Are you ready to get wet and wild in Manila? Well, you’d better be, because Waterbomb is finally making its Philippine debut on February 22 and 23, 2025! If a two-day spectacle filled with great music, immersive water battles, and thrilling performances sounds like your idea of a good time, head over to Quirino Grandstand and join the excitement.
Photo: BILIB and ZÉLA
Since its launch in 2015, Waterbomb has become one of the most highly anticipated annual festivals around. It has expanded to major cities across South Korea, including Daegu, Daejeon, Busan, Gwangju, Incheon, Jeju, Seoul, Sokcho, Suwon, and Yeosu, and internationally to Dubai, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, and Thailand. The festival combines the enthralling power of EDM, hip-hop, K-pop, and R&B with adrenaline-pumping water-based activities for an unforgettable experience.
A who’s who of global music superstars will touch down in Manila for Waterbomb. On Saturday, February 22, festivalgoers can catch performances by the pioneering hip-hop trio Epik High, known for their introspective lyrics and genre-blending sound, and rappers Choiza and Gaeko of Dynamic Duo, who rose to fame in 2004 with their debut album Taxi Driver.
Also performing on the first day of the festival is veteran singer Kim Jong Kook, who’s also known for being a regular cast member of the Korean variety show Running Man. EXO member Chanyeol and MAMAMOO’s Hwasa are also slated to appear, as is Baekho, a former member of the boy group NU’EST who’s now making waves as a soloist. Rounding out day one’s lineup of performers are B.I, IZ*ONE members-turned-soloists Kwon Eunbi and Lee Chaeyeon, girl group STAYC, and DJ ROOTS.
On Sunday, February 23, the spotlight will shine on Jessi, a female rapper and singer known for chart-topping K-pop hits like “Nunu Nana” and “ZOOM,” and former Wonder Girls member Sunmi. Joining them is powerhouse vocalist Hyolyn, formerly of SISTAR. GOT7’s BamBam, hip-hop artist Gray, and Kang Daniel, a soloist who won Produce 101 Season 2 and became the center of WANNA ONE before embarking on a solo career, are also set to perform on day two of the festival.
If you choose to attend day two, you’ll also get to enjoy performances from comedian and singer Yang Sechan, electro house duo Insidecore, girl groups Oh My Girl, Siena Girls, and VIVIZ, Show Me the Money alum Reddy, Shim and Hyangs of the hip-hop/reggae act Sulreggae, and U-Kwon.
But that’s not all—Waterbomb Manila is shining the spotlight on homegrown talent, with three Filipino acts handpicked to show off their skills at the festival. Representing the Philippines on day 1 is GMA Sparkle artist Thea Astley who gained recognition as the runner-up on The Clash season two and soon became a mainstay on GMA Network’s variety show All-Out Sundays. Now, she’s ready and raring to deliver an unforgettable performance at Waterbomb Manila.
On Day 2, award-winning P-Pop acts BILIB and ZÉLA are set to jumpstart the festivities.
BILIB, a seven-member boy group under AQ Prime Music, has quickly gained prominence since debuting in July 2023 with their single “Kabanata.” Guided by Atty. Aldwin Alegre, Atty. Mary Melanie “Honey” Quino, and RS Francisco of Frontrow, the group has made a name for themselves with performances at major events such as the 2024 Miss World Philippines pageant and the 16th PMPC Star Awards for Music, where they won New Male Group Artist of the Year. They also bagged the Potential Award at the 2024 PPOP Awards. With hits like “Tawag” and “Say What You Wanna Say” under their belt, BILIB continues to do their part to push P-Pop to greater prominence in the global music scene.
ZÉLA, also under AQ Prime Music, debuted in September 2023 with her single “Karma,” which she followed up with the playful anthem “Pogi Boy.” Beyond her work as a singer-songwriter, she has also done some modeling and acting, which has helped enhance her stage presence. In 2024, she performed at high-profile events like Fête de la Musique and the SBtown Music Fiesta, earning the title of 2023 Philippine Pop Top New Artist of the Year. She started 2025 on a high note with the release of her latest track, “01/01,” on New Year’s Day. And as if that weren’t enough, she has even more exciting projects on the way.
Beyond the diverse lineup of performers, Waterbomb Manila has plenty more in store. Fans will be split into two groups, Team Blue and Team Yellow, with ticket holders selecting their team upon purchase. Armed with water guns, attendees will compete in splash battles throughout the event, culminating in a final showdown to crown the winning team. Between performances, fans can enjoy water-based activities such as water cannons, pool parties, zip-lining, bungee jumping, and more. Food vendors, photo booths, and retail stalls will also be set up all over the venue to keep the fun going.
With international stars and local talent set to deliver unforgettable moments, Waterbomb Manila 2025 is shaping up to be a truly historic event. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the experience!
