MAGALANG, Pampanga – The recently concluded Camaru Festival is indeed the pride and joy of Magalang town.
It has become better after every year. Last year, it was named the best festival in Central Luzon by the Department of Tourism (DOT).
Mayor Maria Lourdes “Malu” Lacson was at the helm when it was cited by the DOT. Incidentally, it was 12 years ago when then Councilor Lacson sponsored the ordinance allowing the annual celebration of the Camaru Festival.
“We have won in the regional level. We must level up and aim for the national award,” said Magalang Tourism Officer Ryan Miranda.
The festival started with the Agricultural Conference on August 15 to 16. Close to 400 farmers attended the conference designed to boost the agricultural and food productions of the town.
The festival was held for 10 straight days. Other events were: Bonsai show and competition; multi-sectoral float parade; opening ceremony and trade fair; Jobs Fair; Pulosa and Poesai; Calutung Camaru; Inter-School Mural Painting Competition; Tattoo Competition; Street Dance Competition; Camaru Marching Band Festival; Inter-Barangay Basketball Finals; A concert featuring SunKissed Lola; and Camaru Short Film Competition.
One of the highlights of the festival is Miss Magalang competion.
Keisha Francine Mangiliman of Barangay Dolores bested 18 other candidates to win the crown as Miss Magalang 2024. Other winners are: Latifaha Raagas of San Nicolas 1 (first-runner-up); Kyla Marie Dizon of San Francisco (2nd runner-up); and Rochelle Ann Ocampo (3rd runner-up).
Odilon Lacson, chairman of the event and husband of the mayor, doubled the prices for winners. Mangiliman took home P100,000 cash.
Others who supported the festival were Councilor Norman Lacson and municipal treasurer Raissa Bayani, chairperson of the Miss Magalang.
