Rugao celebrates the bountiful harvest this year from April 29-30, 2011. The celebration includes an invitational basketball tournament and a program.
INVITATIONAL BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
This year, Rugao opened its basketball tournament to neighboring barangays like Bangag, Manaring, San Lorenzo, San Juan among others. After several matches watched by hundreds of screaming basketball fanatics, San Lorenzo and the team from Rugao fought for the crown, which eventually went to the experienced team from San Lorenzo.
RUGAO GOT TALENT
What really made the festival memorable is the holding of the ROC-sponsored “Rugao Got Talent”.
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| Runner-up Justin Aquino |
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| Grand Winner Lady Rara |
Thirteen individuals/groups showcased their talents (mostly dancing). But two of the contestants were standouts. Justin Aquino, 9 years old serenaded the judges with piano versions of The Gift and Tennessee Waltz to the delight of the crowd. The three judges gave their big YESes and they agreed that the performance was impressive for someone his age. Two very young boys also sent the crowd to their feet when they started dancing ala-Shakira to the tune of Waka-Waka. The crowd went wild when Lady Rara (Ar-ar Daquioag) showed what talent really is with his very impressive fire dance. When asked how long he has been doing the act, Lady Rara said that he’s only been practicing for two weeks and has never performed the act. Impressed by the performance, SB Perlita Gaoiran, the program’s special guest even invited Lady Rara to perform at the Mamangi Festival this May.
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| Reymond Pasio - Recipient of a Special Award |
As expected, Lady Rara claimed the title of being the first Rugao Got Talent Grand Winner. He won 3,000 pesos in cash, a scholarship grant and a special Rugao Got Talent plaque. Young Pianist Justin Aquino was declared runner-up winning 1,500 pesos in cash and a scholarship grant. A special award was also given to Reymond Pasio who showed his skills in acrobatics and has received the loudest applause from the crowd. He received 400 pesos in cash. All the contestants who performed each received cash as consolation prizes.
Performers from Bangag and other barangays also showcased their talents but were not allowed to compete. However, SB Perlita Gaoiran handed them cash and also promised to provide the dance group from Bangag t-shirts.
In a speech, SB Perlita Gaoiran again extended her admiration to the people of Rugao. She also promised to help Rugao Online Community in its future project. She will donate to the organization hollow blocks and a television set to help ROC put up its Library Project (tentatively named ROC Learning Resource Center).
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Kudos to the generous members of Rugao Online Community who made Rugao Got Talent possible! In behalf of all the members and officers of Rugao Online Community, Thank you and hope you continue to share your blessings by supporting the future projects of Rugao Online Community.
Sponsors:
Anonymous Rocian from Singapore (Cash)
Adona Agcaoili and an Anonymous donor ( two scholarship grants)
Henry Diaz (Plaque/Trophy)
Shallee Manuel Fajardo (Cash)
Nhor Bermudez Esteban (Cash)
Melody Ramos (Cash)
Anonymous ROCian from the Philippines (Cash)
Councilor Perlita Gaoiran (Cash)
Special Thanks also to all the Barangay Officials of Rugao headed by Judy Bermudez , the SK Chairman and his officials and to the very supportive Ilagan Councilor Perlita Gaoiran. Thank you for believing in the advocacies of Rugao Online Community.
