#Malasimbo2017 puts spotlight on nature and culture in one festive, family-friendly gathering of the best in music and the arts

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MANILA, Philippines – Malasimbo Music & Arts Festival, the annual contemporary international music festival, the longest standing and most sustainable of its kind in the Philippines, welcomes 2017 with a strengthened and more solidified purpose. Malasimbo is produced by Volume Unit Entertainment (VUE) and hosted by D’Aboville Foundation.

Coming off with a 5,000-audience turnout last year, Malasimbo stages its seventh edition back at the picturesque Malasimbo Amphitheatre in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro. The festival will run from March 10 to 12, 2017, featuring a packed lineup of events and artists.

The best in local and international music

Offering an authentic experience with Mother Nature as the backdrop since 2011, Malasimbo has witnessed some of the biggest gatherings of the world’s musical greats. It has assembled artists from different genres—from jazz, soul, roots, and reggae, to dance music contemporaries, such as Roy Ayers, Jimmy Cliff, Joss Stone, José González, Ky-mani Marley, Fred Wesley, Omar, Osunlade, Mad Professor, Goldie, DJ Krush, Quincy Jones presents Jacob Collier, and many more. The festival has also been a record label platform aimed at discovering and developing local soul jazz and electronic music.

Malasimbo’s live performances will feature Afro-Cuban jazz pianist and Quincy Jones’ protégé Alfredo Rodriguez, Australian soul jazz performer Jordan Rakei, and the outstanding Canadian electronic music artist Tennyson as the biggest acts. Some of the local artists and ensembles set to perform include Apartel, Jeck Pilpil & Peacepipe, Brass Pas Pas Pas Pas, Similar Objects, crwn, Curtismith, RH Xanders, sKarm, Moophs, and Microphone Mechanics.

The event will feature silent disco, where music is transmitted via headphones. Participants can choose among three competing DJs and dance to their music of their choice.  International and local DJs include Lefto, Kristian Hernandez, Br3aking Silence, The Diegos, Mark Zero, Manolet Dario, and many more.

Malasimbo will hold a preview of the Silent Disco at the 10 Days of Art Celebration of Art Fair Philippines” on February 18, at the Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati City. Four DJs will compete at the event, with the winner set to perform at Malasimbo. 

The finest in visual arts

A big part of the Malasimbo Magic is brought by the art installations around the venue, and the colorful lighting at night that will transform the venue into a tropical wonderland. Malasimbo has staged the artworks of 60 contemporary Filipino and international artists in the past six years, adorning the foothills with a trademark look. Every year, new artists join the Malasimbo resident artists by bringing in fresh works. The works vary in materials, shapes and sizes but all resonate with the festival's creative energy and love for nature.

Malasimbo 2017 will proudly continue to host the iconic works of Agnes Arellano, Wawi Navarroza, Ling Quisumbing Ramilo, and Olivia d’Aboville, which have been part of the Malasimbo landscape for several years. Resident artists Alwin Reamillo, Denis Lagdameo, Leeroy New, Russ Ligtas, Agus Loedin, Troy Silvestre, Hiyas Bagabaldo, Dondi and Grace Katigbak, Henri Lamy, Jinggoy Buensuceso, Raphael David and Hohana will be back with new installations. Watch out for new additions to the sculpture garden by Lena Cobangbang, Cristina Escario, Keith Ann Garcia, and group Venus Mar, Expi Perez, and Raha Rodriguez.

Heightened efforts to promote tourism and culture

Malasimbo continues to highlight its cause of boosting tourism in the Mindoro area. Philippine tourism has witnessed tremendous growth since 2012 and is the new sunshine industry. It is a key priority to the national government, which has since developed effective tourism marketing and branding, namely through the “More Fun in the Philippines” campaign. Malasimbo has partnered with the Department of Tourism since its debut in 2011. It is endorsed by the DOT as a catalyst for the advancement of the country’s culture and arts, and was chosen to be one of the 15 key events that are featured in the DOT’s “Visit the Philippines Year 2015” national campaign.

