The Malasimbo Arts and Music Festival is nothing new. However, every year, this contemporary international music festival keeps getting stronger and keeps solidifying its purpose. As such, it is no wonder that it is the longest standing and most sustainable of its kind in the Philippines. Malasimbo is produced by Volume Unit Entertainment (VUE) and hosted by D’Aboville Foundation.
Generally speaking, Malasimbo offers an authentic experience with Mother Nature as its backdrop. Last year, it brought about 5,000 people; and, now it is back on its seventh year at the picturesque Malasimbo Amphitheatre in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro from March 10 to 12, 2017. As always, it is packed with an epic lineup of events and artists.
Malasimbo 2017’s live performances will feature Afro-Cuban jazz pianist and Quincy Jones’ protege Alfredo Rodriguez; Australian soul jazz performer Jordan Rakei; and the outstanding Candian electronic music artist Tennyson. Local artists will also be performing, including Apartel, Jeck Pilpil and Peacepipe, Brass Pas Pas Pas Pas, Similar Objects, Curtismith, RH Xanders, sKarm, Moophs, and Microphone Mechanics.
The event will also feature a silent disco, where music is transmitted through headphones.
A big part of the Malasimbo Magic includes the art installations around the venue, and the colourful lighting at night that will turn the venue into a tropical wonderland. Malasimbo 2017 will be hosting the iconic works of Agnes Arellano, Wawi Navarroza, Ling Quisumbing Ramilo, and Olivia d’Aboville, Alwin Reamillo, Denis Lagdameo, Leeroy New, Russ Ligtas, Agus Loedin, Troy Silvestre, Hiyas Bagabaldo, Dondi and Grace Katigbak, Henri Lamy, Jinggoy Buensuceso, Raphael David and Hohana.
Sculptures by Lena Cobangbang, Cristina Escario, Keith Ann Garcia and Venus Mar, Expi Perez, and Raha Rodriguez will also be found around the Malasimbo landscape.
Of course, Malasimbo also hopes to boost tourism in the Mindoro area. In line with the “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” campaign, Malasimbo is endorsed by the Department of Tourism as a catalyst for the advancement of culture and arts in the Philippines.
My favorite part about it, though? They also hold a conscientious regard for eco-cultural tourism promotion and development in Mindoro. For starters, Malasimbo and D’Aboville Foundation will plant a mangrove seedling for every ticket sold. Secondly, they have workshops n Mangyan language and sample performances of their native dance and poetry. Right now, they are also raising funds for the Liter of Light workshop, where solar lamps can be bought, built and donated to help light Mangyan homes for just Php1,000.
It goes without saying that Malasimbo proves to be a great venue for recreation for family, friends and colleagues. Spanning over three days, it doesn’t just have activities that will appeal to your eyes and ears; it also has experiences that will ignite your heart and mind. Make sure you don’t miss out!
Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival 2017
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