Malasimbo celebrates 5th year with 2-weekend fest
There are few music festivals in the world that exist primarily to give back to the community and the Malasimbo Festival in Puerto Galera claims to be one of them.
In the last few years, Malasimbo Festival has brought in big names like Joss Stone, Jimmy Cliff, Roy Ayers, Robert Glasper and Jose Gonzales to the island of Mindoro.
The festival has seen more than 5000 attendees from various nationalities, making the case for Philippine tourism. (In fact, the website of Visit the Philippines Year lists the fest as one of the country’s attractions.)
Despite being a magnet for international guests, the festival’s core is highlighting what is truly Filipino, showcasing Pinoy artists to a global crowd and creating programs that increase awareness in the nature conservation of Puerto Galera and its indigenous culture.
Live music, arts and culture on Weekend 1
Now on its fifth year, the Malasimbo Music & Arts is amping up the stakes with double weekend festivities—the first on March 6-8 and the second on March 13-15.
On its first weekend, the fest will be headlined by Ky-Mani Marley, the son of legendary reggae artist Bob Marley; Taylor McFerrin, son of “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” singer Bobby McFerrin; Kiwi Juice from France; GOCOO + GORO and Taiko Drum Band from Japan; and Thom Tum, the beat boxer who got 33 million views with his Ted X performance, among many others.
Homegrown artists such as Brigada, Noli Aurillo, Akasha, Bleu Rascals, Adinkra, Lumads Djembe Community and CRWN are some of the local acts that complete the entire music experience.
A lights and dance fest on Weekend 2
The second weekend, called Malasimbo Lights & Dance Festival, will feature dance, hip-hop and electronic music with performances by DJ Kentaro, DJ Mitsu The Beats, Philippine All Stars, Daloy Dance Company and Planet Zips Luminaries.
As before, concertgoers will also be immersed in art, with huge on-ground installations by artists Wawi Navarozza, Agnes Arellano, Ling Quisumbing Ramilo and Olivia D’Aboville, to name a few.
Eco-cultural preservation will continue to be an integral part of the festival experience, with the D’Aboville Foundation showing the rich culture of the island’s indigenous people with activities at the Mangyan Village within the festival grounds.
The foundation also promotes mangrove tree planting, solar power and this year, in partnership French organization Noé Conservation, saving the endangered Philippine tamaraw.
“The biggest headliner in Malasimbo is Malasimbo, and for those who seek culture, adventure and magic, this is the place to discover it,” the organizers said.
For more information on the two-weekend festival, visit the Malasimbo website. For updates, like their Facebook page.
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