Every ticket sold Malasimbo and d’aboville Foundation will plant a mangrove seedling. Apart from promoting and caring for Mindoro’s natural sights, Malasimbo holds a conscientious regard for eco-cultural tourism promotion and development in Mindoro. The d’Aboville Foundation will continue its community program in honor of the island’s indigenous Mangyans, such as workshops on Mangyan language and their handcrafted beaded jewelry, fabrics, and baskets. Workshops will be led by prominent leaders in environmental protection and sustainability including past Presidential Adviser on Environmental Protection, Neric Acosta and Founder and Executive Director of Liter of Light, Illac Diaz.

Malasimbo and the d’Aboville Foundation are currently raising funds for the Liter of Light workshop, which will be a solar lamp build-and-donate activity geared to help light a Mangyan home. For P1,000, you can purchase a lamp kit online and through bank deposit. For more information, please log on to dabovillefoundation.org/2017/02/02/build-and-donate-with-liter-of-light-at-the-malasimbo-festival/.

The next hotspot for families and friends

Malasimbo 2017 is poised to be the next biggest venue for recreation among families and friends. Spanning over three days, Malasimbo has set not just activities to appeal the eyes and the ears but also to the heart and mind.

   

A six-day yoga retreat at the Malasimbo grounds will be happening from March 8 to 13 coinciding with the festival with Australia Yogi, Cameron Brown a.k.a. MC Shureshock, who will part take in hosting the event.

Malasimbo Music & Arts Festival 2017 is co-presented by FOX International Channels, Star World, and Channel [V], and supported by its Official Media Partners: ANC, CNN Philippines, Explore Philippines Magazine, MYX, Our Awesome Planet, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Scout Magazine, Primer Media, Radio Republic, Rappler, Choose PH, One Music PH, and WhenInManila.com.

For more information about Malasimbo 2017, follow us on Facebook/Instagram (@malasimbofestival) and on Twitter (@malasimbofest).

DALOY IS IN MALASIMBO LIGHTS AND DANCE FEST AGAIN THIS YEAR! We are Leeroy New's Aliens of Manila!

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The best funk, hip-hop, house, and electronic music acts coupled with energetic dance crews and an amazing lights show meld together in a three-night spectacle guaranteed to get you grooving under the moon and the stars.

The first of its kind in Asia, Malasimbo Festival boasts of an entire experience unlike any other. Malasimbo blends traditional and contemporary arts and culture while working towards protection and sustainability of the environment.

The festival is held outdoors in a grass-terraced amphitheater at the foot of Mt. Malasimbo overlooking Puerto Galera Bay, deemed one of the "The Most Beautiful Bays in the World." Step onto Mount Malasimbo and find out why people have been so entraced by the contagious Malasimbo Magic!

MARCH 24-26 2016

Mar 24 at 5 PM to Mar 26 at 8 PM

Puerto Galera, Philippnies

Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/432351893638698/ and http://malasimbofestival.com/lights-dance-festival/ for more information!

Daloy Dance Company

Visit Daloy Dance Co.'s Official Wesbite

Watch Daloy Dance Company on Youtube

Like us on facebook: Daloy Dance Company 

Instagram: daloydanceco

Twitter: @DaloyDC

Malasimbo 2016: Where Musical Genius and Innovative Arts Unite

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Musical virtuosos, spectacular collaborations, and world-class Filipino artists come together in two weekends of the Malasimbo Festival this March 2016 on Mount Malasimbo in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro. Now going on its sixth successful year, the Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival is held from March 4 to 6; and the Malasimbo Lights and Dance Festival, on its second year, falls on March 24 to 26

.

Malasimbo Music & Arts Festival, March 4 to 6

Headlining this year’s music instalment is the acclaimed UK musician Jacob Collier. Twenty-year-old Collier is a musical prodigy backed by noted American record producer and composer Quincy Jones (who worked as conductor and arranger with Frank Sinatra and co-produced Michael Jackson’s multi-platinum solo albums). Collier, who is set to launch his debut album this year, is hailed for his stunning ability to create “a digital one-man band using contemporary technology: multitrack recording, looping pedals, and a strange Vocoder-like program that enables him to sing audacious harmonies through a Novation keyboard,” says The Guardian of the UK.

