With the success of the 1st Aklan Hammock Festival and its commitment to continue the event yearly to promote different towns in the province, Aklan Trekkers organized the second Aklan Hammock Festival on February 16-17, 2019. It was held in Jamboo Beach Resort, a locally owned resort tucked in the secluded coast of Sitio Nasug, Barangay Bel-is, Buruanga, Aklan. With its pristine white sand beach and laid-back vibe, one can compare this place to what was Boracay like in the ’80s, a hidden paradise. It was the perfect venue for such festivity.
In addition to its advocacies of promoting outdoor activities, local eco-tourism sites, and environmental conservations, the main goal of the event is to raise funds for the upcoming 2nd Upland Outreach Mission to Sitio Maytaraw in Barangay Dalagsaan, Libacao, the farthest village in the province of Aklan. On Dec 14-16, 2018, Aklan Trekkers conducted its 1st Upland Outreach Mission to Maytaraw, and on this outreach, the group identified the needs of the community and decided that a follow-up outreach is necessary.
On the day of the event, the participants started with a 40-minute warm-up trek from the road to the venue and upon arriving, they were served a refreshing welcome drink. The event started with introductions then followed by raffle draws. The fun games and the engaging activities conducted by our partners brighten up the vibe and encourage camaraderie among participants. Everyone was having their own time at the beach after the activities, enjoying the sun, sand, and the sea. The array of colorful hammocks lining on the beach and waving in the wind in front of the vibrant sunset and with cool music playing in the background was a relaxing sight to see.
On the night of the event, the videos of our first upland outreach to Maytaraw were shown followed by the introduction of the Sitio Maytaraw community and our next outreach mission. The speeches of the teachers of Maytaraw Primary School have captured the attention of the audience. Many were inspired to help while others have expressed their interest to volunteer. After the successful presentation, the live band took over the stage and started playing. After several songs, the party was interrupted by a surprised wedding proposal of one of our participants. The audience was thrilled as he proposed and when his girlfriend said “yes”, everybody cheered. The proposal was a success and it was another reason to celebrate. The party continued with the live band playing reggae songs, then followed by a riveting djembe performance. The highlight of the night was the breathtaking fire dance and ended by a symbolic bonfire. On the following day, the participants enjoy the tranquility of the beach, several sets of activities, and games before they head back home.
The event brought outdoor enthusiasts from different regions in the country together for two days and one night of hammock camping, cool music, and fun activities. It was a huge success and the group was able to gather funds for the second upland outreach activity.
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- 2nd Aklan Hammock Festival: A Weekend of Hammock Camping with Purpose, Music, and Fun, Spotlighting one of Aklan’s Hidden Treasures and Supporting the 2nd Upland Outreach Mission to Sitio Maytaraw - September 19, 2023
