Meet some of the Filipinos pushing to keep the scene alive

For a country with 7,600+ islands inhabited by 110+ million people, the Philippines is adversely battling the pandemic compared to its neighbouring nations. Only 4% of its total population has been vaccinated, and between controversies surrounding its government’s inoculation programs and countless Filipinos falling on the deeper end, it’s seemingly impossible for the country’s industries — particularly the entertainment and nightlife scene — to return to normal anytime soon.

In the face of dreary forecasts, strict regulations and locals growing hungrier for night-outs and gigs, more and more are fighting to keep its music scene alive.

Across the archipelago

Fête de la Musique, one of the country’s biggest music events recently wrapped up its four-day festivities with an inter-island showcase of DJs, bands and performers.

“This is the second time we’re doing Fete de la Musique online,” explains Giselle Tomimbang. “This year’s idea was to showcase the natural and rich natural beauty of our islands and to celebrate Mother Nature, which has helped us heal through this time. We wanted to be able to honour and pay tribute to our diverse roots, talent and heritage across the nation.”

With pre-recorded videos of performances paired with interviews and visual highlights of Metro Manila, El Nido, Boracay, and La Union, participating artists are more than thrilled to get back on stage again — albeit in the absence of a live audience.

Producer and selector, Parallel Uno shares: “Fete was all smooth sailing. Less chance of error since all of the music was pre-recorded. Pretty cool doing the interview.”

“It was entertaining. We’re able to share our energy with strangers in the hopes of improving their mood or even inspiring them to lead motivated lives,” Chiko Hernandez, one half of psychotropical duo, The Hernandez Brothers notes.

For a country that used to offer a little something for everybody before the pandemic hit, organizers face a different set of challenges. Along with it, unlocking new triumphs.

“It’s having to do everything remotely. It’s very different in terms of the format, which is more than an event. It’s almost like trying to produce a very long documentary and a collection of music videos — something that definitely stretched us out of the comfort zone,” Tomimbang explains. “However, it’s expanded our horizons more in terms of the talent we’re able to see.”

Mall meets music

As bars and clubs continue to find ways to make ends meet while waiting for restrictions to lift, others venues are looking into providing a sense of normalcy to people without disregard for public health and safety.

Ayala Malls, one of the Philippine’s oldest and largest chain of shopping malls recently launched its Day’s End series on its open-air roof deck, featuring electronic DJs like Sky Dominique as well as a string of food and drink concessionaires.

For MC and artist, Marga Bermudez, who needed to put her mic down and find ways to help keep the scene breathing through the series, small shows are both momentous and necessary. “We're giving people what we can to make life seem a bit more breathable even with just the small shows that we do. As someone who loves to create, this gives me life. This also allows people to warm to this entire reset.”

She quips: “It's challenging to make something happen when there are many things to consider. Especially with the abundant amount of red tape. But it's definitely worth it when you work with people whose minds are towards the same direction.”

For other smaller, independently-run spaces across the country, calling out to their communities for continued support is both taxing and comforting.

“It’s been very difficult given the ever changing curfew as well as the allowed capacity. Both factors are key to the perfect night with Bowery regulars coming in and enjoying the spot with their friends,” Mikko Santos, one of the owners of bar and restaurant slash indie-electronic joint, The Bowery, says. “But even with this situation, it’s inspiring to see our space finding creative ways to stay open. From cocktail kits to playlist takeovers, these activities have helped customers and regulars contribute to the survival of the bar.”

Despite the unending setbacks and rough roads ahead, Filipino creatives in the entertainment and nightlife industries aren’t giving up. So much so that the country’s scene renaissance will be nothing short of exceptional.

[Images via The Bowery, Behance, Rappler, UNKNWN and Purveyr]