Listen to this musical prodigy in this clip.

Listen to this quick soundbite from Quincy Jones on Jacob Collier.

Highly renowned GongMyoung of South Korea returns after five years to the Malasimbo stage to electrify the audience. The “ambassadors” of Korean traditional music are favorites at numerous international festivals. GongMyoung is known for their harmonious mix of traditional Korean and Western percussion and wind instruments, creating crowd-stirring musical pieces guaranteed to leave you raring for an encore.

Malasimbo takes your world music experience notches higher with groundbreaking collaborations by local and international artists. A beatboxer with a 16-piece orchestra? That’s definitely the musical treat and visual spectacle you’ll experience with “Thum Prints” a collaboration between Australia’s Tom Thum, whose voice captures a vast repertoire of sounds which he refers to as the “orchestra in my mouth,” and members of one of Asia’s oldest musical ensembles, the Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO) under the guidance of Brisbane composer Gordon Hamilton. Click here for a preview of Thum Prints (in miniature).

Watch out for the Brat Pack, the only blues band from Asia to ever reach the finals of the prestigious International Blues Competition in Memphis, Tennessee. First-time performers on the Malasimbo stage are the well-loved Tacloban-based Beatles’ cover band Reo Brothers, and the talented classical-contemporary guitar trio Triple Fret, who won first prize in the 27th Guitar Ensemble Festival in Shinagawa, Tokyo last year. Lachlan Mitchell, one of Australia’s best composers and jazz guitarists will collaborate on musical numbers with local artists of the Malasimbo Collective.

Malasimbo favorites—the funky Golden Sound from Australia, the spirited Filipino percussion band Brigada with their rousing Afro-Brazilian beats, soul band SINOSIKAT?—come onstage along with a vast array of up-and-coming artists that Malasimbo will showcase, in collaboration with Radio Republic, as part of their commitment to unearthing new talent. Some of them include Crwn, Reese Lansangan, Lustbass, RH Xanders, Moophs, Paolo Mallari, Asch, Soul_Brk. Local and international DJs playing cap off each evening with soulful, house music guaranteed to keep your energy up past midnight.

Malasimbo Lights & Dance Festival, March 24 to 26

“It is music and dancing that make me at peace with the world,” said Nobel peace prize winner and freedom fighter Nelson Mandela. It’s this same vibe that’s replicated in Malasimbo’s second weekend, when international and local DJs renowned for their contributions to the funk, house, hip-hop, drum ’n’ bass, and electronic music genres converge on the Malasimbo stage from March 24 to 26.

Malasimbo is fast becoming the solid platform for under-the-radar yet brilliant local performers to make their musical works known to an appreciative audience seeking an aural experience that’s out of the usual commercial box. Keep your ears open (and your minds) to the talents of Wolf Squared, Afro x Chrizo, Aries, Diamond Heights, and more to be announced on www.malasimbo.com in the runup to the Lights and Dance festival.

Among the international DJs making their debut on the Malasimbo stage are English record producer Lapalux with his brilliant, eclectic mix of R&B and house, French hip hop beatmaker Onra, and house and techno DJ San Soda from Belgium. Returning to Malasimbo are British drum ’n’ bass guru Goldie, MBE; and Japanese hip hop DJ and turnatablist Kentaro. Dance aficionados will also enjoy the spectacle of a full moon beaming over the amphitheater fromMarch 24 through 26.

The Malasimbo Experience

The Malasimbo Festival, acknowledged by the Department of Tourism Philippines as a prime catalyst for the country’s continued advance in music, arts, and culture, is exceptional for its breathtaking venue. The amphitheater’s natural landscape greatly enhances the acoustics and sound quality.

This year, festival-goers’ listening experience will be heightened thanks to the addition of a brand new Funktion-One sound system, one of the most efficient sound systems in the world.

