From Ayala to Poblacion in Makati – My first Fête led me to five segments of music
June 22 marked the 25th anniversary celebration of Fête de la Musique (World Music Day) in the Philippines, and for the first time in my life, I am invited to explore the annual musical feat scattered around select areas of Makati City.
First Stop: Progressive Stage
The road to Fête started when I was invited by Project:MATERIA’s JM Cruz, who is also part of the organizers for the Progressive Stage at RJ Bistro inside Dusit Thani Manila. I stayed there for a few moments before going to the next stop.
During a set, I was able to share a piece of trivia as the song “Memento Mori” is being played, although this may not be a secret to others: The name of this space, keepsakes. stems from memento mori — remember, you will die. Before I die (or lose my memory, whichever comes first), I aim to record and share memories to remember.
By the way, this is perhaps the only televised Fête stage, as it was broadcast on RJ DigiTV. I saw familiar people such as Gelo Grayson and some members of the band LookOut.
Second Stop: Jazz Stage
After getting a copy of the Fête guide from the Progressive Stage, I learned that Henry Katindig is at the Jazz Stage (dubbed Jazz de la Musique) located at St. Giles Hotel. So I took a glimpse for a few moments.
If I can summarize the Jazz Stage, I’ll say that in just five minutes, all I can hear are people older than me talking about stuff and having drinks in such a posh location — but of course jazz music is prominent all around. I do think I may have seen the Henry Katindig for a few seconds.
As the rest of the people are dressed in polo, polo shirts, dresses et cetera, this author who is only donning a blue t-shirt sped out and looked for the Bedroom Beats Stage…
Third Stop: Rock and Roll Stage
…only to pass by Makati Sports Bar and witness the Rock and Roll Stage. Even from a few meters away, you can see the crowds in the see-through façade of the bar.
I didn’t stay long and went to my actual Point B.
Fourth Stop: Bedroom Beats Stage
BuwanBuwan Collective holds another run of their Fête stage, in which I really enjoyed. Lost in my kind of music, I moved from the Alpha and Omega areas to listen to the music which I usually connect to memes and nostalgia. With me this time are my friends whose said stage is their Point A through and through.
The lineup of artists is like an escalated hype, where the URL bigshots are placed in the latter part of the program. We took a break to eat and then went back.
I got attracted to WASHERE’s gimmick, donning an Elmo suit and singing to the words of:
Nanay, Tatay, gusto ko tinapay,
Ate, Kuya, gusto ko…“…Mamatay!”
Everybody screams the hell out of their frustrations in life in just a beat.
This is the lyrics to the song “YOKONA,” which is basically “I don’t want to live” in bedroom waveform. It has that kind of sadboi suicidal feel, I’m warning you; but in the end I relate to it.
Imagine one of my childhood idols Elmo adulting and singing the hell out of life in our local language.
Fifth Stop: Extra Funky Beats Stage
Me and my friends look around to see the rest of Fête, only to be fished by one guy who said I’ll have a good time at the Extra Funky Beats stage. Despite the humidity, I did enjoy the funky band playing good stuff topless.
I guess that wraps up my journey in Fête de la Musique, and I’m thankful to experience this in person. Maybe next year, I’ll bring my other camera with me and try to capture the music in the city.
