(A story by Stiff –
Proprietor at Loudhouse Music Enterprise, lead vocalist of Rizal Underground
and a musical voyager to some of the most beautiful destinations of the World)
 |
| JOSS STONE |
“It’s so beautiful” muttered the lips of the beautiful JOSS STONE as she walked onto the 2013 Malasimbo stage. Situated off a cliff of Mt.
Malasimbo, Puerto Galera – an amphitheater with a stunning view amidst the
coconut trees, seats carved out of the hillside and a view of the bay on the
other end. The Festival, now on its fifth
year, is held on or about the first weekend of March.
In 2010, at the end of my last Puerto Galera article, I had
moved to Boracay when the opportunity manifested itself. This article though is
about my first return visit to PUERTO GALERA, brought about by the 2012MALASIMBO ARTS & MUSIC FESTIVAL. That year featured the music of the charismatic
Filipino/African/American Latin Soul artist JOE BATAAN and his locally assembled group (interesting
choice) plus my favorite local group RADIOACTIVE SAGO PROJECT. I did miss the
first ever; headlined by the legendary Japanese DJ KRUSH and many more DJ’s I
was told.
 |
| THE FUENTEBELLA'S OF ENCENADA |
Took the weekend off work from KASBAH BORACAY and joined close
friend, GENE DELACRUZ for that journey from Boracay. Kicking off with a RORO
trip from Caticlan to Roxas, van to Calapan City then another van to Puerto
Galera, 9 hours in all before reaching ENCENADA BEACH RESORT welcomed with open
arms by our lovely hosts, LOLOY & CRISTY FUENTEBELLA. And without further
ado, made our way to Festival grounds.
Upon arrival, we were extremely delighted to see a stunning venue
with a great view, scattered with unique art installations, fortified by a
great sound system, intensified by a cool breeze and enhanced by the great
performances. Kicked off that first night by renowned Filipino World music
artist JOEY AYALA, whose performance was outstanding and made a believer out of
me. Not to be outdone was the stunningly beautiful DESTA HAILE, whose roots
were ingrained in her music that got me gyrating to the beats. I’ve been to
many concerts, festivals, and road shows in the USA but I’d have to say that
Malasimbo is an equally incredible experience.
 |
| JOE BATAAN |
On the second night I caught the set of BRIGADA of INKY DE DIOS and was absolutely surprised by their rousing performance and the impact
they made. Right after followed JOE BATAAN and I’ve never seen his locally
assembled cast that included among many, KAKOY LEGASPI, WENDELL GARCIA &
DESTA HAILE, move with such passion & unbridled energy. His music
speaks and makes you groove. The succeeding performances were equally entertaining
– specially the DJ duo of the KYOTO JAZZ MASSIVE and equally as vigorous and
friendly, the turntablist DJ KENTARO. The 2012 festival knocked me out of the
ballpark, finally a proper music festival, in an exotic venue filled with
artistry. 2012 MALASIMBO MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL PHOTOS
By the end of 2012 I had returned to Manila and without
hesitation; lured by the 2013 lineup, headlined by JOSS STONE, JIMMY CLIFF & good friend GRACE NONO, I packed my bags and joined a growing
number of festival followers back to Puerto Galera. Still reeling from the
previous year’s performances, I was floored by GRACE NONO’S theatrical
performance and original material. The next day, I got a glimpse of BING AUSTRIA & the rest of the FLIPPIN’ SOUL STOMPERS and local reggae artists
JECK PILPIL & PEACE PIPE, whose performances were red hot. Then came the reggae
legend and much acclaimed JIMMY CLIFF. The band came out swinging and as he was
introduced, it seemed like a volcano just erupted and the crowd went berserk.
Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaah! Enough said. Enjoy the 2013 MALASIMBO MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL PHOTOS
 |
| SMILE MAGAZINE |
On the third and final day we went back to catch Filipino R & B artist QUEST, with
guests JULIANNE & ABBY ASISTIO. A groovy start for an already glorious
weekend and just when I thought this love affair with Malasimbo reached its
peak, out came the dazzling JOSS STONE. We were mesmerized for a moment but got
over that soon as she got as dancing. The band was solid tight and the golden
voice was absolutely marvelous and we were floored. It was an evening to dance the night away and
as if a fitting high was to get my photos published in an article "WEEKEND SUMMIT" on Cebu Pacific’s IN-Flight Magazine
SMILE and likewise in Pocholo Concepcion’s Philippine Daily Inquirer article HERE.
Another year passes and the amihan winds peak, so it’s time
for another crack at Malasimbo. The 2014 version was headlined by International
acts JOSE GONZALEZ & the ROBERT GLASPER EXPERIMENT that featured ROY AYERS
& LONNIE LISTON SMITH including familiar local artists MISHKA ADAMS &
TOTO DELGADO plus a host of other names rather unfamiliar to me. Unfortunately,
I had to miss the Friday & Saturday evening festivities due to a previous
engagement but saw the Sunday evening program of solo guitarist/singer/composer
JOSE GONZALEZ. He had a really melancholic voice that serenaded the audience
and there was Australian afrobeat & reggae group KOOII.
 |
| At the 2014 Malasimbo Stage |
The highlight though of this 2014 edition, was the Monday
night show that featured Puerto Galera bands - headlined by good friends COCOJAM & TOTO DELGADO plus a ton of up and coming local boys who were young
kids during my stint in the islands. It was also an opportunity to hop on to
that big MALASIMBO stage with my big brothers COCO JAM & GARY PEREZ.
 |
| MUSICAL VOYAGES W/NOLI |
Next week when I return to the island for this year’s
Festival, I will accompany, perhaps the most exciting local act to hit the
MALASIMBO stage in NOLI AURILLO. We’ve done quite a few together and I’ve
followed the Filipino master acoustic guitarist for a long, long time and am
quite frankly, thrilled that he finally makes it to the big stage. Hope to see
you revelers next weekend at the 2015 MALASIMBO MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL –
PUERTO GALERA!
 |
| THE 2015 MALASIMBO MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL |
The 2012 photo album here
The 2013 photo album here
No comments:
Post a Comment