The festival grounds, dotted with close to 30 installations from the country’s leading visual artists (see news release “Visual Artists Capture Festival Energy”), are situated on majestic Mt. Malasimbo, which overlooks Puerto Galera bay, an exclusive member of “The Most Beautiful Bays in the World” Club . White Beach, one of Puerto Galera’s more popular coves, will play host to the Malasimbo Kiteboarding Exhibition on March 5, Saturday, led by expert Filipino and foreign kiteboarders.

Malasimbo Online

www.malasimbo.com is your source for the latest updates on the official lineup of acts and performance schedules for the Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival and the Malasimbo Lights and Dance Festival. Purchasing festival passes and booking accommodations at partner hotels or the Coleman Camping on the Malasimbo grounds are made easier on this newly revamped website, malasimbo.com.

The festivals are a production of Volume Unit Entertainment, Inc. and the D’Aboville Foundation, supported by Ipanema and Rider; with the participation of Brew Kettle, H&M Loves Music, Nothing But H20, and Toms; and the support of our official our official TV partners Solar Entertainment Corp., ETC, 2nd Avenue, Jack TV, Solar Sports, Basketball TV (BTV), and CT; official radio partner Wave 89.1; official media partners: Aktivshow, ANC, Explore Philippines, Meg, Megstreetwear.ph, Radio Republic, Travel Now, Travelbook.ph, 8list.ph, Amplify.ph, Archipelago.com.ph, Inflight Traveller, Juice.ph, Myx.ph, Our Awesome Planet, PhilippineConcerts.com, Stylebible.ph, theAsianParent.com, Third Culture, Travelife, WhenInManila.com, Yelp! Manila; our official airline partner Air Juan; our official hotel partner Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila; and our official ticketing partner TicketWorld. Special thanks goes to Coleman, the Municipality of Puerto Galera and the Provincial Government of Oriental Mindoro, Z Hos-tel, and A-Space Philippines.

The Malasimbo Lights and Dance Festival is produced in collaboration with Japan’s Basscamp with the support of the World DJ Academy, Okamoto Clinic Sendai, Asia Unite, and GOJA.

For more information about the Malasimbo Festival, please visit our website; or our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or YouTube.

PHOTOGRAPH BY MALASIMBO MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL

ABOUT THE MALASIMBO FESTIVAL

From a turnout of 1,500 adventure-seeking, nature-and-music loving individuals in its first year in 2011, attendance blossomed to some 6,000 festival-goers in 2015, among them travelers from more than 30 countries as far as Denmark to neighboring Hong Kong and Singapore. Headliners of past Malasimbo Music and Arts Festivals have included James Brown’s renowned trombone player, band leader , and musical director Fred Wesley; Rock ’n’ Roll Hall-of-Famer Jimmy Cliff; UK soul jazz artist Omar, MBE; Grammy Award winner Robert Glasper; the godfather of Neo-Soul and one of most sampled artists in the world, Roy Ayers; the king of latin soul, Afro-Filipino, Joe Bataan; Japan’s leading Taiko performers Gocoo; Swedish musician Jose Gonzalez; Bobby McFerrin’s son Taylor McFerrin; and Bob Marley’s son KyMani Marley, among many others who performed alongside a predominantly Filipino lineup of jazz, soul, and world musicians.

Malasimbo 2015: A Double Weekend of Festivities- A life-changing adventure

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MALASIMBO 2015. The festival that combines Music, Arts, Dance, Environment, and Indigenous Culture into one life- changing adventure.

Malasimbo now on it’s 5th year was held in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro, host to thousands of music, art, dance and nature lovers.

Malasimbo Music & Arts Festival, considered to be different from all other festivals was held last March 6-8 and the first Malasimbo Lights and Dance Festival on March 13-15, 2015.

With an array of electronic and indie acts, blending traditional & contemporary arts & culture together with music performances while working towards the protection & sustainability of the environment.

Every year, people from all walks of life seek the Malasimbo Magic. The festival continues to grow into a global phenomenon, with more than 5,000 people from over 30 countries in attendance last year.

Malasimbo Music and Arts festival is the official event featured for the month of March on Department of Tourism’s campaign “Visit The Philippines 2015.”

