By ATRIA PACAÑA
The 4th G Music Fest prided itself with its all-out OPM concert, eco-friendly practices, a “show must go on” attitude, and the promotion of visual art in Ayala Circuit Makati Open Grounds last Saturday, Sept. 16.
“The festival will take place rain or shine,” said the Globe official website’s guidelines, and the event truly did. Attendees could be seen bringing umbrellas, caps, and jackets, prepared for any state of weather right as the gates opened at noon and the setlist started by 3 in the afternoon with acts such as folk-pop singer Syd Hartha, indie folk bond Munimuni, Joem, Sugarcane, Nobita, Ace Banzuelo, and even the Season 2 queens from “Drag Race Philippines.”
By 6pm though, the rain cleared and P-pop group BINI fired up the main stage with their shining blue outfits and intricate choreography to their debut single, “Born to Win.” After their electric performance, leader Jhoanna shared that just last year, they were simply watching G Music Fest, but this year they were performing for it — a testament to how much they’ve grown as artists.
The girl group winded down with “Huwag Muna Tayong Umuwi” before bringing the energy back up again with a medley, including songs like “Lagi,” “Na Na Na,” and “I Feel Good.” Even with sweat and exhaustion all over their faces, they ended just as lively as they started with “No Fear.”
Several other activities were found all over the venue. Food and beverage stalls were filled with a variety of choices: Yellow Cab, Winkie Donuts, Coca-Cola, Shakey’s, Pickup Coffee, Pancake House, Kurimu Ice Cream, Better Than Ice Cream, Schroeder’s Deli, Army Navy, Pocofino, Ikigai, Potato Corner & R&B Tea, San Miguel Beer, Sizzlin’ Steak, and more.
Accompanying these were Go Green Stations where solid waste management was implemented. A guard was stationed to assist attendees to segregate their trash properly. Nearby was also Klean Kanteen, a brand dedicated to environmental sustainability, that encouraged a Bring Your Own (BYO) initiative and provided water refilling stations. If a festival-goer did not have their own, beside was a selection of insulated tumblers, bottles, and mugs to buy from. They managed to save over thousands of cups of water with these stations as stated by its glowing red digital counter at the top of the faucets.
Right by the refreshments was a huge space designated specifically for arts, the “G Creator,” where participants could freely express themselves through games and painting. Each side had a specific attraction, and participants could choose where they liked to go and join the activity simply by donating to the Hapag Movement (which is a livelihood program fighting against hunger with the power of technology) through either redeeming 10 Rewards Points for Globe subscribers or donating via GCash a certain amount that ranges from 10 to 25 pesos.
To the right were Gudi Drip Studio, a chance to create one’s own drip art on Globe’s new toy character Gudi, and Art Co-Lab, a collaborative wall for participants to paint the Creator Hub mural that was set up. To the left were a photo studio and Pixel Play, where attendees could play Virtual Reality (VR) games. Up ahead was Gudi To Life where people could color in their very own Gudi on sheets of drawn templates.
And at the center was Drip Splash, a company that was brought from Sydney, Australia to the Philippines in aim of encouraging beginners towards art. The founder Steve and other organizers were friendly and accommodating to the aspiring participants, stating that Drip Splash started in the first quarter of this year, and by their service in the festival, it was clear how well they were doing. In the G Creator platform, Drip Splash Philippines lets attendees sit down and paint whatever they want over canvases and take the final product home with or without the guidance of Filipino professional artists close by. The same goes for their studio in BGC: groups of friends could come paint, eat, and drink.
There was a Busker Stage meant for anyone who wanted to perform. Among the courageous was singer-songwriter Kai Buizon, who graced the small stand with her sweet vocals.
Other rows of tents also surround the venue with alternative recreation like merch booths from Bench and Warner Music, a claw machine, and a karaoke booth that plays songs from Warner artists.
Back in the main stage, the setlist continues with electro pop star Paul Pablo, and bands PLAYERTWO, I Belong to the Zoo, and more. Around 9pm, Mayonnaise appeared, bringing their chaotic and infectious energy to the stage with songs like “Kapag Lasing Malambing” and “Tayo Na Lang Dalawa.” They were followed by December Avenue, dedicating “Saksi Ang Langit” to the crowd and performing a new song with a talented young drummer named Fritzy who is known for her viral video.
Ten-thirty rolled around with Dilaw who quite literally opened with a guitarist jumping on stage, while other attendees who were farther away from the stage started to use food stubs on the stalls. “Uhaw” showcased their eccentric yet captivating stage presence. Lola Amour played an hour later with songs like “Falling” and “Raining in Manila,” while The Itchyworms played at 12am.
The night closed with Urbandub, an unspoken promise being sworn that through creation of art, music, and technology, Philippine culture will continue to thrive.
