The Province of Camarines Sur is known for its week-long Kaogma Festival. Two years under the global pandemic ceased the holding of such festivals and other recreational activities. Just this year, the 1st Hiraya Music Festival kicked off, featuring DJs, iconic band, and artists to bring joy to the Camarinenses last September 24, 2022 at the Kaogma Grounds, Capitol Complex, Cadlan, Pili, Camarines Sur.
The Hiraya, which means, “The fruit of one’s dreams, wishes, and aspirations,” is meant to bring joy and full hope to all Camarinenses amid the adversities they are facing. The Hiraya Music Festival aimed to encourage the young ones to rise up, to dream big, and to aspire to have a better CamSur. The Hiraya Music Festival is also a form of thanksgiving of Team One CamSur for the unwavering support given to them from the beginning until now.
“Tinabangan nindo akong matupad ang pangarap kong maging governor kaya habambuhay akong may utang na loob saindo gabos. Mayong Governor Luigi kung mayo kamo. Ang bangging ini ang pasasalamat mi ninda Cong. Migz asin Cong Lray saindo. Ang bangging ini para saindo!” said Governor Luigi Villafuerte, expressing his gratitude to the Camarinenses as he opened the Hiraya Music Festival.
The Hiraya Music Festival featured a line-up of talented artists including Rivermaya, Arthur Nery, Nik Makino, Skusta Clee, DJ Euric, DJ CMart and DJ Jazz. Despite the heavy downpour of rain, an estimated of over 70,000 youth from all over the province have attended the first-ever Hiraya Music Festival.
Moreover, to ensure the safety and security of everyone, the PDRRMC CamSur also activated its Incident Management Team and developed a contingency plan for any untoward incident. Responders from different member-agencies were gathered and provided immediate medical care and attention by putting up medical stations, monitored traffic management and crowd control, and managed peace and order all throughout the event. Also, free lugaw and water stations were also set-up to keep the concertgoers hydrated and energized.
With the success of the 1st Hiraya Music Festival, it is expected that more local and national artists, bands and DJs will be invited and more attendees will come to the next music festivals to come.
The Provincial Government of Camarines Sur, under the leadership of Governor Luigi Villafuerte, aims to promote tourism through culture and arts in the province by holding such events that will further encourage local tourism, bring new opportunities for progress and boost the local economy of the province.
