Dogs of various breeds strutted their stuff alongside their proud owners in a dog fashion show competition last March 12 at SM Lanang Premier as part of the first Araw ng Dabaw Food Truck Festival.

This year’s theme was “Araw ng Dabaw” and the 11 competitors dressed their canine companions in costumes that evoke different aspects of Davao City.

Cash prizes and gift certificates awaited the winners of the fashion show. P500 was awarded to the fifth placer, Gennard Dangcas and his dog Hachi. P1,000 was awarded to fourth placer Sherwin Desierto and his pet Snowy.

Trainer Matet and her Pio wowed the judges with their color-coordinated red, yellow, and black costume and placed third.

“You know, Davao City is a very colorful [city]. It is a melting pot of culture. I chose red because it symbolizes love for everyone in Davao City, black to represent the trials of Davao City, and yellow because it represents light for Davao City to unite us Dabawenyos,” she said.

Second placer Krina Sano and her 3-year-old Viis stunned in costumes that took inspiration from the tribes of Davao City.

“Her dress is inspired by the Ovu Manuvu tradition, and the durian [accents] in her gown represent Davao City,” Sano said.

Ren Herald Gotera and his Twinky emerged victorious in a similarly tribal-inspired getup. The dynamic duo took home P5,000 as part of their prize.

The contestants were judged according to the following criteria: Relation to the theme, Creativity, Relationship with handler, Representation of Davao City, and Stage Presence. The judges were Bayani Weredi Vandenbroeck, Cherry Maning, Vina Araneta-Pilapil, and Rad Darantinao Cambronero.

Gift certificates and other goodies were also awarded to recipients of the Best Buddies and Well Trained awards.

The fashion show was made possible through Make It Happen Productions, a group of senior Mass Communication students from Ateneo de Davao University.