Malasimbo awed the fans in the second weekend (March 13-15) – with a whole new concept. The Malasimbo Lights and Dance Festival, which caters more to the youth with a focus on hip hop, house and electronic music, enhanced with amazing dance performances and state of the art light shows.

Eco-cultural activities

Behind the festivities, eco-cultural preservation is an integral part of the Malasimbo Experience. With The d’Aboville Foundation, the festival promotes mangrove tree planting, the use of solar power, the protection of the endangered Tamaraw in partnership with French organisation Noé Conservation, coastal cleanups, and other ongoing projects within Puerto Galera — member of the “Most Beautiful Bays in the World.”

At the heart of Malasimbo is the Mangyan village, where exhibits and workshops showcase their rich culture and beautiful crafts. The demo Mangyan village, built by Mangyan craftsmen in 2010, is a permanent feature of the Malasimbo grounds, and showcases the 7 Mangyan tribes of Mindoro. Each tribe is represented through life-size houses respecting their original architecture.

The Malasimbo brand keeps getting stronger over the years. In 2011, the first Malasimbo Music & Arts Festival became a catalyst for a boom in contemporary festival culture in the Philippines. With its natural amphitheater boasting of coconut trees, grass- terraces, the tropical breeze, coupled with the view of the world famous Puerto Galera Bay, there’s really no other venue like Malasimbo.

The festival weaves music, arts, dance, environment, and indigenous culture into one life- changing adventure.

Visual Arts

The Sculpture Garden at Malasimbo is a witness to the festival’s love for the visual arts. The grounds have been blessed by the beautiful works of talented contemporary artists, mostly Filipino but attracting foreign artists as well. In four years, more than 40 artists including Agnes Arellano, Wawi Navarroza, Ling Quisumbing Ramilo and Leeroy New, have used the venue as their canvas for their art installations.

As the 5th Anniversary special, over 30 artists will showcase their works. Whether permanent or degradable, loud or discreet, phantasmagoric or natural, interactive or silent, the works all have a synergy with the mountain, the landscape, the wind, the ocean or the festival’s creative energy.

Entertainment

Known for quality sound, the Malasimbo Amphitheater is praised by musicians and music lovers. The many acts that have played, including living legends Jimmy Cliff, Roy Ayers, Joe Bataan, Joss Stone, Robert Glasper and Jose Gonzalez, were entranced by the beauty and energy of the place. The stage is also abundant with local talent hailing from the different parts of the Philippines. It has become a platform where collaboration between international and homegrown music can ring around the island.

On March 6-8, Malasimbo Music & Arts Festival scheduled to attract its loyal attendees from all over the world, excited to listen to Ky- Mani Marley, son of legendary reggae artist Bob Marley. The international lineup also includes Fred Wesley and the New J.B.s, led by the former band director of iconic artist James Brown, the Godfather of soul and funk music. Taylor McFerrin, son of popular vocalist Bobby (“Don’t Worry, Be Happy”) McFerrin is a Brooklyn-based DJ, producer, keyboardist and beatboxer that released his debut album, Early Riser on Flying Lotus’ Brainfeeder record label.

More artists, both local and international, are completing the exciting lineup: French Kiwi Juice (France), GOCOO + GORO (Japan) Taiko Drum Band, our own Brigada, Noli Aurillo, Akasha, Bleu Rascals, Adinkra Lumads Djembe Community, Crwn, and many more to be announced soon!

New attractions

Exciting additions during the 5th Anniversary celebration— Malasimbo pulls neighbouring cities (Bacolod, Iloilo, Cebu, Davao and Boracay) closer; Malasimbo at parties up-the-ante for festival-day-programs, and in between the two weekends— Malasimbo stay alive hosting activities for Puerto Galera’s local community.

The Malasimbo Festival is an experience-driven event— regardless of the lineup of acts, one is e an unforgettable time. The biggest headliner in Malasimbo is Malasimbo, and for those who seek culture, adventure, and magic, this is the place for new discoveries. 

