As we get closer to the day we celebrate Kaogma 2024, tourists, visitors, and even local attendees may be quite busy preparing for the event. A part of that preparation would of course be the travel plan for actually getting there. With the somewhat different nature of travel in Bicol, some of you may feel somewhat lost in figuring out the best way to get to the Kaogma Festival, so here is a small little guide for you.

WHERE IS THE KAOGMA FESTIVAL?

The Kaogma Festival will be held at the Provincial Capitol Complex in Cadlan, Pili, Camarines Sur.

As for the events, mostly the main events will be held at the Capitol Grounds while the others will be scattered around the Capitol Complex to better accommodate the needs of specific events. Don’t worry though, the Capitol Complex is pretty small and walkable so it can be hard to miss out on the events that pique your interests. If that doesn’t give much confidence then billboards, signs and posters will be present in the venue to guide you around the place. If all else fails, don’t be afraid to ask the locals as they’ll be more than happy to show you the way.

HOW DO I GET THERE?

Getting to the Kaogma Festival may be tricky for some but there are a few different ways to get there. Deciding which method to take will mostly depend on your travel budget. Considering the busiest hub in Camarines Sur is Naga City, this guide assumes that you’re already traveling from there.

In any case, when travelling the main payment method is through cash so make sure to bring some smaller bills when commuting. (₱50 peso bills for tricycles and pedicabs, ₱100 and ₱500 peso bills for Taxis)

Driving

Driving to the Kaogma Festival may just be the easiest method of getting there. Although driving there is pretty straight forward, make sure to download Waze or at least make use of Google Maps’ directions feature to guide you to the place. Although either are good for use, I highly recommend using Waze as it also gives some additional information about the traffic and alternate routes.

Going to the Kaogma Festival by driving may sound like the easiest method of getting there, however driving there is one thing, looking for a parking spot is another. Unless you’re REALLY early, expect having to park a few hundred meters along the main highway and having to walk a bit to reach the venue.

There will be pedicabs and tricycles waiting around the entrance of the complex anyway so you can get them to give you a ride to and fro the complex. Click here for more information about them.

Taxi

Taxis are yet another suitable method of travel to get to the festival. The caveat is, while it is more comfortable than standard commuting, it is also the most expensive way of getting there. Consider going for this option if you have a high enough travel budget and if you’re carrying around a bunch of stuff on your travels (and if you don’t have a personal car).

If you’re looking for a taxi, your best bet is to look for one at SM Naga, near the right-front entrance. If you can’t find the taxis you can try asking the security for some assistance. The taxis use a meter to calculate the fare and will depend on the distance and the time it takes to take you there. Meaning you’ll be paying extra if you get stuck in traffic. Note that some drivers might not make use of the meter and instead ask for a flat rate instead. This would usually go for ₱200 – ₱500 (this is only an estimate). Also try to get their contact if you’re thinking of taking a taxi back to your lodgings after the event (if you’re staying outside the Capitol).

If you’re not too keen on riding taxis then there is also an uber-like alternative.

Grab Car

Like Uber, Grab is a smartphone app that lets passengers match up with drivers. You can download the app for free on any app store. Grab is one of the leading apps in the Philippines that deals with different types of transport services. Think ‘more efficient’ taxi call-ins. Something else to note is while Grab offers more services than the typical taxi, it is also considered to be a more budget friendly alternative.

Make sure to tap the “Car” option in the map.

Upon successfully getting paired with a driver, the app will show you the pick up location, vehicle color, and plate number. From there simply confirm to the driver if they are your ride and proceed. They should take you directly to your destination. In the case that your ride can’t get inside the premises, see this guide on pedicabs and tricycles in the Capitol.

Also, make sure to ask if you can get their contact in the case that you need a ride back. Considering how Grab works, it may fail to look for a ride when you’re at the Capitol.

Commute

The main method for long travel by the locals are the public transports. Usually jeepneys, vans, and busses. To commute to Kaogma Festival, you first need to head over to the Bicol Central Station in Ninoy & Cory Ave., Triangulo, Naga City.

You’ll have to look for busses that go to either Iriga, Partido or Legazpi. When you’re looking for one there’s usually going to be guides or “conductors” that will be asking you where you’re going. Simply respond with “Pili, Capitol” and they’ll help you find the right bus.

There’s generally two types of busses. Airconditioned and non-airconditioned. It’s up to you which bus you prefer to take. Fares are usually ₱30 for non-airconditioned busses and ₱40 for airconditioned ones. Busses tend to wait for a full load before leaving and urging a bus to leave before they’re ready is ill advised. You also won’t need a ticket cuz you’ll be paying inside the bus once it leaves. Either a conductor will go around collecting fares or you’ll have to directly pay the driver on your way out. Either way, make sure to mention that you’re destination is the Camarines Sur Capitol or “Capitol” to avoid any confusions. The driver should drop you off there if everything goes smoothly.

However, to be safe, I strongly advise you to keep tabs on where you are using Google Maps along the ride. When you’re there just call the attention of the conductor or the driver and let them know that it’s your stop. We usually yell “PARA” (pa-rra), let those Rs roll or you’ll hear some giggles.

Tricycles and Pedicabs

Once you reach the entrance to the capitol or in the event that your taxi or Grab can’t drop you off at the site itself, there should be tricycles and pedicabs by the entrance to the place beside a 7-11.

There will be pedicabs and tricycles waiting around the 7-11 which can give you a ride to and fro the complex. For reference the fare for tricycles is ₱15 per person but you can also rent a whole ride for yourself for ₱60. For pedicabs the fare is usually ₱10 per person. But considering that the event is expecting a high number of visitors, expect the tricycle and pedicab drivers to raise the fare by a little bit. To be safe, prepare for a fare of ₱30 pesos per person, per ride.

HOW DO I GO BACK TO NAGA?

If you’re riding Taxis or Grab make sure to try to get their contact details so maybe they can pick you up later. Although doing this may cost you double as you’ll also have to pay for the time and they take to get to you. There should also be Taxis and Grab rides stationed near the area for ease of access to visitors.

If you’re commuting, first you’re gonna have to ride a tricycle or a pedicab from the complex to the main highway. When you get to the 7-11 you’re going to have to cross the street to the waiting shed. There, you’ll be waiting for a bus bound to Naga. Make sure to stand where the driver can see you and wave at them. Sometimes, the bus will have a sign that doesn’t specifically say “Naga”, but will be passing through the area. In that case, make sure to ask the bus driver if they are going through Naga or not to avoid confusion.

Again, just to be safe, make sure to monitor where you are using Google Maps and its directions feature so you don’t miss your stop.