Gigi Vargas

What an honor to help see B**g Rodriguez' vision come to life during the 1st Isarog International Hot Air Balloon and Music Festival! 🎈☁️

The skies of Naga and Camarines Sur will never be the same again, thanks to all of you who believed, went, and made it happen.

What began as a vision has now become a moment etched in Naga City’s history.

Over the past three days, the skies of Naga came alive with vibrant hot air balloons from 8 countries, transforming the city into a breathtaking canvas of color, culture, and celebration. What we witnessed was more than just a festival, it was a wonderful blend of people, stories, and shared experiences that brought together Nagueños and visitors in ways we’ve never seen before.

From early mornings filled with anticipation, to afternoons of laughter, food, and family bonding, and nights energized by music and performances, every moment reflected the heart of this event. The overwhelming turnout and support proved one thing: Naga is more than ready for experiences that are bigger, bolder, and unforgettable.

Beyond the spectacle, this festival created a meaningful impact. It became a platform for local artists, a boost for businesses, and a source of livelihood for countless workers, vendors, and communities. Every smile, every cheer, and every shared memory contributed to something greater—a celebration of Naga pride.

This first Isarog International Hot Air Balloon and Music Festival was not just about what filled the skies, but about what it sparked on the ground: unity, creativity, human connection.

Truly, the skies of Naga and Camarines Sur will never be the same again.

Sagkod giraray. Dios mabalos!

Resource Speaker today. 👩‍🏫

Honored to share my knowledge on Environmental Governance and Policy Development Process. I told the participants that People’s Participation is key for a good policy.

Will be coming back tomorrow to critique their output for a barangay ordinance on the CBSUA-Martillana Estero Maintenance.

Grateful for CBSUA for the invitation. 🙇‍♀️🤍

𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐮𝐬 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬! ✍🏼✊🏼

Student journalists often come into conflict with institutions that use their authority to suppress free expression and censor publications. Threats, harassment and intimidation have become more pervasive, underscoring the need for stronger legal protections for campus journalists.

Through our proposed House Bill No. 8718 or the “Campus Press Freedom Act,” we seek to repeal Republic Act No. 7079 (Campus Journalism Act of 1991) and address the realities faced by student journalists today. We aim to establish clear safeguards against censorship, guarantee the editorial independence of student publications, and provide the campus press with a reliable source of funding.

Sa disiplina, husay, tapang, at proteksyon sa pag-uulat ng ating mga student journalists, mas mailalantad ang mga baluktot na polisiya, pang-aabuso sa kapangyarihan, malalabanan ang fake news at disinformation, at mas maihahayag ang katotohanan hindi lang sa mga kapwa nila mag-aaral kundi pati na sa marami pa nating kababayan.

Defend Press Freedom! Pass HB 8718!

Have you been to Modern Clara by Society Enterprises? We're blessed to have an amazing partner in what Kilyáb wears onstage, a.k.a our Bicol Couture. Kaya sa pagsakat mi sa entablado, proudly pirmi mi dara an gibo kan Bicol heritage weavers.

Dakulong onra na ma-personal ang kapwa ko taga-Iriga, Fiscal Fred Nojara, bistadong Crimal Law Textbook Author and Bar Lecturer.

Thank you po for the inspiring conversation over coffee. May the Lord continue to bless you as you selflessly share your gift to the world. 🤍

As our Lord Jesus Christ hung on the cross, he uttered seven last sayings or phrases. Let these sacred words remind us that His suffering was not in vain—it was the ultimate act of love, giving us hope that never fades and a promise of eternal life. ✝️❤️

The First Word:

“When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him and the criminals there, one on his right, the other on his left. Then Jesus said, “𝙁𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧, 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙜𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢, 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙙𝙤.” Luke 23:34

The Second Word:

Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us.” The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply, “Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation? And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” He replied to him, “𝐀𝐦𝐞𝐧, 𝐈 𝐬𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐞.” Luke 23: 39-43

The Third Word:

“When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, “𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧, 𝐛𝐞𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝, 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐨𝐧.” Then he said to the disciple, “𝐁𝐞𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝, 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.” John 19: 26-27

The Fourth Word

“At noon darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. And at three o’clock Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which is translated, “𝐌𝐲 𝐆𝐨𝐝, 𝐦𝐲 𝐆𝐨𝐝, 𝐰𝐡𝐲 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐧 𝐦𝐞?” Mark 15: 33-34

The Fifth Word:

“After this, aware that everything was now finished, in order that the scripture might be fulfilled, Jesus said, “𝐈 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭.” There was a vessel filled with common wine. So they put a sponge soaked in wine on a sprig of hyssop and put it up to his mouth.”
John 19: 28-29

The Sixth Word

“When Jesus had taken the wine, he said, “𝐈𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝.” And bowing his head, he handed over the spirit.” John 19:30

The Seventh Word

It was now about noon and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon because of an eclipse of the sun. Then the veil of the temple was torn down the middle. Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “𝐅𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐈 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐲 𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐭”; and when he had said this he breathed his last”. Luke 23: 44-46

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Is the claim that the Kaogma Festival helps the economy of Camarines Sur actually backed by research?

It is public knowledge that Kaogma Festival is funded by the Provincial Government of Camarines Sur. While there may be sponsors, a significant portion of the budget clearly comes from taxpayers money.

At the same time, most activities are free. LIBRE ang concerts, LIBRE ang transportation, among others.

So the question is simple: Nasaan ang datos?

Where are the numbers that prove that Kaogma meaningfully contributes to tourism revenue, local business income, or job creation in the province?

If such data exists, then it should be made available to the public. Otherwise, these claims remain to be just claims.

In a time of global crisis, it is imperative to demand transparency. The use of public funds must be justified not by assumptions, but by evidence.

Bigyan ninyo kami ng malinaw na basehan. Show us that the use of taxpayers’ money for the Kaogma Festival is justified.

At kung walang maipakitang datos, hindi ba’t makatwirang itugon muna sa ibang problema ang pondo ng probinsya?