No one could deny how fun, memorable, and spectacular the Elegance in Tradition: A DBS Filipino Christmas Celebration was. The members, guests, and even outside spectators were left in awe of its elegance, significance, and extravagance.
Held at the Home Crest Hotel, the party highlighted Filipino culture and tradition, incorporated with modernity. Headed by DBS Special Events Director Jexx Hinggo, the event place was designed with Pinoy trinkets, ornaments, and embellishments that spoke of elegance. People were astounded by how wonderfully the event place was decorated. For the whole DBS community, it was never too much. It was a way to showcase gratitude for yet another successful year and celebrate the organization and its members’ milestones and contributions.
Hosted by the ever-so-charismatic Kai del Corro, the program was packed with exciting activities, heartfelt moments, and of course, fortunes of raffled prizes. Now, let’s take a look at the highlights of the party.
Opening, Year-end Review, and Cheers Awards
With utmost gratitude, the DBS community started the event with a prayer led by DBS Treasurer Jade Factura. It then kicked off with a bang with an opening Filipiniana performance by the Bago Gallera Performing Arts Guild. After the performance, all DBS members sashayed into the ballroom in their modern Filipiniana attires. From intricately embroidered barongs to trendy gowns and contemporary ensembles, the DBS members brought their A-game, impressing both the audience and the judges. They strutted their outfits confidently as they vied for the Best Dressed Awards.
DBS Vice President for External Affairs NeP-C Ledesma took the stage to deliver her opening remarks. She welcomed everyone and mentioned the esteemed guests who had traveled far just to celebrate with DBS. She then awarded the early birds, a tradition of DBS, to reward members who arrive early to every special event. Being the earliest, Renz Bulseco took home an overnight stay for two at Malagos Garden Resort.
Vice President for Internal Affairs Clea Banal then presented the 2024 DBS Year-end Review, a look back at the DBS milestones and memories of the past year. The video presentation made everyone nostalgic and proud of the amazing community they’ve built. This was followed by the Cheers Awards, where six outstanding DBS members, Goin Pineda, Michael Cael, Near Chua, Glenn Magallano, Bench Payla, and James Anunciado, were recognized for their unwavering dedication to the organization. These members embody the spirit of #DBStheBest.
Watch the 2024 Yearend Review here.
The Best Dressed Awards
For the annual Best Dressed Award, Elegance in Tradition: A DBS Filipino Christmas Celebration is extra special as all members, including the officers and Board of Trustees, were included in the Pinoy Glam Gala. Additionally, the Sox Bloggers were the judges for the award, and three members were awaiting to be called.
Binibini ng Kariktan
Never second-rate in strutting what she got, Crewenna El Alid was awarded the Binibini ng Kariktan (Best Dressed Female). Her fitted sheath dress accentuated her figure, while her accessories added a touch of glamour to the entire look. The judges said that no one could ever top the way she projected herself: it was in true elegant fashion.
Ginoo ng Kagandahan
The Ginoo ng Kagandahan (Best Dressed Male) was awarded to DBS resident fashionista Brienne Tahodo, who donned an all-black contemporary fashion look that gave a powerful presence. His barong with butterfly sleeves gave an androgynous look and exuded a strong sense of individuality, which captivated the judges and audience.
Diwang Filipiniana
Ingenuity at its best, Rafael Romano won the Diwang Filipiniana (Ultimate Best Dressed of the Night) Award. Their whole outfit was a mesmerizing ensemble. Picked from their creative brain, they stitched and glued every piece of bayong and feather to ascribe to the Filipino tradition. On the other hand, their futuristic glasses added a modern touch, making the whole dolly look an integration of sorts, perfect for a steampunk film or theater production, Pinoy style.
Davao Blog Awards 2024 Nominees Who Shine Through Native Content
As with every DBS Christmas celebration, the Davao Blog Awards (DBA) 2024 ensued. Co-presented by foodpanda and Cebu Pacific Air, the DBA ceremony was divided into three parts, each highlighting the nominees and awardees for giving the best content for the past year. The DBA Committee, Andrew Dela Cerna, NeP-C Ledesma, Pauline Balayon, and Athina Inting-Angliongto presented all awards and emphasized that the award was given to bloggers and creators who showcased their ability to produce native and evergreen content, and the the importance of consistent native posting and relevance to a niche.
The top awards went to:
Cebu Pacific Air Davao Blogger of the Year: Jose Manuel Lim
foodpanda Social Media Star of the Year: Rafael Romano
For the complete list of awardees and other information about the DBA 2024, go to Celebrating Excellence: Davao Blog Awards 2024 Winners or The Davao Blog Awards 2024: Nominees Who Shine Through Native Content
A Touching Closing
The Elegance in Tradition: A DBS Filipino Christmas Celebration wouldn’t be without the effort of the officers, headed by DBS President extraordinaire Gem Tadefa. Without a doubt, the president lives and breathes DBS. Hence, he was so touched that the event was a resounding success that he thanked all who had become part of it—from the sponsors, his fellow officers, to the guests and members who have contributed to what has become DBS today.
Visit DBS TV, the official YouTube channel to check the official highlights and full coverage of the event.
Supportive Sponsors
No one who attended the event went home empty. The DBS year-end party has accumulated several raffled prizes from the support of the organization’s beloved sponsors.
Co-presentors: PLDT Home, foodpanda, and Cebu Pacific Air
Gold Sponsor: Home Credit
Silver Sponsor: Home Crest Hotel
Bronze Sponsors: Maya, Power Mac Center, Ripple8, Smart Communications, and Xiaomi Philippines
Contributors: ASUS PH and HONOR PH
Donors: Centaur Marketing, Club Samal Resorts, Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Comco Mundo League of Enterprises, DC Shoes, DM&A Co., HATASU, Malagos Garden Resort, Mang Inasal, Metrobank, NCCC Department Store, Red Planet Hotels Philippines, Seda Hotels, SM Supermalls, Travel Club, Uratex, Universal Robina Corporation, Apol ni Lola Delicacies, and YAMAHA.
Donations: Barracks Barbers and Shaves, Bawk Bawk Chicken, iScreamery Davao, MySkin Origins, Rooftop Cafe Bar, and Starbucks Philippines.
The Davao Bloggers Society thanks its sponsors, partners, and friends for being instrumental in helping shape the organization’s vision, mission, and core values. The year 2024 has been a fruitful year not only for DBS and its members but also for the other communities it has touched.
Stay tuned for more updates about DBS. There is so much more in store for next year.
Article by NeP-C Ledesma of The Pop Blog & electricmoi
