In photos: Wolfgang rocking the stage at BGC Passionfest's mobile concert on Friday, the flash mob at Bonifacio High Street and Fort Bonifacio Development Corp. officially launching the event that runs until Sunday, November 25. (Photos by Cris Cayanan)
MANILA, Philippines - Bonifacio Global City (BGC) on Friday afternoon kicked off its annual Passionfest with a flash mob that - as flash mobs are wont to do - surprised everyone.
Passionfest is a yearly celebration for BGC, but this is the first time that it is holding the event for an entire weekend.
Manny Blas, head of commercial operations of the Fort Bonifacio Development Corp. (FBDC), said that the idea for the three-day event was inspired by the fiesta.
"A few months back, when invitations to attend fiestas came one after the other, a fancy thought came to our mind. What will it be like to celebrate a fiesta in BGC, a highly urbanized place which came to be known as the 'home of passionate minds', in a progressive city like Taguig, and what is it that we should celebrate," he said.
After the flash mob, FBDC's top executives formally launched the event by pressing buttons that ignited fireworks that set the tone for the entire evening - exciting and exhilarating.
There was the Music Grooves, Art Moves mobile concert held on an open-wing 12-wheeler truck that went around four stops: Bonifacio High Street, The Mind Museum, the Turf BGC football field and the Fort Entertainment Center.
Wolfgang set in motion the series of pocket concerts with covers of James Bond movie themes, their own song off the Tiktik movie and their classic Halik ni Hudas. They were accompanied by a sextet of wind and string musicians.
The Brass Munkeys and guitar maestro Jun Lupito then took the stage at The Mind Museum with a smooth blend of blues and folk music.
Over at Turf BGC, Razorback engaged the crowd with '70s and '80s rock music.
Silverfilter and Skarlet then capped off the night of intoxicating performances at the Fort Entertainment Center.
Visual art performances were concurrently done while the concerts were going on.
On Saturday, Bonifacio High Street will have zones and booths with games and activities for kids and adults alike. Freebies will be given away, a kiddie show with magicians and illusionists will be held, street performances will commence, and outdoor movies will be shown at the Bonifacio High Street Central Ampitheater.
On Sunday, BGC will have its annual Run BGC starting at 5 am. Outdoor activities for kids and BGC impromptu mini shows by the Bonifacio Art Foundation, Inc. will then follow.
BGC residents, employees and students can also enjoy freebies and discounts from participating retailers during this day.
By 6 pm, BGC will then light over 15 tower cranes and overhead street protections will officially usher in the Yuletide Season in the city.
"Many of these ideas came from you - the BGC community that live, work and play around here," Blas said, addressing the crowd gathered during Friday's event. "We picked up from the many interests or passions that you opted to carry out here in BGC."