The Malasimbo Festival, an event hailed by the Department of Tourism Philippines as a prime catalyst of music, arts, and culture in the Philippines, is underway and now on its 6th year. It promises to bring another enchanting and awe-inspiring event to its spectators this March 2016 with the amazing art installations, compelling music acts, and inspiring cultural shows they carefully picked. The festival is a production of Volume Unit Entertainment, Inc. and the D’Aboville Foundation.
If you are planning to attend or are sure coming this year, we have curated a list of things to expect at The Malasimbo Festival 2016.
Photograph courtesy of: The Malasimbo Festival
1. Two-Weekend Event to Enjoy
The Malasimbo Festival is a two-weekend event to delight in. The Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival, which will take place from March 4 to 6, 2016, will showcase musicians from different parts of the world. Meanwhile, The Malasimbo Lights and Dance Festival, which had its debut last year and will happen again on March 24 to 26, 2016, will bring the best funk and hip hop acts teamed with a spectacular light show.
Photograph courtesy of: The Malasimbo Festival
2. Magical and Dreamy Setting Awaits You
The festival is being held in a grass-terraced amphitheater at the foot of Mount Malasimbo, overlooking Puerto Galera Bay, which is deemed as one of “The Most Beautiful Bays in the World”. During the day, you’ll witness a wide green meadow bathed in the light and you can visibly see all the colourful art installations on the grounds. But once the nightfall arrives, the venue transforms into a magical and dreamy setting as the neon lights and lanterns in abstract shapes illuminate.
Photograph courtesy of: The Malasimbo Festival
3. Awesome Lineup of Artists
Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival never fail to surprise and entertain its spectators every year with its excellent artist selection. This 2016, you’ll experience diverse genres as they set the stage for the amazing musicians from the local and music scene; expect several percussion-soaked and string-filled performances. Your heart will surely melt with the soul, a capella, classical, and jazz music that Jacob Collier brings. The vocal percussion of the beatboxing virtuoso Thum Prints will surely keep you upbeat all throughout the performance. When it comes to local act, Tacloban-based band Reo Brothers, known for their renditions of The Beatles and The Beach Boys songs, enters this year’s lineup. Another local music group, Sinosikat, will grace the event with their “Filipino soul” music. All that and more music acts await you.
Photograph courtesy of: The Malasimbo Festival
Photograph courtesy of: The Malasimbo Festival
Aside from the queue of music artists to participate in the event, all should watch out for the seasoned and budding visual geniuses who will showcase their masterpieces. Among the exhibitors will be Hiyas Bagabaldo, Doring Lalongisip, Leeroy New, Olivia d’Aboville, Mek Yambao, Iya Regalario, and many more.
Photograph courtesy of: The Malasimbo Festival
4. Party With Thousands of Attendees from Different Parts of the World
Since its inception in 2011, The Malasimbo Festival has gone a long way. Festival-goers continue to blossom each year, from 1,500 adventure-seekers, nature lovers, and art enthusiasts attended on its opening year, it grew to up to 8,000 spectators in 2015; and the number is expected to snowball this year. Most of the attendees are travelers from France, Singapore, and Hong Kong, so expect to party with people of different skin color and culture.
5. Indulge in a Rich and Wonderful Culture
The Malasimbo Festival is more than just about merriment; its establishment is driven by its advocacy to promote the culture of indigenous Mangyan tribe. In the past years, Mangyan’s cultural performances and handicrafts are some of the highlights of the festival. And this year expect again their presence to the magical Mount Malasimbo as they exhibit their rich and wonderful culture.
Photograph courtesy of: The Malasimbo Festival
Aside from upholding the Mangyan’s culture, The Malasimbo Festival also supports the preservation of Tamarraws or water buffalos that can only be found in the Philippines, as well as nourishing the growth of Mangroves in the beautiful island of Mindoro.
As an annual attendee of The Malasimbo Festival, I highly recommend this to individuals who are looking for adventure and unique experience. I assure you, once you step into the magical world of Malasimbo Festival, you’ll surely have a deeper appreciation for nature, culture, music, and art.
Tickets to The Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival and The Malasimbo Lights and Dance Festival are available at www.ticketworld.com.ph. For more information, visit their social media accounts, including Facebook, Youtube, Instagram, and Twitter. You can also use #Malasimbo2016 and #MalasimboMagic to find out the updates about the festival.
The Malasimbo Festival
https://malasimbofestival.com/
Instagram @malasimbofestival; Twitter @malasimbofest