Sorsogon, Philippines – A highly anticipated performance by the popular Filipino rock band Kamikazee at the Kasanggayahan Festival in Casiguran, Sorsogon took an unexpected turn when the provincial government decided to deny the group the opportunity to perform.
In a viral video, Governor Edwin “Boboy” Hamor personally addressed concertgoers and publicly expressed that Kamikazee, led by Jay Contreras, would not be allowed to take the stage.
The incident, which unfolded on Sunday, October 1, 2023, quickly garnered attention on social media platforms and news outlets. In the video, Governor Hamor could be seen apologizing to the festival attendees, making it clear that Kamikazee’s performance had been canceled.
While the exact reasons for the denial of Kamikazee’s performance were not explicitly stated in the video, it left many fans and festival-goers disappointed and curious about the circumstances surrounding the decision.
Governor Hamor asserted that Kamikazee’s actions and words had offended the residents of Sorsogon. He implored the public to remember his words as he raised a sword, symbolically marking the band as unwelcome in the province.
The governor emphasized that while there were many talented bands capable of entertaining the people of Sorsogon, he felt compelled to reject Kamikazee due to their alleged behavior. He underlined that the band had already received their payment before their scheduled performance, but despite this, he decided to send them away.
“Sana na naintindihan niyo. Hindi ko gusto to. Kaso sinabi ko nga, may attitude. Hindi na yan makakabalik sa Sorsogon, maniwala kayo sa akin. Maraming banda, maraming banda na gustong magpasaya sa atin. Pero kung ganun naman yung ugali, pasensiyahan tayo. Okay?” Hamor said.
“Inuulit ko, bayad yun. Kasi bago mag-perform sila dapat bayad. Pero pinauwi ko na, hindi ko na patitirahin yun sa Residencia. Pinauwi ko na sa airport, dun sila mag-umaga. Okay? Inuulit ko, hindi tayo puwedeng bastusin ang mga taga-Sorsogon. Pinipilit ko na itaas ang dignidad ng bawat Sorsoganon, pero huwag ganun. Huwag ganun na tayo’y bastusin. Okay?” he added.
Moreover, he refused to grant them accommodation at the Residencia Del Hamor hotel in Sorsogon, opting instead to have them spend the night at the airport while waiting for their flight.
The incident has ignited a fierce debate on social media platforms, with some supporting the governor’s decision to uphold the dignity and honor of the province, while others criticized it as an infringement on artistic freedom and a heavy-handed response.
The band, known for their energetic performances and loyal fanbase, has yet to issue an official response to the allegations made against them by Governor Hamor. As discussions and debates unfold, it remains to be seen how this incident will impact the band’s future engagements and the broader discourse on the intersection of art and public responsibility in the Philippines.