The Busking Community PH (TBCPH), known for spotlighting homegrown performers across Metro Manila, made its international debut in Hong Kong through Mula sa Kalsada, Para sa Kalsada ng Hong Kong.
Photo: The Busking Community PH
Fisheads, Ciara Silva, Ren Bugash, and Martin Riggs headlined the show, bringing the raw, heartfelt energy of Filipino busking to the city’s busy streets. Their music resonated with locals and travelers alike, showing that the power of street performance knows no language or border.
But the most moving part of the trip was the unexpected encounter with Hong Kong’s overseas Filipino community.
According to Martin Riggs, co-founder of TBCPH, one impromptu performance turned into an emotional gathering that reminded everyone what their music stood for.
“Napunit puso ko sa lahat ng nakita kong Pilipino na nakatambay sa underpass,” Riggs shared. “May mga dekada nang ‘di makauwi sa pamilya. May nakausap ako—first time niya uuwi sa March 2026, graduation ng anak niya. Ang ending, lahat ng kinanta ko para sa mga OFW.”
That moment, he said, gave their Hong Kong stop a deeper purpose and even sparked the idea of forming The Busking Community Hong Kong (TBCHK).
Interestingly, the collaboration came full circle. Fisheads, a Hong Kong duo, first visited Manila last year to busk with TBCPH after officially registering as members.
“We already talked about the possibility of us busking in Hong Kong with them,” Riggs said. “And now it finally happened.”
Riggs described the experience as a learning exchange between two vibrant busking cultures.
“Masaya, nakaka-proud—pero higit doon, may natututunan kami sa isa’t isa,” he said. “Sa Manila, marami sa amin secured ang permits. Dito sa Hong Kong, guerilla-style pa rin. Iba, pero parehong may puso.”
With Hong Kong marking its first international stop, TBCPH continues to live out its mission—to bring music from the streets, for the streets—wherever those streets may lead.
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