If there is one thing Filipinos enjoy the most, it’s good music partnered with great company. Because of this, Philippine music festivals have started to crop up in the recent years, celebrating different local and international musicians and the great music they offer. Nothing beats being able to surround yourself with a community that appreciates the same music you do.
Want to know what Philippine music festivals you can check out? Here is a list of 6 yearly music fests that both locals and foreigners have been looking forward to annually.
1. Wanderland Music and Arts Festival
If you are an indie music fanatic, the yearly Wanderland Music and Arts Festival is the perfect avenue for you to share your love for it. Known as kind of a local version of Coachella, Karpos Multimedia successfully created a loyal following since they started in summer of 2013.
Filipino indie music fans first took notice of the event when huge headliners such as Neon Trees, Nada Surf and The Temper Trap took the stage. Since then, the fandom known as the #WanderlandCommunity grew, especially when huge indie artists such as Lauv, Kodaline, Death Cab for Cutie and Kid Cudi headlined the festival in different years. Plus, in true Coachella fashion, style is of the essence in this particular music fest. Celebrities, bloggers and popular figures make sure to dress to impress when gracing the event.
2. Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival
Another yearly festival that has captured the hearts of local and international music lovers is the Malasimbo Music and Art festival held in Puerto Galera, Mindoro. Just a 45 mins-1 hour boat ride away from the Batangas pier, Puerto Galera is a gorgeous island frequented by locals and foreigners in Manila looking for a quick getaway.
The Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival is just another reason for people to visit this island. The acts that usually grace the Malasimbo stage range from soul (Joss Stone, anyone?) to reggae (Jimmy Cliff had an awesome set!), delivered by both international and local music acts. It also helps that the vibe of this music fest is very chill and relaxing. To top it all off, amazing art works, sculptures and installations are peppered all over festival venue.
3. Fete dela Musique
Known as the biggest French event held in the Philippines, Fete dela Musique is a yearly musical event that features different musicians to grace different stages and simultaneously make noise for one night only. The great thing about this event is that it is absolutely free! No tickets, whatsoever! Held mostly in various streets in Makati, each stage features a different genre – from rock and reggae to jazz and soul.
So whatever your taste in music is, more often than not, Fete dela Musique has got you covered for one solid, amazing night.
4. Paradise International Music Festival
Though it has only staged one run last 2016, Paradise International Music Festival (IMF) made the headlines with the huge talents they brought in, talents that Filipino festival goers never thought possible to bring in the Philippine shores. Kanye West, Wiz Khalifa, Afrojack and Rudimental are just some of the acts the organizers brought in. Paradise IMF truly was once of the best music festivals to have happened in 2016.
This 2018, rumors are afloat that Paradise IMF is back for another amazing festival. Be sure to check out the hashtag #ParadiseIMF2018 to get updates on their super secret second festival run.
5. Rakrakan Festival
With Red Horse Beer, a leading liquor manufacturer in the Philippines, as its major sponsor, Rakrakan Festival is a huge yearly music fest that mixes good music, good beer, bazaars and extreme sports for one amazing night. This huge festival that is usually held every December features independent stores in an open bazaar, various OPM artists in different stages plus street art and skate competitions. In true Pinoy rakrakan fashion, a trip to this festival guarantees good, crazy fun complimented with awesome Pinoy music!
6. Neverland Manila
If Tomorrowland is more your thing, Neverland Manila prides itself in being sort of a local version of this Belgium music fest. With outstanding house and rave music, Neverland Manila promises a night of sheer bliss and freedom, with amazing beats and electronic dance music. With music from the best DJs all around the world, Neverland Manila takes you to a different kind of high.
These are just some of the Philippine music festivals you can check out. As the love for music, arts and good fun grows, more music festivals will definitely be coming up. If you’re looking for a night of good, clean fun, a Philippine music festival is a great experience to have.
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