70 bands, 3 stages, 1 mammoth celebration of Pinoy music
Rakrakan Festival ’14 happens on Dec. 20
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, so it’s time to pause from all the yuletide prep work and rock on.
On December 20, Rakista Radio mounts “Rakrakan Festival ‘14: Rock ‘Til You Drop,” its annual gathering of the biggest and baddest bands in the country today happening at the Globe Circuit Event Grounds in Makati City.
With some 70 mainstream and indie bands representing various genres of OPM performing on three different stages, the festival promises to end this year with the loudest bang.
A stage for every type of music
Organizers have assigned each of the three stages to particular genres.
The Move Stage will feature alternative and pop-punk; the Mosh platform will present hard rock, metal and hardcore; while the Groove stage will highlight reggae, electro, jazz and chill.
Among the mainstream acts playing at the premier event are Pepe Smith, Ely Buendia & The Oktaves, Slapshock, Callalily, Urbandub, Chicosci and 6cyclemind.
The indie charge will be no pushover. It will be led by Save Me Hollywood, Wilabaliw, Razorback, Skychurch, Jeck PilPil & Peacepipe. Even, The Chongkeys and Flying Ipis.
A skateboarding competition and an all-indie merchandise bazaar are the added attractions.
Surprise turnout in 2013
It’s the second staging of Rakrakan Festival following the massive turnout of its debut last year.
“We were completely surprised by the outcome of last year’s festival,” Rakista CEO Harold P. Solomon said.
The earlier Rakrakan events they organized attracted a maximum of 5,000.
“We were actually expecting around the same number of attendees last year but to our astonishment, 15,000 people showed up,” he said.
Power of OPM
He credits the dramatic turnout to an increase in awareness and appreciation for OPM among the general population.
Then, he added, there’s “the power of online marketing in social media, our website, and Rakista Radio.”
Solomon is especially proud of how Rakrakan Festival 2013 helped up and coming new acts.
He cited Muziklaban semi-finalists Runbynine and Choyz and eventual champions Manila Under Fire whose cred spread beyond the indie sidelines after their winning performances at last year’s festival.
Rakrakan Festival ‘14: Rock ‘Til You Drop happens on Dec. 20 at the Globe Circuit Grounds in Makati City (see map). Tickets at P400 and limited VIP slots at 1500 (with backstage pass and freebies) are available online at SM Tickets or at all SM ticket outlets located in SM Cinemas. Gates open at 1 pm. First act goes on stage at 3 pm.
