August 16, 2026 · M. Roxas Avenue, Davao City, Philippines
An Early Start at Kadayawan: A Sony Photowalk in Davao
At 4 a.m., Life of Gelosaurus was already getting his camera gear ready. He had won a media pass during the previous day's Sony Philippines workshop, and the next morning would take him onto M. Roxas Avenue for the Kadayawan parade in Davao City.
Downstairs, the preparations were well underway. Parents, event staff, local government personnel, police, and medical teams were busy around the parade area. Children were already dressed in their costumes, ready for a day that had started even earlier than his.
Seeing that much effort before the parade moved him. He began taking photographs there, wanting to keep a record of the people and work behind the celebration. Long after the costumes were packed away, he wanted these early hours to have a place in the story too.
Meeting the Sony Photowalk Group
At Cafe Ficus, he picked up a free Sony shirt and signed an MOU as a media-pass holder. The group gathered for photographs, and then the Kadayawan photowalk began. Some photographers headed straight for the parade viewing area near the judges' stage. He took his time along the street, photographing the people who were about to fill it: band members posing together, parents beside their children in the marching band, and groups of friends sharing the morning.
Finding His Own View
The spot near the judges' stage offered a good view, but his Sony kit lens could only reach so far. He decided to keep moving along the street and look for photographs closer to him. Having the media pass gave him more confidence as he explored, while the limits of his lens helped shape what he chose to photograph.
Between Performances
The dancers gave him plenty to photograph, and his attention kept returning to what happened around them. Staff guided participants through the parade, while other people helped them along the way. He also noticed people giving participants salt, though he was unsure of its purpose. He kept photographing what caught his eye: the performances, the instructions between them, and the people working just outside the main view.
One More Photograph on the Way Back
By lunchtime, it was time to return to the hotel and check out. The parade was nearing its end when he passed a Sunsilk booth. Maria Chantal Videla, known by her stage name Chanty, was holding a Sunsilk product while someone filmed her with a mirrorless camera on a gimbal. He took a photograph too, then shared it online.
A Story Shared Back
Later, Sunsilk Philippines' official account reshared his story. He was surprised and pleased to see it there. As a small creator, having one of his photographs noticed that way made the end of the trip even more memorable.
The trip from General Santos City to Davao had been worth the early start. The media pass made the experience special, but he would have enjoyed spending the morning with his camera either way. Between the parade and the people around it, there was more than enough to keep him looking. He would gladly make the trip again.
Photographs from the Sony Philippines photowalk and Kadayawan parade in Davao City on August 16, 2026. The final story image is a disclosed recreation.