DAVAO CITY – The 1,800 triathletes participating in the Alveo Ironman 70.3 will not only be treated to the warm hospitality of Dabawenyos, but are also to be given a touch of Mindanao’s rich culture with a miniature Agong.
Made of brass, the medal features T’Boli tribe craftsmanship. The symbols on the Agong medal, a musical instrument played by many tribes in Mindanao, are handcrafted by Davao’s homegrown artist and sculptor Kublai Millan.
Wilfred Steven Uytengsu of Sunrise Events said the medal is called the “Cradle of the Brave”, or “Duyan ka ng Magiting” from the Philippine national anthem, to symbolize bravery.
"It is an extra special medal," Uytengsu said of the medals crafted by T’Boli brass casters.
All those competing in the triathlon -- swim, bike and run -- will receive the medal.
Millan said at first, he hired a few T’Boli families to help him with the medals, thinking it was an easy process.
With limited time to finish the product, Millan ended up hiring the whole T’Boli community.
Everybody worked day and night, he said.
“I am introducing to you the professionalism of this community to come up with such craftsmanship,” he said, as he showed one of the medals. “It’s a work of love.”
The Alveo Ironman 70.3, which kicks off at 6 a.m Sunday, is a race through the city’s fusion of nature and urban infrastructure.
The race also covers Panabo, Carmen, and Tagum City in Davao del Norte. It is one of a series of long-distance triathlon races organized by the World Triathlon Corp. (WTC).
The "70.3" refers to the total distance in miles (113 km.) covered by the race – including the 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike race, and the 13.1-mile run. Prior to the launch of the 70.3 series in 2005, the WTC races were then known as Half Ironman.
Uytengsu said the Ironman 70.3 Davao is a special event to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Ironman in the Philippines. (Lilian C. Mellejor/PNA)
