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The city of Cagayan de Oro earned its title as the city of golden friendship, thus the festival in the city was named after the word Higala or friend. The festival is well on its way as it was launched in Centrio, Ayala Mall last July 22, 2018. People who were spearheading the different activities or highlights of the month long celebration were given chance to speak and invite people to join. From dragon boat paddlers, the Oro Fashion Designers Guild, the reigning Miss Cagayan de Oro 2017 Katrina Zayas Acaylar, Carnivale competition and JCI-KG head Owen Jaen and a lot more gave their insights on how this year’s festival will be a great pride to the city.

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Gracing the event and introduced themselves to the multitudes that watched were the 12 candidates who were competing for the crown of Miss Cagayan de Oro 2018. A mini fashion show also took place as models and beauty queens took the center stage alongside their respective designers from the OFDG. It was a well organized event by the city, short, concise and very attracting. I was also happy to know that this year, the Oro Photographic Society has revived the Higalaay Photo Contest. It is a photography contest where photographers from amateur and professional walks of life can compete in giving the best festive or meaningful photograph of the major events. The city of Cagayan de Oro is a developing city, with potential tourist destinations, activities and cuisine up for the taking. This is a step to a right direction as it may very well attract future investors and tourists to come and stay in the city.

As a travel photographer for the past few years, if you’re in a town with so many activities that may overlap each other’s schedule, pick the ones that you may see as the more interesting one. Though you also have to consider so many factors such as the weather, light, people involved and other things, you just have to go out there and either fight for that photograph or patiently just let the universe bring it to you. Take time to breathe and photograph the necessary moments, remember that you are not there to document the whole event (unless paid to do so), photograph the smiles of children, old people and the crowd who are enjoying the show. I know most entries would feature the main events and the people in it, but there is a certain distinct charm and spontaneity in the candid moments of people who are in their purest form of enthrallment. Advanced happy fiesta to the city of golden friendship.

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