The Bobapalooza Music and Arts Festival recently concluded its two-day event, bringing together a diverse range of local and international talents to create an unforgettable experience for the Filipino audience. The festival, which debuted successfully at Circuit Makati Event Grounds last year, made a bold move to the Filinvest Events Ground in Alabang this year, utilizing the spacious venue to craft a dynamic and vibrant atmosphere that catered to attendees of all ages.
One of the standout performances on Day 1, which took place on February 24, was by the English rock band Pale Waves. Fans had been eagerly anticipating their arrival in the Philippines since 2014, and the band expressed their excitement about finally being able to perform for their Filipino fans. In an interview before their set, vocalist Heather Baron-Gracie shared her enthusiasm for meeting the local audience, praising their friendliness and warmth. She also mentioned their previous collaborations with Filipino artist No Rome, highlighting his talent and describing him as a local hero in the music scene.
During their performance, Pale Waves captivated the audience with a setlist that included popular tracks like “Jealousy,” “Kiss,” “My Obsession,” and “Television Romance,” leaving fans wanting more. Sharing the stage on Day 1 was American rock band Bad Suns, who delivered electrifying performances of their hits such as “Swimming in the Moonlight” and “Dancing on Quicksand,” captivating the crowd with their energy and stage presence.
The festival also featured a diverse range of activities and attractions, including Pixel Land, Arcadia, the Friend Zone, a food bazaar, and an Art Market showcasing live mural painting and street art by talented local artists like Egg Fiasco, Blic, Distort Monsters, SYN, mimaaaaaaaaw, CHNO, and Isad Diwa. These offerings added to the overall festival experience, providing attendees with opportunities to engage, relax, and immerse themselves in the creative atmosphere.
Day 2 of the festival saw the impressive performance of the Japanese girl group Atarashii Gakko!, who wowed the audience with their powerful vocals and dynamic dance routines. Their setlist, which included crowd favorites like “Pineapple Kryptonite,” “Tokyo Calling,” “Otona Blue,” and “NAINAINAI,” showcased their talent and charisma, leaving a lasting impression on festival-goers.
Additionally, the rock band The Band Camino made a memorable debut in front of their Filipino fans, delivering heartfelt performances of songs like “Haunted,” “What Am I Missing?” “I Think I Like You,” and “What I Want.” Local headliners Zild and Blaster Silonga also took the stage on Day 2, treating the audience to energetic performances and nostalgic renditions of their popular tracks, creating a sense of unity and celebration among attendees.
The festival lineup on both days featured a mix of established and up-and-coming acts, including Rico Blanco, Juan Karlos, The Itchyworms, One Click Straight, Autotelic, Nobita, Join The Club, Syd Hartha, The Sundown, Project Romeo, Halina, Shanni, Moontyde, Crazymoon, Urbandub, December Avenue, Sandwich, Tanya Markova, Chicosci, Faspitch, Bita and the Botflies, and CHNDTR, among others. These performances showcased the diverse talent within the local music scene, offering a platform for artists to connect with their audience and showcase their creativity.
Overall, the Bobapalooza Music and Arts Festival delivered a memorable and engaging experience for attendees, with a lineup that catered to a wide range of musical tastes and preferences. Despite lower-than-expected turnout, the festival succeeded in bringing together music enthusiasts and creating a sense of community and celebration that will be remembered for years to come.
