Kaogma Festival: All Day All Night Everybody Happy!

PILI, Camarines Sur – If happiness is the question, what is your answer? For the people of Camarines Sur, it’s definitely the Kaogma Festival; a spicy weeklong celebration flaring up with the heat of the sun!

Kaogma Festival is a yearly founding celebration of Camarines Sur, which showcases colorful activities, living up to the meaning of Kaogma, which is “good time”.

For this year, Post Ad Ventures, in cooperation with the local government of Camarines Sur steps up a notch and intensifies this festival with the hottest activities parallel to the summer heat.

From May 24 to June 1, 2014, Camarines Sur paved its way to promoting the tourism of Bicol Region as it marks this wonderful festival for the locals and foreigners. Through the sustenance of the culture and arts of Camarines Sur, there’s no way but up for everyone’s happiness.

Day 1: Ready. Set. Kaogma!

The festival kicked off with the ribbon cutting headed by the young and promising Governor Migz Villafuerte. The press conference followed at the Convention Center where he laid down his plans for the province this year. It was a warm up which symbolizes that Camarines Sur just need to sit back and relax because everything is under control. After Gov. Migz’ transparency of his plans, day 1 was raved up by the brave and audacious 4×4 drivers. These forceful drivers defied their limits through their brave stunts and live action movies in driving.

The night opened with carnival performers bringing the theme of the festival to life. Kaogma Festival is definitely breathtaking because of how it stretches your imagination through colors and music.

As big as this year’s celebration of Kaogma, the big reveal of Governor Migz is high up in the air. Nothing can stop Gov. Migz in his surprise for this year’s celebration, not even strong winds.

The night got steaming hot with our special guest, Maja Salvador, who invited Gov. Migz to share the stage with her. It was all fun as the crowd cheered for them.

And just when everyone thought the night is over, the post rock band Chicosci and the Cultural Band went onstage to end the night with a blast.

Day 2: Microphones Up, Engines Roar!

The second day was definitely part of warming up the Bicol Region through its 4×4 Competition, weigh in for the boxing and the Hot Kids 2014.

4×4 Competition is one of the highlights of the festival, setting it apart from the other celebrations. The drivers were definitely roaring their engines up as they battle it out the terrains of Camarines Sur.

At exactly 1PM, the contenders for the boxing fight met at the ring for its official weigh-in. Everyone was excited with the match that will be happening the next day.

To start the yearly competitions, the first to showcase their talents are the cute kids of Camsur for the Hot Kids 2014. Chacha of Going Bulilit joined the Hot Kids as they teach a valuable lesson to the crowd about children’s rights.

Of course, all the charming kids were already winners for they all shine bright in their unique way. But one from each category shine from the rest. And our Hot Kids Star Grand Winner is Sophia Marie Thibault while our Hot Kids Junior Grand Winner is Raflene Tam.

Day 3: Box In, Box Out!

After yesterday’s weigh in, the most awaited boxing fight began at 6PM at the Convention Center.

First to battle inside the ring were the Amateurs. But to set the moods up, gay boxers went inside the ring for an entertaining match. Everyone had a good laugh while highly anticipating the highlight of the night, CamSur’s boxing hero Al Sabaupan versus the Tanzanian fighter.

Al Sabaupan won with pride and glory after 8 rounds via TKO.

Day 4: Let’s Dance the Night Away

Today marks the 435th founding anniversary of Camarines Sur and what better way to start the day than to thank the Lord for all His blessings.

After the mass, job seekers hurried their way to the hall for the job fair. Plenty of locals got hired on the spot.

Later that night, the First Gov. Migz Dance Revolution kicked off with an explosive production number from the finalists.

After the opening number, the finalists displayed their energetic performances to show the crowd that they have what it takes to win the title.

Dance groups from different districts show-off their talent but only three won the heart of the judges. Identity Crisis placed second, Intense Fahrenheit placed first, and One of a Kind was the very first champion of Gov Migz Dance Revolution.

Day 5: The Regal Night of Miss Kaogma 2014

Lovely ladies set the stage on fire as they showcase their charm and intelligence wearing Renee Salud creations.

The stage is more stunning with the beauty queen Karen Augustin as host along with the dashing men of Juan Direction.

Adding extra flavor to tonight’s event are the panel of judges including Rhian Ramos, Bianca King, Jennifer Barrientos, James Cooper, Raphael Kiefer, Angeli Dione Gomez, and Dr. MJ Torres of Zen Institute.

When the most awaited guest finally went onstage, the excitement builded up. Sir Chief made everyone “kilig” as he performs and serenades the gorgeous ladies of Ms. Kaogma.

The top 10 finalists tested their grace under pressure in the Question and Answer portion. The crown was bagged by five deserving beautiful ladies that got what it takes to represent Camarines Sur in the national competitions.

