CEBU, Philippines - It surpassed the organizers’ expectation. The crowd that joined the first ever Kadaugan Street Party in the evening of April 29 reached 20,000 according to police estimates.
On April 30, during the Rampada, the Brazilian-inspired street dancing the crowd who lined up the whole stretch of M.L. Quezon Highway, Lapulapu City swelled to 50,000 according to Police Senior Superintendent Anthony Obenza, Lapulapu City’s police chief.
“I only expected 10,000 people to grace the event considering it is the first time that the city organized a victory party to celebrate the victory of Datu Lapulapu against Ferdinand Magellan. I never thought the event would be a huge success,” Harry Don Radaza, organizer of the event said.
In the open category, Viva Imperial of Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa bagged the first prize of the Rampada winning P50,000. Second prize went to Barangay Gun-ob – P30,000 and third place Barangay Buaya – P20,000.
In the barangay level category, first price went to Barangay Gun-ob – P30,000, second Barangay Buaya – P20,000 and third Barangay Looc – P10,000.
Other winners who got P5,000 each were: Reyna Bulakna – Viva Imperial; Best headress – Viva Imperial; Best in costume - Barangay Gun-ob; Most colorful - Barangay Gun-ob and Most lively - Barangay Buaya.
The Kadaugan Street Party also featured several free concert and party stations presented by the city government, Faces Bar, dyLS-FM (Lupig Sila, dyRT-FM (Nindota Ah), Let’s Share TV.com. while Goldberry Suites and Hotel turned their facade into a street bar featuring Loft DJs.
A car show by the Federation of Auto Clubs of Cebu had 200 cars in exhibit. It provided partygoers with an added treat. The hotels and resorts of the city also extended their week-long food festival held at the Liberty Shrine by coming up with a gourmet walk at the venue of the Kadaugan Street Party.
All told, the event will be repeated next year and expectedly it will even be grander and merrier. (FREEMAN)