Yvette Santigo; Mutya ng Pilipinas Top Model of the World 2017 - Hannah Iglesia; Miss Philippines-Earth 2012 and Miss Earth Air International 2012 - Stephany Stefanowitz; Binibining Pilipinas Supranational 2012 and Miss Supranational 3rd Runner Up - Elaine Moll, Mutya ng Pilipinas 2018 and Miss Asia Pacific International 2018 - Sharifa Areef Mohammad Omar Akeel; crowned Mrs. Asia International 1st Runner Up in 2014 and now a Businesswoman and CEO of Bless Amare Group - Jessie Victor Maloles; crowned Mrs. International Global Ambassador in 2017, Mrs. Tourism International 2017 and now a practicing Dermatologist - Dr. Riza Caldoza; and the Former Secretary of the Department of Tourism - Wanda Tulfo Teo. 

Also present to receive Waterfront’s Certificates of Appreciation were representatives of the Province of Maguindanao including Bai Jennah Mangudadatu-Lumawan who received the certificate on behalf of Bai Elizabeth Mangudadatu-Tayuan, Chairman, Palamata Nu Maguindanao. 

Insulares de Mayo was co-presented by The Province of Maguindanao courtesy of Bai Elizabeth Mangudadatu-Tayuan, Golden Touch by Noel Tanza and Love & Styles. Essentially an extended showcase for Davao suppliers during the Beautiful Beginnings wedding and celebrations fair on May 31 to June 1, the Garden Pavilion combined the artistry of top event stylists and providers including: Golden Touch, Cameo Luxe, Decoratives by Janna & Hercs, Pachadas Event Styling, Floral Pink Designs, Events and Design by Annie Paz Lim and The Banquet Co.

Posted in Davao Events | Highlights