Malasimbo 2015: A Double Weekend of Festivities on March 6-8 and 13-15
To celebrate Malasimbo’s 5th year anniversary, Puerto Galera is getting ready to host thousands of music, art, dance and nature lovers over two weekends.
On March 6-8, Malasimbo Music & Arts Festival is scheduled to attract its loyal attendees from all over the world, excited to listen to Ky-Mani Marley, son of legendary reggae artist Bob Marley. The international lineup also includes Fred Wesley and the New JBs, led by the former band director of iconic artist James Brown, the Godfather of soul and funk music. Taylor McFerrin, son of popular vocalist Bobby McFerrin (everyone knows his tune “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”) is a multi talented artist, producer, keyboardist and beatboxer that came out with a groundbreaking debut album in 2014, proclaimed by many taste-makers as the “Record of the Year”. More artists, both local and international are completing the exciting lineup.
The Malasimbo brand keeps getting stronger over the years. In 2011, the first Malasimbo Music & Arts Festival became a catalyst for a boom in contemporary festival culture in the Philippines. With its natural amphitheater boasting of coconut trees, grass-terraces, the tropical breeze, coupled with the view of the world famous Puerto Galera Bay, there really is no other venue like Malasimbo. The festival weaves Music, Arts, Environment, and Indigenous Culture into one life-changing adventure.
Every year, people from all walks of life seek the Malasimbo Experience. The festival continues to grow into a global phenomenon, with more than 5,000 people from over 30 countries in attendance. It is the Philippines’ first event of its caliber, and is a top attraction in the Department of Tourism’s campaign, “Visit the Philippines Year 2015.”
Known for quality sound, the Malasimbo Amphitheater is praised by musicians and music lovers. The many acts that have played, including living legends Jimmy Cliff, Roy Ayers, Joe Bataan, Joss Stone, Robert Glasper and Jose Gonzalez, were entranced by the beauty and energy of the place. The stage is also abundant with local talent hailing from the different parts of the Philippines. It has become a platform where collaboration between international and homegrown music can ring around the island.
The Sculpture Garden at Malasimbo is a witness to the festival’s love for the visual arts. The grounds have been blessed by the amazing works of talented contemporary artists, mostly Filipino but attracting foreign artists as well. In four years, more than 40 artists including Agnes Arellano, Wawi Navarroza, Ling Quisumbing Ramilo and Leeroy New, have used the venue as their canvas for their art installations. Whether permanent or degradable, loud or discreet, phantasmagoric or natural, interactive or silent, the works all have a synergy with the mountain, the landscape, the wind, the ocean or the festival’s creative energy.
Eco-cultural preservation is an integral part of the Experience. With The d’Aboville Foundation, the festival promotes mangrove and tree planting, the use of solar power, the protection of the endangered Tamaraw, coastal cleanups, and other ongoing projects within Puerto Galera—one of the “Most Beautiful Bays in the World.” At the heart of Malasimbo is the Mangyan tribe, where exhibits and workshops showcase their rich culture and beautiful crafts.
The Malasimbo Festival is an experience-driven event—regardless of the lineup of acts, one is sure to have an unforgettable time. The biggest headliner in Malasimbo is Malasimbo, and for those who seek culture, adventure, and magic, this is the place to discover it.
Visit www.malasimbo.com for tickets and information.
