Fête de la Musique, which originated in France in 1982, has become a global phenomenon in over 1,000 cities in 120 countries. Celebrated every year on June 21, streets, public spaces and event venues transform into vibrant concert stages for musicians from diverse backgrounds to perform in different genres for free.
The Philippine version, Fête PH, was first held in 1994 with only one venue and about 40 or so attendees. As the Filipino music scene grew and evolved, in 2011 Fête PH expanded its reach with pocket stages in Metro Manila. In 2017, it brought the celebration outside the NCR to destination stages across the Philippines.
In 2019 during its 25th anniversary, Fête PH attracted 40,000 attendees across various festivities held in different stages– the largest to date, thanks to the participation of 79 Filipino artists. In 2021, as the country was recovering from the pandemic, Fête PH pivoted to an online musical celebration with performers on stage at popular tourist destinations.
Fête PH celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2024 with hundreds of artists who will entertain from over 100 stages in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The event is being presented by Alliance Française de Manille in partnership with B-Side Productions, FunkyBeat Entertainment, and the Embassy of France in the Philippines.
As in previous year’s celebrations, the prime attraction is the Main Stage. On June 21, 2024, Fête PH Main Stage returns to Greenbelt 3 Park in Makati. In true Fête fashion, it will feature a stellar lineup of diverse genres which includes dwta, Bikol’s famed singer and composer.
A week after the Main Stage event on June 28, several pocket stages throughout Metro Manila will host performers from diverse genres across different music subcultures. The Busking Stage at the 1018 Rooftop Bar, Rizal Village, Makati, will feature JULS (Juls Burce de Guzman), top busker from Tabaco, Albay. On the Indie Stage at Sari Sari, Washington St. corner De la Rosa St. in Makati, the band We Are Imaginary with the Tanji brothers from Iriga will perform. Amping their guitars on the Progressive & Crossover Rock Stage in Cuento Bar, Población, Makati, will be the band Fidel De Jesus – FDJ with roots from Naga City.
From June 21 to 29, there will be performances on around 70 Destination Stages across the whole country in Bacoor, Baguio, Baler, Cagayan de Oro, Camarines Sur, Cavite, Cebu, Davao, El Nido, Laguna, Legazpi City, Los Baños, Marikina, Masbate, Naga City, Pampanga, Puerto Galera, Siargao, South Cotabato, and Zambales.
BIKOL PERFORMERS ON THE MANILA STAGES, June 21 & 28
DWTA – Redefining Bicol music as we speak, this folk-pop songwriter, a Sony Music artist, breaks the barriers of language with her irresistible, melodic harmonies and captivating storytelling. Born and raised in Tiwi, she delivers modern Bikolano songs that effortlessly charm listeners. Her breakout hit, Santigwar, followed by another hit, Padaba Ta Ka, were both recorded in Bikol and filmed around Bicol. In September 2023, dwta was nominated for Best Performance by a Female Recording Artist at the 36th Awit Awards, the country’s music awards for excellence. Her newer hit songs include Kalangitan, Delikado, Tahan Na, Pauwi Na ‘Ko (Dito Ka Na Lang).
WE ARE IMAGINARY – This Manila-based indie rock band, composed of Ahmad Tanji, Khalid Tanji, and Vhall Bugtong, has been making waves in and out of the country with their infectious happy-sad tunes. The Tanji brothers hail from Iriga City. Lokal Brew, a music podcast, describes their music as a blend of 90’s guitar rock with melodic lyricism inspired by new wave bands like The Smiths. Their last release, Swan Songs for Drifters, is a seven-song album featuring releases written and recorded between 2018 to 2022. They are currently recording a new album to be out in vinyl format under Eikon Records at the end of the year. Aside from playing for WAI, Ahmad is also the head organizer of Shoplifters United, which handles the official Fete De La Musique: Indie Stage in Manila.
JULS (Juls Burce de Guzman) – JULS is a singer-songwriter known for her acoustic pop ballad. Her songs explore faces and places in diverse emotions and take an introspective look at life’s realities. Her busking journey has brought her to bigger stages and experiences. She composed the official soundtrack of the short film “Vindicta” which was screened at the Emirates Short Film Festival in Dubai. She won 1st Place in a national songwriting competition, Your Song of Excellence Season 3 Taiwan Excellence. She is the Founder and Creative Director of TaBuskCo, a pioneer Busking Community in Albay that seeks to normalize busking in the province and provide platforms for aspiring local artists in the region. Soon her music will be on all digital streaming platforms! For now, check her out on YouTube Music, Soundcloud.
