June 15, 2019

Celebrated Philippine independence in the most awesome way—rocked out with local music’s hottest acts at the Malaya Music Festival at the Garden in Okada Manila. Doors were opened at 4 PM. Food stalls and mobile bars were also available at the event. Got our tickets for P2,000 (P1,000/each), with a free San Miguel Beer drink and access to Cove Manila, Southeast Asia’s state-of-the-art and largest indoor beach club and nightclub.

This was the second music fest I’ve been to. I just randomly saw the event on Facebook and decided to instantly buy the tickets online via Platinumlist which I must say, was smooth and hassle-free. Fast forward to the day itself, I found out that Okada Manila provides a point-to-point complimentary shuttle service in random locations in Manila and fortunately, there was one in SM North. Reward Circle members were prioritized though, but if you’re not a member, you can just show one valid government-issued ID. You can check the shuttle service here.

The ride from SM North to Okada was fast considering the traffic condition, which I guess, would probably take hours if we commute or book via grab. We saved time, money, and energy. We left at 3 PM and arrived around 4 PM. Asis and I were like lost kittens when we got there. The place was huge and beautiful! We almost got lost finding the Garden. Thankful there were tons of security and staff all over the place. So yea, we got inside the event venue quarter to 5 PM. There was already a crowd gathering near the stage and some were scattered on the grass area. So here’s the list of performers in chronological order (photos are in random):

Bullet Dumas

Bullet Dumas is best known for a contemporary folk style that has been described by critics as “raw, earthy,” and distinctively Filipino, characterized by the use of the acoustic guitar as a strong rhythmic accent.

He was the first performer. He started around 5 PM. I honestly don’t know any of his songs, but I really enjoyed listening to him. I got drawn to the melody and the messages of his songs. He was also funny on stage. My favorite performer of the night!

Johnoy Danao
I only know a few songs of his and like Dumas, he is also best known for his contemporary approach to kundiman music. He will definitely make you fall in love and feel broken at the same time. I don’t know if it’s just me, but listening to him just brings me waves of emotions that hit me right in the feels.

Ebe Dancel
Dancel had lots of fans that day. People gathered around near the stage when he started playing. Most of his songs are popular already and some were covered by other famous artists. I know most of his songs, but not a fan. He was great though. He definitely hyped the crowd.

We didn’t really watch his whole performance because we were waiting in line at one of the provided food stalls. And we were busy munching our delicious dinner—sausage in a bun and nachos.

Gracenote
Gracenote was like the local version of Paramore here in the Philippines. The main vocalist was really great. She can play the drums, the violin, the keyboards, the ukulele.. you name it. She really did show off that night and they had the longest set during Malaya.

And oh, I remember this group of boys behind us talking shit when Gracenote was performing. They were so loud and seemed uneducated with the way they were bad-mouthing the vocalist and the event itself. Seriously. What a bunch of assholes.

Urbandub
Finally! I get to hear them live. Technically, it was my second time, but the first one was not counted for me since we were outside the concert venue. We didn’t have tickets then. We only saw and heard them outside through the glass door.

The band debuted in the year 2001 and I only started listening to them 5 years ago (2014). I know it took me a long while to actually listen to them. I was just not into their songs when I was young. Well, things have changed. They are one of my favorite local bands now.

December Avenue
The band took their time to start their set. Not sure if they were late but my mood shifted then. Got this throbbing headache due to lack of sleep, the nonstop loudspeakers that night, and might be due to the rain when Dumas was performing. So yea, we waited for them to start for almost an hour. It was also enjoyable though since they were playing throwback OPM songs that made, us, the crowd jam and sing out loud, but still, I was not feeling well. And the fact that they didn’t sing one of my favorite songs of them made me pretty disappointed. They turned too mainstream. I can’t even differentiate their songs nowadays because they all too sounded similar. They were great though. Most of the crowd really came only for them.

Mayonnaise

Unfortunately, we went home after two songs. I couldn’t take the pounding in my head. We were also too tired to finish it off. Still hoping I get to watch them perform live.

All in all, I was really looking forward to this event. I was grateful to all the organizers that put this event together. It was nice being able to be a part of this first-ever Malaya Music Fest. Asis and I are now looking forward to the next one. Hoping for another great artist lineup! *Ehem ehem! Parokya ni Edgar, Kamikazee, and Franco, please. Ehem!*

P.S. These photos were taken using my film cameras—Canon AE-1 Program and Olympus Pen EE3. We were everywhere in the lush open space of the venue thus, the different angles of the photos. Asis and I couldn’t stay put in one place. Lol

Films Used: Agfa Vista 200 & Lomography 400
Processed & Scanned: Sunny16 Lab