Tasteful tropics: What to expect from Malasimbo 2012

MANILA, Philippines - It’s local and larger than life. Because, not only is Malasimbo Music & Arts Festival a day longer this year, but they’re bringing in what appears to be double the number and quality of bands, DJs and visual artists  some of them on a floating boat.

To be held atop the same lush grass-terraced amphitheatre of Mount Malasimbo from March 2-4, the Malasimbo Music & Arts Festival will be 250 meters above sea level amid swaying coconut trees, overlooking the scenic stretch of Puerto Galera Bay.

Reforestation and marine preservation are key causes here, and what better way to raise awareness for them than with a three-day party for music, arts and culture?

Mr. Marcus, Sarah Meier-Albano and Carlos Celdran will be hosting the three-day event, respectively. Expect New York City’s Fil-Am Latin soul king Joe Bataan to headline the show, along with The Malasimbo Orchestra. Acid jazz brothers Kyoto Jazz Massive, Japanese prodigies DJ Kentaro (Technics DMC World DJ winner) and turntablist DJ To-Ru, The Mars Volta’s keyboardist/percussionist Eureka The Butcher, English-Eritrean soul songstress Desta Haile and many others will also be there.

Local acts, meanwhile, include Chilliteez, Feen, Good Leaf, June Marieezy, Kalayo (formerly known as Pinikpikan), Mebuyan, Paul Zialcita, People’s Future, Radioactive Sago Project, Sinosikat, Talahib, The Mighty Miscellaneous, Tropical Depression, Up Dharma Down, and Waway Saway. Joining the diverse lineup will be DJs Katsunami, Caliph8, Pasta Groove, Khristian Hernandez, Arbie Won, Red-I and more.

Malasimbook it: This year’s Malasimbo Festival will be held in the same grass-terraced amphitheater atop Mount Malasimbo, but with double the performers, including Joe Bataan, Kyoto Jazz Massive, The Mars Volta’s Eureka The Butcher, and lots of local acts like Up Dharma Down, Kalayo, and Tropical Depression.

For visual artists, expect the likes of Gus Albor, Agnes Arellano, Billy Bonnevie, Olivia D’Aboville, Kawayan de Guia, IC Jaucian, Goldie Poblador, Rica Recio and several others to display their works.

Also to look out for (and hop aboard on) is the Malasimboat, an actual party boat called Kristal’s Liki Tiki Floating Bar. You get to choose between the sunrise (1:30-3:30 p.m.) or sunset session (4-6 p.m.) every day, and for the price of P400 a session, you get a bottle of Manila Beer and a chance to dance to the likes of UK’s Futureboogie DJs, Australia’s Heavy Boogie, Germany’s Badkiss, and local favorites Angelo Mendez and Liquid A.

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Three-day passes go for P2,575, while single-day passes sell for P1,030. For online ticket booking, tips on how to get to Puerto Galera, and full schedule details, be sure to visit http://www.malasimbofestival.com.

Q & A with Katsunami

As you book your Malasimbo tickets, we’ve singled out Boston-based yet Manila-raised DJ Katrina “Katsunami” Razon for a quick word on being part of the festival and what she’s been up to outside the club.

YOUNG STAR: What are your thoughts on doing Malasimbo this year?

Katrina Razon: The Malasimbo Music & Arts Festival is something that the Filipino people can be proud of. I think the festival is bound to be an eye-opening and awe-inspiring experience with all of the local and international artists that are showcasing their works.

What can we expect from your DJ set?

I’ll be playing on the last day of Malasimbo, which is March 4. My DJ set will consist of the hottest deep house, tech house and nu-disco tracks mixed in with some classic house tracks.

How long have you been DJing?

I have been mixing music since I was 17. However, I plan to produce original music as soon as I graduate from university.

You mentioned university. What are you currently up to all in all?

I am currently pursuing a degree in communication and media studies. However, in between classes I dedicate my time mixing music, writing poetry and painting.

Over a dozen DJs including DJ Katrina “Katsunami” Razon will get to spin amid the coconut trees at Malasimbo come March 2-4. Photo by Revolution

How is it different, DJing in another country?

I love playing music in different countries because there’s a different audience in store for my sets.

What are your top three gigs?

Personally, my favorite gigs so far have been my DJ sets at Privé in Manila, The Sunday Groove party which I played in Boston during the fall of 2011 and my DJ set at Autobrennt’s event at 60 Thompson in NYC where I opened for Ryan Cavanagh (a.k.a. Slow Hands).

Any musical inspirations?

I draw inspiration from different forms of music. But lately, my major influences include the sounds of Joy Division, Damian Lazarus, Richie Hawtin, Maceo Plex, Ricardo Villalobos and Bonobo.

What does the future hold for you after Malasimbo?

After Malasimbo I am going to keep working hard and push myself to take more risks every day.

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See more of Katsunami, including her mixes at http://katsunami.com.