MANILA, Philippines - When the news of a Manila Music Festival broke out on Twitter, we all wondered: is Manila ready for a music festival? With most of us just tuned in on Coachella Live, wallowing for missing Radiohead and the Tupac hologram—the exclusion might have proven to make a catalyst out of itself. From the Aseana Avenue grounds that could rival Palm Springs, to the Mexican food truck (and fishballs for some Pinoy street zing), to the Conyochella wear that the kids seem to have embraced—we’re not quite there yet, but it’s a good start.
Acts like Nix Damn P, June Marizeey and Ali Shaheed Muhammad got the crowd gyrating next to graffiti walls, and tops reduced themselves to bikinis until the wee hours. It’s the beach party in the city we never had. The Manila Music Festival has yet to gain more traction, but if you’re still wondering, yes. It looks like Manila’s damn ready.