Partners

Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival wouldn’t be possible if not for our major sponsors and partners Ipanema, VISA, Department of Tourism, Ticketworld, Stage Craft, Fox International Channels Asia, Yahoo Philippines, Grid Magazine, Mabuhay Magazine, Scout Magazine, ABS-CBN Publishing Inc., Metro Society and Metro.

5th Anniversary Special: Malasimbo Lights and Dance Festival

In an industry where sustainable development is at times overlooked, Malasimbo Festival has proven to be a solid name to stay for decades, which will continue giving innovation and quality entertainment to its loyal fans and its organically- growing audience. In celebration of the 5th Anniversary, the Malasimbo family proudly introduces an entirely new concept that is already creating a buzz with the youth: The Malasimbo Lights & Dance Festival, set on March 13-15.

Why two weekends?

Malasimbo Festival hosts more than 5,000 people from over 30 countries. Having a 10-day affair encourages international tourists to stay at least 10 days in Mindoro and the Philippines. This further activates Malasimbo’s eco- cultural tourism efforts, and allows tourists to fully discover all of the amazing activities & sights the Philippines have to offer.

At the rate of Malasimbo Festival’s growth parallel to Puerto Galera’s limited accommodating capacity, creating a 2nd weekend and ultimately longer Malasimbo Experience helps maintain convenience for our audience and gives local tourism a greater return. We have a capped capacity and we want to ensure safety for all.

The Malasimbo Lights & Dance Festival caters to a specifically targeted market – the millenials – and offers an immersive feast of state-of-the- art light shows enhanced with contemporary and traditional dance performances, full- circled with hip hop, house and electronic music that is most relevant to the youth of today.

Performing acts

Dance organizations are given a prime spot at the festival in celebration of the 5th Anniversary: Philippine All Stars, Planet Zips Luminaries, Daloy Dance Company and more who graced the Malasimbo stage.

Quality music is, of course, another key element of the Malasimbo Lights & Dance Festival. A talented selection of DJs, both local and international, is guaranteed to make you dance all night. DJ Kentaro, DJ Mitsu the Beats, To-Ru, HiFaNa, and Tetsuji Tanaka & MC Cardz are flying in straight from Japan, accompanied by many great acts: Swindle (UK), Manolet Dario, Mikail, Br3aking Silence, Emel Rowe, and Lyrically Deranged Poets to bring Philippines’ finest in hip hop today; many more notable acts performed.

Partners

Malasimbo Lights & Dance Festival is a collaboration between Malasimbo Productions and Japan’s BassCamp festival run by Dj Kentaro. For this, the Malasimbo family thanks our Japanese partners Groundstar+, Basscamp, Asia Unite, and GOJA Cafe. Malasimbo Lights and Dance Festival wouldn’t be possible without our other major sponsors: Ipanema, Ticketworld, Stage Craft, Department of Tourism, Tourism Promotion Board, Fox International Channels Asia, Yahoo Philippines, Grid Magazine, Mabuhay Magazine, Meg, Scout Magazine, and ABS-CBN Publishing, Inc., Chalk, Metro.

Party high-up in the mountains for Malasimbo’s 5th anniversary double weekend special!

As we celebrate MUSIC, ARTS and NATURE at Malasimbo Festival, there is so much to see and explore in the tropical paradise. Indeed, it is more fun in the Philippines!

Visit http://www.malasimbo. com for further information. Twitter: @malasimbofest 

For inquiries contact info@ malasimbofestival.com

Malasimbo 2015: A Double Weekend of Festivities on March 6-8 and 13-15

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The festival weaves Music, Arts, Dance, Environment, and Indigenous Culture into one life-changing adventure.

Get ready for great surprises and parties! To celebrate Malasimbo’s 5th year anniversary, Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro is getting ready to host thousands of music, art, dance and nature lovers over two weekends.

The magic of great festivities and eco-cultural preservation is back. Last January 22, Malasimbo 2015 details was shared during the Press Conference held at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila. 

Malasimbo Music & Arts Festival is set to happen on March 6-8 and the first Malasimbo Lights and Dance Festival is happening on March 13-15, 2015.

What Malasimbo music and arts festival that sets it apart from all other festivals?

