Pako Salad ( Fern Salad )

         Three other events are also commemorated during Kadayawan Festival, the Stallion Fight and the Bancarera ( or Boat race ) and the Off-Road Challenge. Two other events, the Autocross and Motocross also draw participants from as far as Manila.

Stallion fight

         The Stallion Fight, though met with protests from the Animal Rights group is a little-known tradition of native Mindanaoans where a mare is presented to two Stallions and then a fight for the mare ensues. I, personally cannot bear to watch this event, though I know the Stallions  do not consider the practice unusual as this is just the way they settle matters of courtship,but still, I do not have the stomach to watch horses getting bloodied.

        The Bancarera on the other hand is a high-speed race of locally made fishing boats maneuvered by only one man and is held in stages, elimination, semi-finals and championships. Watch last year's championships here.

Bancarera

        The Off-Road Challenge, Autocross and Motocross happen at different areas in the city, and enthusiasts and professional participants troop to the city to compete for bragging rights and top prizes.

Kadayawan Off-Road Challenge

Kadayawan Autocross

Kadayawan Motocross

        So, there's something for practically everyone during Kadayawan, from food fest, shopping, festivals, cultural shows, nightlife, concerts, parades, pageants, races, everything! And when you want to take a dip in the ocean or go snorkeling or whitewater rafting or paragliding, or wakeboarding or ziplining, we all have those, too, Kadayawan or not.

Snorkeling in Davao

Whitewater Rafting in Davao River

Sometimes the simplest things in life, give it the most flavor. To give you a sample of that is this Fern ( Pako) Salad that is the best thing to serve as a side dish to grilled or fried seafood.

Let's make Pako Salad

INGREDIENTS:

ingredients

1 bundle Pako ( edible Fern stalks) trim tender shoots with knife, discard hard stalks
white vinegar
1/2 onion, chopped finely
1 tomato chopped finely
1 thumb-sized ginger or turmeric, chopped finely
salt and sugar to taste

PROCEDURE:

Pako ( Fern) Salad

1. Blanch tender shoots quickly, about 5-15 seconds. Drain and arrange on shallow plate.

2. In a cup, pour about 1/4 cup vinegar, add salt and sugar to taste. 

3. Arrange the remaining chopped veggies on top and drizzle dressing. Serve as a side dish.