Stars add glitter to Naliyagan fest
Some people are scared to fly to Mindanao because of the crisis in Marawi City. Yet several stars, singers and bands braved it recently, visiting Prosperidad, Agusan Del Sur for the Naliyagan Festival.
Among them were Bamboo, Teddy Corpuz of Rocksteddy, Gloc-9, Silent Sanctuary, Matt Evans, Joseph Bitangcol, Kitchie Nadal, Juan Miguel Salvador, Imelda Papin and myself.
All exerted effort to give fun and entertainment to the more than 50,000 Agusanons who trooped to the event. “Agusan del Sur is probably one of the safest places in Mindanao. People here actually like it that President Duterte imposed Martial Law. With checkpoints everywhere, people feel safe,” Governor Edward “Eddie Bong” Plaza told us.
He added, “On our part, we are vigilant and alert that no Mautes or Isis members enter our territory particularly this time. As governor, I assure the 14 municipalities of Agusan del Sur that they could enjoy the festival with peace of mind.”
For weeks, the provincial tourism officer of Agusan del Sur was having a hard time booking artists as most stars would rather skip the affair.
Fears were elevated when the Mautes were heard to have infiltrated Iligan as well.
“Marawi is 10 hours from Prosperidad. That is about six to seven military checkpoints checking your identification , bags and cars thoroughly. If you do not have an ID, you automatically proceed to the precinct to produce your papers and identify yourself,” Dr. Manuel Rosaut, provincial tourism officer, tells Gossip Girl.
My manager Veronique del Rosario was so scared to allow me to go if not for the assurance that we will be provided police and military detail. (It was kinda funny performing and walking around surrounded by police and military men in full battle gear, haha).
The week-long festival celebrating the 50th founding anniversary of the province started with performances by several GMA artists. On the second day, rapper Gloc-9 helped enliven the revelry. Imelda and I performed on day 5 to celebrate LGU night. Rocksteddy performed on day 6, and Mitoy Yonting and The Draybers on day 7.
The festival was successful and showed the whole Philippines how safe Agusan del Sur is.