FIDEL DE JESUS – FDJ – A ragtag bunch of respected virtuosos playing instrumental rock. On stage, Fidel De Jesus’ FDJ band includes Kid Moll on bass (shown in photo with FDJ), Prince Bastian on guitar, and Danica De Guzman on drums. Aside from performing with FDJ, Kid (Mario Eduardo) Moll from Naga City is one of the organizers of Uragon Night, a live music event held annually in Manila that features Bicolano talents. FDJ’s 4-track EP, “The Glass Leviathan – Woven in Inequity” is on digital streaming platforms.
PERFORMERS ON THE BICOL LIVE STAGES, June 27-29:
Fête Naga City Stages, held over two days, June 28 (Bora Hut stage) and June 29 (Altitude LXXV stage), aim to put focus on original music creators, reflective of Bicol Pop’s advocacy towards putting a spotlight on originals so that Bikol’s singer-songwriters and music producers, budding musicians included, are continuously inspired to create and flourish. It is worth noting that except for Albay, 3 out of 5 stages in Bicol were stewarded by the Bicol Pop network. Click this link for BICOL POP updates.
Fête Albay Stage, June 28, Pang 5 Restobar & Grill, produced by Club Reverb Management – Sonic State, Stratoscone, Circusdive Halfpipe, Lucida, Prey Gyro, Krear Bathala, Upbeats SKA, Des Sensations. Click this link for CLUB REVERB updates.
Fête Masbate Stage, June 29, Rizal Park, produced by Creative Masbate Collective in collaboration with Bicol Pop – Lablab, Rizalyn, Gressa Russel, Kate, Crizz Baylon, Cleezy Megami, Cotton Band, Catsy, UEX Megami, Counterclockwise. Click this link for CREATIVE MASBATE COLLECTIVE updates.
Fête Daet Stage – Tanog Bantayog, June 29, AZ Sizzling House, Dasmariñas St., Barangay 8, Daet, Camarines Norte.
NAGA CITY – BORA HUT Stage
Fête Naga City Day 1, June 27, 2024, Bora Hut (Penafrancia Avenue), 4PM Main Program featuring Katarsis, Arbitrary, Rotonda, Ode to Stella, The Norm, Aya, and The Boxtent. 9PM onwards after party jam! Produced by Bicol Pop and Masbate Creative Collective.
KATARSIS – A pop RockNB band emerged from the vibrant streets of Naga City. Sharing the raw essence of their souls through the language of music, they play and perform, especially in a cathartic way. Lili, the band Katarsis’ captivating vocalist, is well-known for her passionate and powerful live performances. The band was one of top 10 finalists, Kaogma Festival, Battle of the Bands, May 2024, Pili, Camarines Sur.
ARBITRARY – A metal band fronted by singer-songwriter Beam Gumalay. They perform a unique sound as a band, different from Beam’s repertoire as a singer-songwriter.
ROTONDA – Rap Metal/Alternative act hailing from Naga City. A Brotherhood in Music!
ODE TO STELLA – Embrace the chaos! The group’s single “Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)” is now streaming on Spotify. The band was featured on CamSur News report on Vibes Station CamSur. The band performed at Magayon Bandfest, May 2024, Legazpi City.
THE NORM – Blues Rock n’ Roll band from Bicol. Check out “Susi” now trending and “Mata” their latest single, Pluto Astro Studios/ Hell Cat Records, recorded at Promoto Recording Studio. Their song “Riding On” is now streaming on Spotify. The band performed at Magayon Bandfest, May 2024, Legazpi City.
AYA – Formerly THE EROS, Aya is one of the few bands in Naga City where all the members can sing. They sing wonderful group harmonies in the performances. While most are university trained in music, they write and produce songs that many can immediately relate to. The band members are: Nigi Requio, vocals; Kheren Cordenete, drums; Simon Jacob, bass, vocals; Francis Pacardo, keyboards, arrangement, vocals; Antonio Cordenete, rhythm guitar, composer; Joshua Tusara, lead guitar. Their song “Istaran” is one of three songs selected for Naga City’s new Naga’Yon tourism campaign. Stream their “Istaran” on YouTube Music and Spotify. The band performed in Iriga City for the Wish 107.5 Bus Bicol Roadshow last January 16, 2024.
