MimaiScribbles

Back in 2015, I became part of a group that supported and helped promote the city’s first ever Higalaay Street Festival. Partying the whole night had not been my cup of tea for years but somehow, I was drawn to the idea of people gathering to play music – and to dance the night away. Music and dancing are two of the things I love most, so that was probably why I didn’t hesitate to help out.

Later on, however, I realized that the concept of higalaay itself was what really got me interested. “Higalaay”, from the Visayan word “higala”, is a word that’s synonymous with Cagayan de Oro and Kagay-anons, what with CDO being the City of Golden Friendship. “Higala” means friend, which is basically what the city fiesta is all about. It’s about celebrating families and friendships. It’s about getting together and having fun. It is about building connections. And this is precisely what the Higalaay Street Festival is all about.

This year, the HSF fever is alive once again as the street party is set to unfold on Saturday, August 26. Aside from the powerful lineup of guests, what makes the 2017 Higalaay Street Festival special is the reason behind it: proceeds of the event will be used to send support to the individuals, families, and soldiers displaced and affected by the ongoing Marawi crisis. So on its 3rd year, the Higalaay Street Festival continues to live by its goal of sharing the higalaay spirit with anyone who needs it.

Guest DJs

On Saturday, some of the best DJs will grace the HSF stage to dish out music that everyone can groove to. Check out the lineup of guests:

–DJ Garuda, originally from the Netherlands but now making musical waves here in the Philippines.

-FHM model turned DJ, Cathy Frey (Manila)

-DJ Robbie J from California

-CDO’s very own DJ Red

-Miss J

-DJ Yuuki

-MCs Zane and Pau The Panda

Check out this video invite from DJ Robbie J:

https://www.facebook.com/HSFCagayandeoro/videos/802700263243226/

Aside from the world-class music from our DJs and MCs, this year’s HSF will also feature a fireworks display, fire dance, wet & wild foam madness, a color powder shower, and unlimited cocktail drinks.

Tickets

You have two options for enjoying and experiencing the Higalaay Street Festival this Saturday. Choose which one suits you best:

• VIP – Php600 – Inclusions: unlimited drinks, one (1) Higalaay -shirt, and VIP seating
• General Admission – Php300 – Inclusions: three (3) FREE drinks

Glow sticks will be handed out at the venue and some sponsors/event partners will also be giving away limited edition merchandise at the party.

Tickets are available at the Higalaay Street Festival booth located by the entrance of the Activity Center of Centrio Mall. For other details, you can check out the Higalaay Street Festival official Facebook page.

Reminders

If you’re raring to party this Saturday, start preparing your OOTDs and other essentials.

As there will be some water/foam and a lot of colors, you might want to bring a protective/waterproof pouch for your gadgets. If you don’t have one, they’ll be available for a minimum price at the venue.

Also, take note of the items that you are not allowed to bring or use during all fiesta-related events. During the press conference for the Higalaay Festival activities at the VIP Hotel, Task Force Oro Commander Colonel Roland Orquia laid out special security measures. Although he mentioned that the rules were primarily intended for parades and processions, it won’t hurt if we follow them as well while partying this Saturday.

Here are some of the dos and don’ts that Col. Orquia enumerated:

DOs:

• When challenged by PNP or the Military, submit yourself for verification.
• Bring pertinent documents for identification.
• Report any suspicious character or item.

DONTs:

• Don’t bring deadly weapons.
• Don’t bring backpacks (unless authorized by the organizers and Task Force Oro, i.e. photographers).
• Don’t wear bullcaps.
• Bringing of small children is discouraged.
• If possible, do not bring vehicles.
• No smoking.
• Avoid telling bomb jokes.

If we follow these dos and don’ts, we’ll all have a grand time partying!

 

The Higalaay Street Festival will be held at CDO Bar at the Rodelsa Rotunda. Gates open at 3pm, so be there are early as you can. You wouldn’t want to miss out all the fun, would you?

Happy higalaay, Kagay-anons!

 

 

(Photo source: Higalaay Street Festival Facebook page. All used with permission.)