MANILA, Philippines - In line with its mission-vision of spreading the “HUV†(Happy Ukulele Virus) and increasing awareness on the instrument, Ukulele Philippines will be holding the country’s first Ukulele Festival this month. The idea came about after several jams and talks between Ukulele Philippines and the Ukulele Underground Philippines (UUP). The three-day event kicks off with the festival proper on Oct. 25 at SM Mall of Asia Music Hall, followed by an intimate dinner concert on Oct. 26 at Buddha Bar in Kalayaan Ave., Makati, and ends with a ukulele workshop on Oct. 27.
The festival will feature performances by several of the world’s best ukulele players as well as our very own virtuosos. Five international artists will be headlining the event: Aldrine Guerrero, Kalei Gamiao and Derick Sebastian from Hawaii, USA; Kyas Ryo from Japan; and Apirak Sirinanthakul from Thailand. Rounding up the stellar roster of featured ukulele artists are Filipino-American stage and film actress Jennifer Blair-Bianco, indie singer/songwriter Manskee Nascimiento, and young up-and-comer Kai Honasan.
A pre-festival promo tour is ongoing, with the support of Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, to be held at the following branches — Eastwood, Greenbelt 5, Bonifacio High Street, and Tomas Morato. Ukulele Philippines will also launch “The Ukulele Project†in cooperation with Bratpack and UUP, which will raise funds for the Philippine Ukulele Festival.
Having opened in November 2012 at The Collective in Makati City, Ukulele Philippines not only offers high-quality instruments, but it also gives every Filipino this opportunity to appreciate and create wonderful music using this beautiful 19th century piece of art.
For information, call 400-1601, 551-6764 and +63915-7117567, e-mail info@ukulelephilippines.com, or visit Ukulele Philippines’ Facebook page or www.ukulelephilippines.com. Ukulele Philippines is at The Collective, 7274 Malugay St., San Antonio Village, Makati City.