Our Ms. Kaogma 2nd runner up is Jian Salazar and the 1st runner up is Princess Joy Camu. Ina Dominica Guerrero was crowned Miss Tourism 2014. Marvi Ann De Lima was crowned Miss Camsur 2014, also, she will be representing Camsur in Mutya ng Pilipinas. The Miss Kaogma 2014 title was awarded to Patrixia Santos.

Day 6: Who’s the Big V?

Clap along if you feel because The Big V finalists deserves an applaud for completing the training and rehearsals, and for making this music video.

After all the fun comes the tension as they battle their lungs out for the title to be the very first Big V.

The competition started with a Disney Production Number from the finalists. And after which comes the solo performances.

To break the ice, a guest anchor from Manila entertained everyone with its comedy stint. Peanut got everybody rolling with his production number.

Finally, they battle one another at the mash-up to see who really stands out.

The very first The Voice of the Philippines Grand Champion Mitoy Yonting is in the house to be our guest judge and perform some of his hits.

Judges include Mr. Bernard Prila, Brother Joey Piano, Ms Eudeza Racadag, and Ms. Sabrina Lontok.

After hearing the ten finalists, the verdict of the judges came next. The truly deserving singers took home the crown and cash prizes.

Our Big V winners are: Rachel Queenie Jovellano, 3rd Runner Up; Miguel Rubiales, 2nd Runner Up; and Katherine San Antonio, 1st Runner up. And the first Big V Grand Champion is Heavenly Grace Bonaga.

On the other side of CWC, people are enjoying the reggae night with Indio I sending out positive vibes.

Day 7: The Sun, the Skaters and the Singers

Skaters and BMXers woke up early today to show their skills at the Vans Philippine Skate Championship which happened at the Skate Park.

A total of 250 skaters and BMXers from Bicol and Manila displayed their stunts and the best among the rest was given recognition.

The Vans Off The Wall BMX winners are Marlon Terbio in third place, Edison Villegas in second place, and Jeff Constantino in first place.

And the Vans Off The Wall Skate competition winners are Jeno German, 4th place; Ignacio Bandiola, 3rd place; Mark Fernandez, 2nd place, and Alfonsus Mandigma, 1st place.

People went crazy as the Hiphop Night started onstage. Everyone got excited as Riot Artists performed one by one. All of them incorporated their anti-bullying campaign on their performances.

For the Fliptop Battle, local rappers went head to head with the fliptop masters. And surprisingly, the masters got bullied by the locals. Good job guys!

The country’s premier rapper hyped the crowd as he sang some of his greatest hits. Gloc9 had the crowd singing along with him.

Next up is the guy behind the hit song “Lord Patawad”. Bassilyo entertained the crowd along with some of his friends and the crowd loved his segment.

Past midnight, the crowd still had a lot of energy and waited for the finale, Abra and Loonie with Ron Henley!

At the pool side, everyone is having the time of their life at the Endless Summer Dance Party with DJ Ace Ramos at the table.

Day 8: Rocking and Lol-ing

During the last night, thousands of people went on Kaogma grounds ready to jam and laugh.

The night was star-studded with artists such as Kiray, Sarah Geronimo, April Boy Regino, Rochelle Pangilinan, Teddy of Rocksteddy and Jennifer Hudson ka-local-look-alikes. The crowd went rolling as each of them performed onstage.

Who among the ka-local-look-alikes were Boom? Who among them are Panes? The verdict of the judges were much-awaited.

Our third placer is Janelle Abegail de Jesus, Sarah Geronimo ka-local-look-alike. On second place is Jasmine Nieves, Rochelle Pangilinan ka-local-look-alike. Our first placer is Edcel Roma, April Boy Regino ka-local-look-alike. And our champion is Jonathan Camba, Jennifer Hudson ka-local-look-alike.

Contestants from the Ka-Look-Alike Contest in It’s Showtime performed onstage, giving a hilariously wonderful night to everyone.

Spongecola really knows how to hype a crowd. Yael, vocalist, went around the area to reach everyone and to ensure that they are enjoying the night.

Finally, ending the night with a blast is Greyhoundz rocking the stage.

The Happy Ending Bar is also packed with people wearing white ready to party as Kaogma Festival reaches its end.

Day 9: The Carnival Rides

Hot Buys Hot Foods are still up along with the carnival rides in the last day of the Kaogma Festival.

This sunny day is the perfect day to enjoy the Kaogma grounds for the last time.

It’s rewarding to see people leave with a smile painted on their faces. Everyone who worked behind the successful event definitely felt blessed to be spreading happiness to Camsur! All this, we do as servants of God.

From Post Ad family, thank you everyone for making Kaogma Festival All Day All Night Everybody Happy a part of your life.

See you all again next year for another Kaogma Festival!