Daanbantayan celebrates it's grand event every last week of August in honor of the patron saint of the town, St. Rose of Lima. Before in 1834, Daanbantayan was so-called "Kandaya" a name from the leader of first Malayan settlers, si "Datu Daya". This is how the town got it's festival name HALADAYA, which actually means HALAD KANG DATU DAYA offering dance and thanksgiving to the DATU who defended the town from harassment and attacks from the Moro pirates. Daanbantayan has now been the sanctuary of living limitless.
As a full-blooded kandayan-on, we cannot afford to miss the celebration every year. It's like something is dragging our feet to dance with the rythm , all smiles as we watch colorful contingents heartedly show off their best posture and gestures.
I'll show some pictures of this year's (2011) event which I celebrated it with my ever dear mother, best friend and sister.
As far as I can remember, we enjoyed seeing cute little kiddos dancing effortlessly regardless of the burning heat of the sun.
"HALAD KINI KANG DATU DAYA"- as they would always shout out loud remembering the bravery of the man who fought for the town.
So, after winners have been declared, fireworks display amazes everyone looking up to the sky. A kind of signal that street partying or SMB sponsored party can now start to have fun , dance on neon lights. This part of the celebration is also awaited by many of the party goers.
To wrap everything I say, HALADAYA FESTIVAL has made mark on the hearts of everyone who witness this event. We should also not forget that the spirit of this event is to honor good people who created a great part on Daanbantayan as a whole; DATU DAYA and St. ROSE of LIMA. These two lovable could also serve as our model for we their legacy can change LIVES. Both has been the reason why Daanbantayan today, is still celebrating its fruitfulness in any aspects.
Thank you so much and may we live by the spirit of this celebration.
