Daba Daba Ikapito: May The Force Be With Us
Two weekends ago, in a galaxy far far away... When groups of Ultimate forces across the universe gathered in the planet Wabad for another year of Ultimate battle in the land of the President..... Okay. Let's just stop right there. Let's talk Ultimate.
After an on time and no trouble, Lightspeed like (Sorry, can't help it) air travel from Iloilo city, I finally arrived in the beautiful city of Davao. It's always nice to see Nelson at the airport with a very familiar greetings "Welcome again and again!", wearing that big smile on his face. About half an hour of working our way into the busy traffic road, we found ourselves in the doorsteps of Shell Ma-a, also known as the Mulatto HQ, the home of two of the nicest couple in Philippine Ultimate, Ma'am Daisy Cimafranca and Sir Joie Monterola. It was also nice to see some familiar faces in the house, like Brylle, Vincent, In-In, April, Len and Bruno. After a day full of naps and a Guardians of the Galaxy movie night, The work begins with PFDA's clinic tour with coaches Nina Buenaflor Javier and Xtian Guerrero the next day.
About 80 participants (Beginners and intermediate) from out of school youth to long time players who wants to improve their game came out to learn the sport from two of the best qualified coaches in the country. From basic throws to a more advanced drills were given to the participants all afternoon and night, with a short reminder regarding SOTG was also added in the clinic, which was very important. It was definitely a great day to learn more about Ultimate.
But here comes Friday. Day one of the much awaited Ultimate Frisbee event in Davao city and the biggest tournament in all of Mindanao, with thirty-nine teams total, Daba-Daba Ikapito was without a doubt the most well attended Daba-Daba in the history of the said tournament. It was one of those Ultimate tournaments in the country that I am always looking forward to attend to. Not just because of the quality of the games but also because of the people behind Daba-Daba and the rest of the community in Mindanao. The atmosphere was festive. Everyone was having a great time. Even the heat of the sun can't stop us from enjoying each others company. Yes, the competition was intense all weekend long, but the feeling of love and respect from each and everyone was off the charts. It was a like a big family reunion if you ask me.
We sure do have a bunch of star players came out to play in Daba Daba ikapito, but what really impressed me the most are the number of new and exciting players participated that weekend. I spend a lot of time photographing these new breed of Mindanao talents and I definitely had a fun time shooting and getting myself familiar on how they move on the field. After all, these kids will be the next Nelson's and Kyrah's of Mindanao Ultimate community. And it was definitely their time to shine.
Though the Padawan's had their fair share of the limelight, the Jedi Masters still has the Force to dominate the battlefields all weekend long. The Pool A final four teams of Mulatto and South Side Guerillas of Davao, Lumad of Malaybalay, Bukidnon and Uranus of Cebu City fought hard in the semifinal rounds, doing their best to be in contention. But the Force was strong on both Davao based teams as the Defending Champions, Mulatto goes head to head with long time rival, South Side Guerillas (SSG) in a winner take all championship battle.
SSG had some fantastic plays and has the potential to take it all the way (That includes the one heck of a Jedi layout move from Batista in the end zone), Mulatto consistently continued what they've been doing all weekend long. THEY WORKED TOGETHER. And if they work together as a one big unit, Mulatto is a serious threat. They're unstoppable. With no Kyrah and Nelson in the lineup, Brylle, Vincent, Dexter, Dann, April, Bruno, and Binoy led the team to victory with their signature Mulatto style of play. No fancy moves. Just good Ultimate all day. Everyday.
It was yet another beautiful weekend in the land of the President. From the PFDA clinic to the Captain's meeting with a very special performance from Nairud Sa Wabad, to the fire dancers in the opening night, to the fantastic tunes from Tortang Talong during Socials, Daba Daba Ikapito was definitely packed with awesomeness for four amazing days. They've been doing this for seven years now, and it shows how organized this event every single year. Just like on the field, the Mulatto organizers worked like a well oiled machine off the field as well. Kudos to each and everyone of you!
Congratulations to all the Champions and individual winners of this years Daba-Daba. And a huge thank you to Familia Mulatto, most especially to Ma'am Daisy and Sir Joie for giving us another opportunity to be a part of this amazing tournament.
As we are now back in to our home planets, let me quote Master Yoda to end this...
Remember:
“Always pass on what you have learned.”
May The Force Be With Us... ALWAYS.
Until Then.... More Images to share. More Stories to tell...
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