MANILA, Philippines - The scorching heat is upon us. And what’s a better way to welcome the summer than to head to a beach resort, where possibilities for adventure, fun under the sun and communing with nature are limitless. Select Kapuso stars experienced all that at the recently-held Kapuso Weekend in Dapitan, where Dakak Park and Beach Resort became their playground for four days and three nights.
Before event hosts DJ Rico Robles, Boobay and Mike “Pekto” Nacua uttered the let-the-games-begin spiel, the participating stars were grouped into Team Aliguay and Team Dakak. Aliguay is the name of island-barangay near the beach resort, while Dakak is the vacation destination located at Brgy. Taguilon, Dapitan.
Mike Tan headed Team Aliguay with Mark Herras, Rochelle Pangilinan, Gwen Zamora, Alden Richards and JC Tiuseco as members. Team Dakak, on the other hand, had LJ Reyes as team leader with members Geoff Eigenmann, Louise delos Reyes, Rafael Rosell, Andrea Torres and Benjamin Alves.
Since the annual friendly-sporting event kicked off in the afternoon, the Kapuso stars had time to squeeze in a brief island trip to Aliguay for a morning stroll, an early dip in the water or a day cruise on the calm waters of Dapitan. Mike and Benjamin couldn’t help but take a quick plunge. Aside from scuba diving, guests also had the option to try other aqua sport activities like jetskiing, kayaking, riding the banana boat and taking the Hobbie Cat.
Meanwhile, dining at the Bamboo Café gave the stars the energy boost they needed for the day. What was so amazing about the dining area was the full view of the beachfront with the sea on the horizon.
The first day of the Kapuso Weekend started with a group of performers sporting native costumes, welcoming the Kapuso stars aboard a speedboat, with a helicopter hovering above them. The scene was reminiscent of the typical Survivor Philippines opening, where castaways were brought to an island, sans the convenience of a city life. After, the participants went on the makeshift stage, ready to outwit and outclass each other.
The Tri Fit Relay was the first challenge of the day, followed by Dakak Honeymoon Relay. Team Aliguay and Team Dakak won the first two games. The fun was not yet over to Gwen and Louise as they led the Kapuso Zumba for the enjoyment of guests.
After playing it hard and getting down and dirty on Dakak’s powdery white sand, the Kapuso stars temporarily retreated into their respective spacious casa (bungalows, with private sundeck and walk through sky-lit bathroom) and casitas at Villa Angelina suites, to relax their tired bodies and to free their minds from the pressure of challenges ahead. A spread of healthy island food was ready for the taking at the tent set up right across the villas.
Then, the Kapuso stars were whisked away to the Kapuso Night at the Gloria Thea Complex, which was 20-minute-ride from Dakak Beach Resort. They took turns in entertaining the people of Dapitan through sing-and-dance numbers. The crowd had a great time.
The following day, the last set of challenges for the sport event started in the morning and continued until the afternoon with a break in between. The Kayak O’yan, Take It Off and Kapuso Outdoor challenges took place on the beachfront and at the Dakak Adventure Zone. Team Dakak won the third game (kayak), while Team Aliguay took the fourth challenge (take it off). At this point, the two teams tied in terms of the number of games won. But the outdoor challenge favored the members of Team Aliguay, who were declared winners at the conclusion of Kapuso Weekend event in Dapitan.
In a simple ceremony, Team Aliguay and Team Dakak were proclaimed champion and runner-up, respectively. Geoff and Gwen received their individual awards as Most Valuable Players.
Just like the previous night, the GMA talents mounted another Kapuso Night at Gloria’s Fantasyland, where one can experience its many attractions from the 5D Cinema to Zimerman and Horror House. The theme park is Dapitan’s version of the Enchanted Kingdon. Living up to its tagline ”Where everyday is a festival,” guests are treated to the Festival of Colors and Parade of Cultures where 100 performers present their versions of some dances around the world (from Thailand, Brazil and Mexico to the Philippines). Adding to the aural-and-visual spectacle are the 12 giant floats showcasing the diversity and cultures of Africa, Brazil, China, Mexico, Persia, the Philippines and Thailand, with new entertainment concepts like Millennium Thrones, Fire, Water, Gems and Royal Float.
And that makes a Kapuso weekend in Dapitan also magical.
(The Kapuso Weekend in Dapitan is part of Let’s Fiesta TV Special to be aired on April 5 in all regional stations.)