With a lineup that will boast an array of electronic and indie acts, the festival blends traditional & contemporary arts & culture together with music performances while working towards the protection & sustainability of the environment.

Every year, people from all walks of life seek the Malasimbo Magic. The festival continues to grow into a global phenomenon, with more than 5,000 people from over 30 countries in attendance in 2014. 

It is the Philippines’ first event of its caliber, and is a top attraction in the Department of Tourism’s campaign, “Visit the Philippines Year 2015.” Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival is the official event featured for March on DOT’s Visit The Philippines 2015 Calendar.

This year, for the first time ever, Malasimbo awed the fans as they revealed a second weekend – March 13-15 – with a whole new concept. The Malasimbo Lights and Dance Festival caters more to the youth with a focus on hip hop, house and electronic music, enhanced with amazing dance performances and state of the art light shows.

Eco-cultural activities

Behind the festivities, eco-cultural preservation is an integral part of the Malasimbo Experience. With The d’Aboville Foundation, the festival promotes mangrove tree planting, the use of solar power, the protection of the endangered Tamaraw in partnership with French organisation Noé Conservation, coastal cleanups, and other ongoing projects within Puerto Galera — member of the “Most Beautiful Bays in the World.”

At the heart of Malasimbo is the Mangyan village, where exhibits and workshops showcase their rich culture and beautiful crafts. The demo Mangyan village, built by Mangyan craftsmen in 2010, is a permanent feature of the Malasimbo Grounds, and showcases the 7 Mangyan tribes of Mindoro. Each tribe is represented through life-size houses respecting their original architecture.

The Malasimbo brand keeps getting stronger over the years. In 2011, the first Malasimbo Music & Arts Festival became a catalyst for a boom in contemporary festival culture in the Philippines. With its natural amphitheater boasting of coconut trees, grass-terraces, the tropical breeze, coupled with the view of the world famous Puerto Galera Bay, there really is no other venue like Malasimbo. 

The festival weaves Music, Arts, Dance, Environment, and Indigenous Culture into one life-changing adventure.

Visual Arts

The Sculpture Garden at Malasimbo is a witness to the festival’s love for the visual arts. The grounds have been blessed by the beautiful works of talented contemporary artists, mostly Filipino but attracting foreign artists as well. In four years, more than 40 artists including Agnes Arellano, Wawi Navarroza, Ling Quisumbing Ramilo and Leeroy New, have used the venue as their canvas for their art installations.

As a 5th Anniversary special, over 30 artists will showcase their works. Whether permanent or degradable, loud or discreet, phantasmagoric or natural, interactive or silent, the works all have a synergy with the mountain, the landscape, the wind, the ocean or the festival’s creative energy.

Entertainment

Known for quality sound, the Malasimbo Amphitheater is praised by musicians and music lovers. The many acts that have played, including living legends Jimmy Cliff, Roy Ayers, Joe Bataan, Joss Stone, Robert Glasper and Jose Gonzalez, were entranced by the beauty and energy of the place. The stage is also abundant with local talent hailing from the different parts of the Philippines. It has become a platform where collaboration between international and homegrown music can ring around the island.

On March 6-8, Malasimbo Music & Arts Festival is scheduled to attract its loyal attendees from all over the world, excited to listen to Ky-Mani Marley, son of legendary reggae artist Bob Marley. The international lineup also includes Fred Wesley and the New J.B.s, led by the former band director of iconic artist James Brown, the Godfather of soul and funk music. Taylor McFerrin, son of popular vocalist Bobby (“Don’t Worry, Be Happy”) McFerrin is a Brooklyn-based DJ, producer, keyboardist and beatboxer that released his debut album, Early Riser on Flying Lotus’ Brainfeeder record label. 

Tom Thum, a world famous beatboxer with the most viewed TEDx video in the world with over 30 million views. 

More artists, both local and international, are completing the exciting lineup: French Kiwi Juice (France), GOCOO + GORO (Japan) Taiko Drum Band, our own Brigada, Noli Aurillo, Akasha, Bleu Rascals, Adinkra Lumads Djembe Community, Crwn, and many more to be announced soon!

