#Malasimbo2014: a festival that feeds heart and soul
Now on its fourth year, the Malasimbo Music & Arts Festival, held from February 27 to March 3 in Puerto Galera, Mindoro, has created a loyal following.
Fans come back year after year, not only for the music, but also because of the culture and vibe of the fest.
Said Flow artist and instructor of Planet Zips Poi Philippines Paulino Servado, “A perfect outdoors festival venue, set atop Mt. Malasimbo on the beautiful island of Puerto Galera, soundtracked by diverse local ad international musical acts—obviously chosen with taste and education in mind. No other local festival like it.”
Servado has attended the festival three years in a row.
A blend of local and international acts
This year, he and a few thousand others, got to listen to a blend of local and international artists like Low Leaf (a Pinay from California), June Marieezy (another Pinay transplanted from Texas), Crowns Down, the local Malasimbo Ensemble, Aussie artist Jordan Rakei, Omar, music legends Roy Ayers and Robert Glasper Experiment, London-based Pinay singer Mishka Adams and Swedish folk-pop star Jose Gonzalez.
Like the music, the audience was a mix of tourists who either passed by or flew in to attend the festival. During her set, Mishka Adams asked the audience if there were people from other countries and several hands were raised and cheers were heard.
Stephen Lu of Rizal Underground and Runaway Boys admires the festival for another reason. “Do you see any trash in Malasimbo?” he asked. “It is the cleanest festival I’ve ever attended in the Philippines. Malasimbo stays true to their cause of being an eco-friendly festival which makes it meaningful alongside how the festival also helps promote and develop the Mangyan culture of Mindoro.”
The chilly mountain air
Since it was my first time in Puerto Galera, a beach haven, I didn’t pack a jacket for the trip. But with temperatures hovering around 19 degrees Celsius on Mount Malasimbo itself, site of the festival, I knew I made the wrong decision.
The chilly winds may also be the reason people who partied never seemed to tire out.
There was a lot of dancing going on every day of the fest and all that activity plus all the good music happening managed to heat up the crowd.
Great escape
But, for those like me who didn’t expect it to be so cold, I had to make a quick stop at the souvenir shop to buy myself a cool Malasimbo hoodie. Thus warmed, I appreciated how the nighttime chill of the mountain made it a great escape from the heat of the beach—making Puerto Galera a place you’d never want to leave.
One thing we have to take note of, though, is that the festival site wasn’t the easiest to get to. Aside from taking the bus to the Batangas pier from Manila and the ferry boat ride to Puerto Galera itself, you had to hop on shuttles from various points on the island before reaching the festival grounds.
Once at Mount Malasimbo, you would still need to do some serious hiking—a challenge if you aren’t used to steep terrain. I am seriously considering camping on the festival grounds the next time around.
Worth a yearly pilgrimage
Yes, it took extra effort to get to this boutique festival but being there rewards you with an amazing experience.
There is nothing quite like listening to music in an intimate amphitheater carved like a natural terrace on top of a cool mountain.
Malasimbo is a musical experience that tantalizes your heart, mind, body and soul. It’s worth a yearly pilgrimage.
Mishka Adams and Jose Gonzalez heat up Day 4
Check out Yahoo Music’s #Malasimbo2014 coverage:
The art of the festival
Saturday highlights in photos
Friday night highlights in photos
Check out the full recap of the festival
