About 50,000 people filled the 24-hectare Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City, as ABS-CBN Regional Network Group’s Kapamilya Karavan, in collaboration with ABS-CBN Bacolod, hits Negros Occidental’s biggest festivity, the “Panaad Sa Negros,” featuring most sought after Kapamilya stars Coco Matin of Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin, John Pratts of Happy Yipee Yehey!, Maricar Reyes of Imortal and Kapamilya hunk Ron Morales and Prince of Pop Erik Santos.Loud screams from thousands of loyal Negrosano Kapamilyas dominated the festival venue as each of the Kapamilya stars stepped on stage and gave their blazing performances. Some of the fans were lucky as they got to hug and even kiss their favorite celebrities. Negros’ local stars former PBB housemate Nel Rapiz, Dorothy “Dot-dot” Luarca of Kapamilya Mas Winner Ka and Shirin C. Khabbaz of MagTV Na Amiga! hosted this festive event.
Kapamilya hunk Ron Morales was first to perform. Girls were ecstatic as Ron sang “Harana.” The “kilig” atmosphere continued when he offered another song and invited a young teenage girl from the audience to sing with him. What made everyone more excited is when he took off his plaid polo and had it worn by the girl he’s singing with. This truly romantic gesture of Ron enlivened the Panaad Stadium.
If Ron enthralled the fans with his sizzling hot physique, Pop Prince Erik Santos maintained the romantic feel, as he sang some of his most wanted hits. Like Ron, Erik didn’t deprive his hugs and kisses to a lucky Kapamilya girl. Erik even initiated the romantic embrace while belting his songs of love.
The gentlemen were also big winners in the Kapamilya Karavan, as the beautiful Marcicar took center stage and gave her bubbly performance. All the male Negrosanos in the audience were amazed with Maricar’s radiant skin. That’s why when Maricar went near the audience area, cameras kept on clicking just to capture images of the gorgeous actress. Everyone was surprised when Maricar showed the rocker in her as she performed Imago’s “Akap.” Maricar enthusiastically congratulated the Negrosanos with the success of the Panaad festival and likewise commended some of Bacolod’s delicacies. “Sobrang sarap ng butterscotch,” she said.
The crowd became excited again when John Pratts started to perform. He sang two songs, but eventually gave his best dance moves, as requested by the Negrosanos. To jazz up his grooves, he invited some girls from the audience to dance with him, ala Superclub style. The girls were overjoyed with John’s invitation, so they grabbed and hugged him. One of them even attempted to take a picture of her with the ultimate “Supah” dancer. With all these reactions, John can’t explain the happiness he feels. “Grabe, hindi ko kinakaya ang energy ng mga taga-Bacolod… Sobrang saya dito,” he said.
Completing the pack of the country’s brightest celebrities featured in this year’s Kapamilya Karavan in Panaad Sa Negros is Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin lead actor Coco Martin. Even before he stepped on stage, his fans kept on shouting his name. “We love you Coco!,” goes their screams. The actor’s innate charisma definitely captivated the joyous hearts of the Negrosanons. As a gift for his fans, Coco serenaded the crowd with his love-inspired performances. He even invited a lady from the audience to sing with him. “Ngayon ko napatunayan na saan mang panig ng bansa, marami talagang loyal Kapamilyas,” he said.
The unforgettable Kapamilya Karavan ended with a colorful fireworks display presented by DSS Fireworks of Dumaguete City, the winner of the 1st Panaad Sa Negros Musical Pyrotechnics Competition.
Prior to the Kapamilya Karavan, ABS-CBN Bacolod also presented the awarding of 30 outstanding farmers, fishermen and livestock caretakers in an event dubbed as “Pasidungog sa Mangunguma, Mangingisda kag Manugsagud Sapat.” TV Patrol Negros anchor Ryan Gamboa and The Morning Show host Honey Grace Catalan hosted the awarding ceremonies. The award-giving event is under Negros Occidental’s Food Security Program led by Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr.