New attractions

Exciting additions to watch out for the 5th Anniversary—Malasimbo pulls neighbouring cities (Bacolod, Iloilo, Cebu, Davao and Boracay) closer; Malasimboat parties up-the-ante for festival-day-programs, and in between the two weekends—Malasimbo will stay alive hosting activities for Puerto Galera’s local community.

The Malasimbo Festival is an experience-driven event—regardless of the lineup of acts, one is sure to have an unforgettable time. The biggest headliner in Malasimbo is Malasimbo, and for those who seek culture, adventure, and magic, this is the place to discover it.

Partners

Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival wouldn’t be possible if not for our major sponsors and partners Ipanema, VISA, Department of Tourism, Ticketworld, Stage Craft, Fox International Channels Asia, Yahoo Philippines, Grid Magazine, Mabuhay Magazine, Scout Magazine, ABS-CBN Publishing Inc., Metro Society and Metro.

5th Anniversary Special: Malasimbo Lights and Dance Festival

In an industry where sustainable development is at times overlooked, Malasimbo Festival has proven to be a solid name to stay for decades, which will continue giving innovation and quality entertainment to its loyal fans and its organically-growing audience. In celebration of the 5th Anniversary, the Malasimbo family proudly introduces an entirely new concept that is already creating a buzz with the youth: The Malasimbo Lights & Dance Festival, set on March 13-15.

Why two weekends?

Malasimbo Festival hosts more than 5,000 people from over 30 countries. Having a 10-day affair encourages international tourists to stay at least 10 days in Mindoro and the Philippines. This further activates Malasimbo’s eco-cultural tourism efforts, and allows tourists to fully discover all of the amazing activities & sights the Philippines have to offer.

At the rate of Malasimbo Festival’s growth parallel to Puerto Galera’s limited accommodating capacity, creating a 2nd weekend and ultimately longer Malasimbo Experience helps maintain convenience for our audience and gives local tourism a greater return. We have a capped capacity and we want to ensure safety for all.

The Malasimbo Lights & Dance Festival caters to a specifically targeted market – the millenials – and offers an immersive feast of state-of-the-art light shows enhanced with contemporary and traditional dance performances, full-circled with hip hop, house and electronic music that is most relevant to the youth of today.

Performing acts

Dance organizations are given a prime spot at the festival in celebration of the 5th Anniversary: Philippine All Stars, Planet Zips Luminaries, Daloy Dance Company and more to grace the Malasimbo stage. 

Quality music is, of course, another key element of the Malasimbo Lights & Dance Festival. A talented selection of DJs, both local and international, is guaranteed to make you dance all night. DJ Kentaro, DJ Mitsu the Beats, To-Ru, HiFaNa, and Tetsuji Tanaka & MC Cardz are flying in straight from Japan, accompanied by many great acts: Swindle (UK), Manolet Dario, Mikail, Br3aking Silence, Emel Rowe, and Lyrically Deranged Poets to bring Philippines’ finest in hip hop today; many more notable acts soon to be announced.

Partners

Malasimbo Lights & Dance Festival is a collaboration between Malasimbo Productions and Japan’s BassCamp festival run by Dj Kentaro. For this, the Malasimbo family thanks our Japanese partners Groundstar+, Basscamp, Asia Unite, and GOJA Cafe. Malasimbo Lights and Dance Festival wouldn’t be possible without our other major sponsors: Ipanema, Ticketworld, Stage Craft, Department of Tourism, Fox International Channels Asia, Yahoo Philippines, Grid Magazine, Mabuhay Magazine, Meg, Scout Magazine, and ABS-CBN Publishing, Inc., Chalk, Metro.

Party high-up in the mountains for Malasimbo's 5th anniversary double weekend special!

As we celebrate MUSIC, ARTS and NATURE at Malasimbo Festival, there is so much to see and explore in the tropical paradise. Indeed, it is more fun in the Philippines!

Visit http://www.malasimbo.com for further information.

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For inquiries contact info@malasimbofestival.com