Malasimbo Magic

The Malasimbo Arts and Music Festival recently concluded its fifth year of tasteful sound and music last week and has been the official mark of the summer season for many sun lovers and beachgoers alike.

Afternoon in Malasimbo

Amassing about 5,000 people from over 30 countries worldwide last 2014, this year’s run hoped to bring in more crowd and is part of the Department of Tourism and the Tourism Promotion Board’s campaign, “Visit the Philippines Year 2015.”

Malasimbo 2015 Badge

Malasimboat in Puerto Galera

The Music

Octopus Art Installation

Party Crowd

2015 is different from all the other festivals of the previous years as the organizers allotted three nights each week for two weeks to showcase its signature Arts and Music Festival on the first, and introduce the Lights and Dance Festival last.

Beetles Art Instalation

Other art forms on Malasimbo Festival Grounds

The Malasimbo Lights and Dance Festival ran from March 13 to 15 and featured international and local acts such as Emel Rowe, DJ Kentaro, Daloy Dance Company, and Planet Zips Luminaries. This second week catered to the hippest and funkiest crowd as three nights of non-stop hip-hop, house, and electronic music echoed in the amphitheater that kept the mountains alive till morning.

Pregnant Art Installation

Red Art Installation

Although the second week showed a weakening in the crowd, it did not fail to please the millennials for which the festival was dedicated. The vibrant, bold, and fun horde emanated youthfulness with every beat and glare, even the oldies couldn’t help but swing their hips from side to side, thump their toes on the grass, and throw their hands in the air.

DJ’s performing at the stage

The Art

Sunlight and moonbeam created a powerful spotlight on the numerous art installations that are littered in the surrounding area of Malasimbo. Artists such as Wawi Navarozza, Agnes Arellano, and many others perfectly married their vision with the nature surrounding the mountains. It was equally a treat to visit the venue in the mornings when it is peaceful and quiet, as in the evenings when all the party happens.

Fire Dancers

Malasimbo 2015

The Boat

More art installations

Not everyone was able to go to Malasimbo, but Malasibo had found a way to go to the people via the Malasimboat. Off the sand of White Beach bobbed the floating bar where party goers started enjoying music and one too many swigs while the sun is still up.

Malasimbo Stage

If you missed Malasimbo this year, make sure you don’t next year, and the year after that, and so on. There’s no other place where you can see music, art, dance, light, and culture hold hands so tightly, they make a whole mountain sway in a heartbeat.