Turf without the surf

MANILA, Philippines - Crystal Beach, Zambales was sparsely populated during the Summer Siren Music Festival last April 4-6, making it look even more isolated from the rest of the sleepy beach town than it already is. To be fair, it’s hardly a point against the festival; in fact, the small group of attendees and performers made the arrangement all the more intimate, a bit like summer’s little secret.

The evenings featured the soulful songs of Up Dharma Down and the heavy beats of The Zombettes, but the mornings were far more tranquil. Festivalgoers would meet the day by diving right into the sea or perfecting their sun salutes. Although there wasn’t much surfing to be had due to the lack of waves, there was always something going on in every corner of Crystal Beach throughout the day, be it the yoga demonstration classes, the varied food stall offerings, or full-body massages.

Although there was much more that could’ve happened, Summer Siren Festival’s debut offering nonetheless is a thoughtful way to begin. — Margarita Buenaventura