Kadagatan and Kayak Festival in Cam Norte

The Kadagatan Festival in the town of Mercedes, Camarines Norte, Bicol is a celebration that gives thanks for the bountiful harvest of the sea. Locals pay tribute to Mother Nature for the blessings she has given with a weeklong series of events. Festivities include boat racing, street dancing, float parades, and various exhibitions. The mascot parade featuring fish and other marine creatures showcases the creativity of the locals.

In recent years, numerous water sports activities such as the Paraw Regatta, game fishing competitions, and kayaking events have been held as part of the festival, highlighting the town’s potential as a sports adventure and ecotourism destination.

Kayak surfing (also known as surf kayaking), or surfing ocean waves with kayaks, is rising in popularity in Mercedes because of the ideal conditions for the sport. The shallow seabed, strong wind, and great waves, make it ideal for the watersport even for beginners. This thrilling sport can give you a high similar to white-water rafting and surfing and is an extremely fun activity to try out.

During the Kadagatan Festival 2012, participants of Kayak Explore spent the night camping at Apuao Grande Island, one of the several islands belonging to the Mercedes group of islands. Apuao Grande, a 45-minute ride by motorboat, is characterized by a white sand beach shoreline lined with agoho (an evergreen species that resemble pine trees) and a sandbar that connects to a smaller island called Apuao Pequena. A mangrove forest can be seen in between the two Apuao Islands.

After a festive night around the campfire and back-to-basics camping, the participants woke up bright and early to race back on kayaks all the way to Baybay Beach in mainland Mercedes.

The Kadagatan Festival in Mercedes, Camarines Norte is held from August 1 to 8. For more information, visit http://mercedes.gov.ph

Photos / Words by: Kara Santos