THE BOXTENT – Unique rock band with horns section. Champion, 3D Battle of the Bands, May 2024, Naga City. One of top 10 finalists, Kaogma Festival, Battle of the Bands Festival May 2024, Cadlan, Pili, Camarines Sur.
NAGA CITY – ALTITUDE LXXV Stage
Fête Naga City Day 2, June 28, 2024, Altitude LXXV (Magsaysay Avenue), 6PM-12MN Main Program featuring Ikay Jaucian, Acaina, Charmelle, Fearcyz, Beam, Tiano Lelis, Khryss Arañas, Karl Ramirez, Kilyab, Hatinduyog, MC San Jose, Renz Fajardo, and Gordomellow, Coffee Cigay. Produced by Bicol Pop and Masbate Creative Collective.
IKAY (Erika Mae) JAUCIAN – A singer-songwriter and band member of Katarsis. She writes wonderful melodies that sing about love, compassion, and even about the environment.
ACAINA – a musician/trio band from Bula and Naga City
CHARMELLE – Singer and performer; talent artist with CCS Ads and Events. Preliminary Rounds Finalist, Tawag ng Tanghalan School Showdown, May 2024; represented Ateneo de Naga as its Lucky Charm Tinig. Featured in Vilma Live in LA YouTube! Performed at the official launching of the Naga City’s NAGA’ YON tourism brand, June 2024
FEARCYZ – Stream FEARCYZ’S single MANIKA on Spotify. Add MANIKA to your Pride playlists coz she’s that beech! “Hindi ako basta laruang nanggaling ng pabrika.”
BEAM (Gumalay) – Singer/Songwriter from Naga City. One of The Ghost Buskers trio. Performed at Bicol Pop’s Malayang Sining event in SM City Naga, June 2024. Check out Beam’s “I D(r)ied” finale track of his “Glitch” album, produced by Audio Metric Productions. Featured on Sulog: Bicol Pop Songwriters, SM City Naga, April 2024.
TIANO LELIS – The Nagueño singer-songwriter with roots from Cabusao is a prolific songwriter and performer of originals. He participates in PhilPop’s workshops and writes songs mostly in Bikolnon. Featured with Kilyab on Sulog: Bicol Pop Songwriters, SM City Naga, April 2024. Stream his song “Itigil ang Digmaan” on Spotify, performed with Kilyab.
KHRYSS ARAÑAS – Singer and songwriter from Tinambac, Camarines Sur. Guest performer in UNC’s 2nd Social Studies Colloquium’s Reinforcing and Revamping Social Studies, April 2024. Listen to Khryss Arañas’ patriotic anthem “Tagumpay ay Isinusulong” on Spotify. Featured on Alvarez Ditto’s Tiny Ditts program, Episode 5, March 2024, where Khryss speaks about his music and social activism.
KARL RAMIREZ – A multi-awarded Bicolano activist singer, song writer, music arranger and producer, and frontman of the alternative pop-rock band Pordalab, Karl writes and produces music in a wide spectrum of styles and usage – advocacy, radio, film, theater, and commercial music. He leads Bicol Pop, the movement that spotlights songs written and produced by Bicolano singer-songwriters. Karl, together with his son Elian, the band Aya, and singer-songwriter Yvan Mozart Zapanta contributed songs to the recent launch of Naga’Yon, the tourism brand of the city.
KILYAB – growing Bicol Pop world-music percussion group family with Wachok Borja, Tiano Lelis, Randy Macasinag, Karl Ramirez, Khryss Aranas and Roger Palacio. Guest performer in UNC’s 2nd Social Studies Colloquium’s Reinforcing and Revamping Social Studies, April 2024. Featured on Sulog: Bicol Pop Songwriters, SM City Naga, April 2024.
HATINDUYOG – An acoustic and saxophone musician/band. Performed their original songs, Lapit Ka, Ililihim, Here Alone, and Di Na Lalayo in Sulog: Bicol Pop Songwriters, SM City Naga, April 2024.
MC (Mookie) SAN JOSE – musician from Sabang. Check out his song “Patikim Naman” streaming on bandcamp.com. MC is featured on Alvarez Ditto’s Tiny Ditts. Episode 9, June 2024. Check out his original songs on YouTube Music.
RENZ FAJARDO – Renn Ray S. Fajardo, acoustic singer and songwriter from Calabanga; dubbed the busking Prince of Naga City. He performs at Bora Hut (Penafrancia Avenue) and Altitude LXXV (Magsaysay Avenue). Check out his original songs on YouTube Music.
