MANILA, Philippines — It is Pinoy Playlist Music Festival time once again. If you will recall, there was the same event a year ago wherein musicians and artists got together at the BGC Arts Center for a celebration of Filipino creativity. For six days in October, there was artisanal art on exhibit and also on sale at the BGC Art Mart surrounding the area, plus foodstuff of all sorts and a slew of live performances.
Music of all types resounded from venues that ranged from a sizable amphitheater to a simple homey recital hall. Classical singer Andrew Fernando was in one. The wacky Hitmen in another. Mel Villena’s AMP Big Band performed. So did Autotelic and Ben&Ben and many others. And they were all doing it for the proverbial song. That means not their usual talent fee. Just gas money. It was a rare coming together for Filipino talent and a way of giving back to the admirers who have turned them into stars.
It is no different this year. The BGC Arts Center and the Sun Life Foundation have brought back the Pinoy Playlist Music Festival for two weekends from Oct. 11 to 13 and then again on Oct. 18 to 20. The shows will be held at the Globe Auditorium, the Zobel-Ayala Recital Hall and the Sun Life Ampitheater. Curators Ryan Cayabyab and Moy Ortiz have put together a diverse and lavish line-up of talents for the musicfest.
Ticket prices are very reasonable. P3,000 for a Festival Pass, which means the ticket holder gets admission to all of the events; P2,000 for a three-day pass wherein buyer can choose three days to be at Playlist; and P800 for a one-day pass. How much does it cost to get a good seat to watch Martin Nievera live with Louie Ocampo? P5,000 or more. You can watch him for less at Playlist. How about the hot band The Juans of the hit song Hindi Tayo Pwede? They will also be there. What about a concert by an entire orchestra or of the Itchyworms or Basil Valdez or the world-renowned Acapellago? No problem, they will all be at Playlist.
Actually, the problem now is time, time to catch all of those performers giving their best at give-away prices in a single venue. Who will you choose between True Faith and soprano Rachelle Gerodias accompanied by Raul Sunico? Hard choice. And is that the fabled jazz artist Charito set to perform at the same time that they are giving away the Ryan Cayabyab Award for Music Excellence. You will not want to miss either one.
Anyway, attend all six days if you can or make your choices, difficult as it may be, just don’t miss this chance to fill your soul with the sounds of great Filipino talents. To help you decide, I am putting out the artist line-up. Enjoy.
Oct. 11, Friday: 4th Impact, ABS-CBN Orchestra, Acapellago, Bullet Dumas, Ciudad, Color It Red, Guji Lorenzana, Mandaluyong Children’s Choir, Marga Jayy, Martin Nievera with Louie Ocampo, Martti Franca, Monolog, The Moonshine, Moonshine, Nancy Brew, Sabu, Zion and Zsaris.
Oct. 12, Saturday: Anna Fegi, Baihana, Banda 31 Original of Sta. Maria Bulacan, Inc. Symphony Band, Brown Academy, Bugoy Drilon and Daryl Ong, Fe de los Reyes, Gerphil Flores, GMA Music: Princess VeIasco, Golden Cañedo, Jong Madaliday, Garrett Bolden, John Lesaca, Jorik Katalbas, Mel Villena’s AMP Big Band and Mitch Valdes, Mojofly, Nanette Inventor, Obscure OPM Playlist, Rannie Raymundo with Simcha, Rony’s Company Call OPM Movies & Musicals, Ryan Cayabyab Singers, Tarsius and Top Suzara.
Oct. 13, Sunday: Abby Clutario, Ateneo Chamber Singers, Bandurias, Jay Durias, Kahlil Durias & Jaydee Durias, Boldstar, Contemporary Original Pilipino Christian Praise Music (Arnel de Pano), Extrapolation, The Itchyworms, Joey and Clara Benin, Philpop, Pinopela, Rachelle Gerodias with Byeong in Park and Dr. Raul Sunico, Ricky Davao, Room for Cielo and True Faith.
Oct. 18, Friday: Brass Rosette, Brisom, CHNDTR, Debonair District, Feel Day, Flying Ipis, Fuseboxx, Henry Katindig, Hoochie Coochie Mikkie, Joe and Mike Chan, Kris Lawrence, Kurei, Luminous, Moonstar 88, Noel Cabangon, Opus One, Philippine Opera Company’s Harana, Rak of Aegis and The Juans.
Oct. 19, Saturday: Assembly Generals, Awit Awards, Bo Cerrudo, Brat Pack, Coke Bolipata and the Pundaquit Virtuosi, Ethan Loukas, Gemcache, Issa Rodriguez, Janine Teñoso, Jim and Boboy of APO, Jon Santos, Mark Carpio, Nar Cabico, Nicole Laurel Asensio and 201 Big Band with Gian Magdangal, Philippine Tenors, RJ Jimenez, Rubberpool, Star Music Artists: JMKO, Kritiko, Miguel Odron, The Sound of Trumpets, Thyro and Yumi, Working Stiff and Ysanygo.
Oct. 20, Sunday: Anyo, Basil Valdez, Bayang Barrios, Better Days, Charito with Joey Quirino, Davey Langit, Ebe Dancel, Hangad, Imago, Joanna Ampil, Miss Ramonne, The CompanY, Tim Pavino and We Are Imaginary.