Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur | July 21, 2025 — A vibrant celebration of heritage, artistry, and community spirit unfolded in the heart of Brgy. Tibolo as Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray joined a profound cultural immersion organized by the Provincial Tourism Development and Culture Promotions Office (PTDCPO). The event, held at the Bagobo Tagabawa Cultural Village, showcased the rich traditions and creative soul of the indigenous Bagobo Tagabawa people.
The cultural encounter, conducted in partnership with visionary fashion designer Wilson Niñofranco Limon, was aimed at honoring the legacy of traditional weaving and amplifying the enduring beauty of indigenous Filipino heritage. It was also a pivotal step toward crafting a new masterpiece that blends culture with couture.
During the immersion, Catriona Gray and her team were given a rare opportunity to witness firsthand the intricate art of traditional weaving — a skill passed down through generations, each thread telling a story of ancestry, spirituality, and harmony with nature. The Bagobo Tagabawa artisans demonstrated their time-honored craft, where every vibrant hue and complex pattern is a reflection of their identity and resilience.
The presence of four direct heirs of the late Salinta Monon — the country’s last Bagobo weaver and a Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan awardee — added depth and significance to the experience. Their participation served as a living bridge between the past and present, a testament to the community’s commitment to preserve their cultural lifeblood.
Guests were also treated to a guided tour of the Cultural Museum, a repository of stories and artifacts that speak volumes of the Bagobo Tagabawa’s wisdom and legacy. Traditional crafts, meticulously preserved, stood as silent yet powerful symbols of pride and continuity.
Following the museum tour was a feast of local cuisine — a gastronomic journey that brought tradition to the table. Dishes such as Linotlot (native chicken cooked in coconut milk), Ginadar (cassava steamed in bamboo), grilled bangus, sayote salad, Ludang, and sweet saba bananas were lovingly prepared and served, accompanied by the refreshing zest of lemon grass juice. Each dish was not just a meal but a reflection of the community’s hospitality and deep respect for the land.
The success of this culturally rich encounter would not have been possible without the unwavering support of Davao del Sur Governor Yvonne R. Cagas, Mr. Julius Paner and the Sta. Cruz Tourism Office, local PNP and Army personnel, Mr. Christopher T. Tan, Ms. Farah Gemma V. Bidan, and the Travel Advantage Tour Services Company represented by Mr. Ron Tao. Special acknowledgment also goes to Datu Ernido Ayoc, the Women’s Association of Tibolo, and the Salinta Monon Weaving Center for their dedication to preserving the cultural essence of the Bagobo Tagabawa.
In reflecting on the experience, Catriona Gray expressed admiration for the community’s artistry, warmth, and cultural depth. “To be welcomed with such openness and to witness such timeless beauty is something I’ll carry with me always,” she shared.
The event was more than just an immersion — it was a celebration of identity, a reaffirmation of pride, and a call to preserve and uplift the indigenous voices that continue to weave the rich fabric of the Filipino nation.