GORDOMELLOW and COFFEE CIGAY are from Naga City’s flourishing Hip-Hop community.
ALBAY STAGE – BAR-RAX 9 RESTO & EVENTS
Fête Albay Stage, June 28, Pang 5 Restobar & Grill, produced by Club Reverb Management – Sonic State, Stratoscone, Circusdive Halfpipe, Lucida, Prey Gyro, Krear Bathala, Upbeats SKA, Des Sensations.
The main purpose of Club Reverb is to promote originals songs by Bicolano bands.
ST. NUDE – Rock band from Albay. Performed at Mayao SK Night in Oas, Albay, April 2024; and Magayon Originals Music Festival, Legazpi City, May 2024.
GYRO – A child of rock’s ever-evolving revolution. Influenced by rock’s past, he developed a passion for making his own genre-mixing music. He was the leader of the Tabaco-based band “Louissean” but has now moved on to a solo career. His music is produced by Children of the Mist Records and Productions.
STRATOSCONE – Rock band from Albay. Performed at Music Jam Fest, Legazpi City, April 2024; Sarung Banggi Festival, Sto. Domingo, Albay, May 2024; and Magayon Bandfest, Legazpi City, May 2024.
DES SENSATIONS – Legazpi-based post punk band. Recently played for Bound/Less 2, an anniversary gig of the Beadhead Collective.
CIRCUSDIVE – Rock band from Legazpi City. Stream their latest “Without You” and “Paglaho” on all music platforms. The band performed at Magayon Originals Music Festival, Legazpi City, May 2024, and Tabak Festival, Upland Kaogmahan Concert, Tabaco City, June 2024.
KREAR BATHALA – From Tabaco City, Krear Bathala styles itself as a Mantra Metal band. Mantra is a Sanskrit word made up of two parts: man and tra. Man refers to the mind, while Tra refers to that transcendental sound which takes us away from the material platform. In short, a mantra is a sound that takes our mind away from its material concerns and connections and brings it to the platform of our true essence which is spirit.
PROJECT PROPOSAL – Rock band from Tabaco City. The band performed at the 16th Annual Ice Music Festival, Pang-S Resto Bar & Grill, Daraga, Albay, April 2024.
SWEET REVENGE – Rock band from Albay. Check out their songs, “Pangalawang Sarili” and “End” are streaming on Spotify. Band members – Joshua, Mhar, Theo, Aubrey, and Doms performed in Magayon Bandfest, Legazpi City, May 2024.
THE UPBEATS SKA – Albay’s easy skankin’ band with passion in Ska, 2tone and Rocksteady beat. The fun group which features a horn section closed out the Magayon Originals Music Festival with a bang in Legazpi City, May 2024! Check out their “Monkey Ska” streaming on bandcamp.com, recorded in Salamat Music Studio.
MASBATE STAGE – RIZAL PARK
Fête Masbate Stage, June 29, Rizal Park, produced by Creative Masbate Collective.
Featuring the performances of Lalab, Russel, Gressa, Kymberlly Claire B. Cadao, David Patrocenio, Rizalyn Rivera Miralpes, Christian Azares Almodiel, DRMN, Bever at Ang Bandits, Megami, COTTON BAND, UEX BAND, Cleezy, Crizz Baylon, AKOSI MOY, SOUNDPRO, Teejey, Juliana Yaneza, Salu Apoy, Sphinx DBC, Gab Lasdosi, Reo Cervantes. Hosted by Ivy Ibañez and Tanz Cervantes.
DAET STAGE: TANOG NG BANTAYOG – AZ SIZZLING HOUSE
Fete Daet Stage, June 29, AZ Sizzling House, Dasmariñas St., Barangay 8, Daet, Camarines Norte.
Featuring the performances of Marietta, Trese Onse, Pruebo, Kosa Monta, Tey, Yukizen, Adette, Yuri, Red PH, and Drop Out Class.
Written for Dateline Ibalon by Jojo De Jesus, based on these references: Fête de la Musique (Ministry of Culture, France), Billboard PH, When in Manila, and Bicol Pop. Images from Fête de la Musique PH, Bicol Pop, Club Reverb Management, Creative Masbate Collective, and the Facebook pages of various artists featured in this article. Photos in the header collage courtesy of Bicol Pop. Many thanks to Karl Ramirez, Mario Eduardo Moll, Ahmad Tanji, Juan Silvestre, Jew Lacsina, and Cecill Garcia Artates, for your valuable inputs.