What’s next for the glorious Malasimbo fest?

Ky-Mani Marley at the Malasimbo Music Festival, Puerto Galera. PHOTO BY TOM SILLANO

PUERTO GALERA, Philippines — Bridging generational gaps through music, rhythms and art installations, Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival celebrated its fifth year at Puerto Galera with the introduction of Malasimbo Lights and Dance Festival.

For two weeks, the island was transformed into a new world not too far from its Mangyan tribal heritage. Under a full moon, with towering coconut trees lit by spotlights in neon green, pink and purple, pulsating percussions lift spirits into euphoria.

The drumbeats of Gocoo+Goro left the audience, instantly communing with the spirits of the mountain, chanting for more. The energy bounced from the musicians themselves as they opened their act with the sound of an ancient gong. The island setting is so perfect, with a kaleidoscope of lights dancing with every beat.

Art installations by various artists are found all over the Malasimbo grounds. PHOTO BY CAROL TANJUTCO

Four single acts filled the stage with awe.

Taylor McFerrin of New York mixed it up with his one-man ensemble. Filipino guitarist par excellence Noli Aurillo wowed the fans with his string prowess. Brisbane native Tom Thum created sounds of the wild, mimicking musical melodies using nothing more than his voice and the mic. DJ Kentaro brought revelers to a magical journey of techno, pop and an occasional blast of the ‘80s. It was “standing room only” with the crowd dancing all night long. After all, the only seats in the open-air amphitheatre were the grassy grounds.

Two generations apart, jazz godfather Fred Wesley & The New JBs “passed the peas” and kept thousands of party folks on their feet as the trombone player showed off mastery of his craft.

In contrast, local talent young blood Bleu Rascals, barely in their ‘20s, strummed equally awe inspiring original blues recordings. The group had their United States tour as teenage band.

The Aussies teamed up when The Golden Sound producer and keyboardist Peter Golikov called Tom Thum to join them on stage for an impromptu rendition of funk, jazz and groove music. Classically trained pianist Golikov said his focus was to create a body of work that “bathes golden rays of sunshine to those who witness it.” The Golden Sound will be doing gigs at Makati City.

Finally, the most awaited star of the night, Ky-Mani Marley, son of the legendary “Father of Reggae” Bob Marley, dedicated his repertoire of soulful reggae to the Philippines, spinning new releases and old favorites from the 75 years of the Marley legacy.

Marley strutted the stage from one end to the other, almost touching each and every person cheering him. At past midnight, the new day had just started, no one was leaving the magic of the full moon festival. It was like a dream no one wanted to end.

So what’s next for the Malasimbo fest? Huber d’Aboville, personally overseeing all the transportation arrangements of the foreign artists, appeared to be uncertain about the future of the Malasimbo festival because of the usual red tape and difficulty imposed by the local government. This is the same challenge every foreign investor faces when putting his money and time for a worthy cause such as this.

Fred Wesley and his funk quartet keep the Malasimbo crowd dancing. PHOTO BY CAROL TANJUTCO

Against the odds, The d’Aboville Foundation continues to assist in the preservation of the indigenous Mangyan villages, promoting mangrove tree planting and the use of solar power, protecting the endangered tamaraw in partnership with the French organization Noe’ Conservation, while supporting backyard tourism in the Puerto Galera area.

Puerto Galera is still at the bottom of Department of Tourism’s list promotional activities, except when promoting its world-renowned dive sites and marine ecology.

Brisbane artists Tom Thum joins the Golden Voice band on stage. PHOTO BY TOM SILLANO

Touted as one of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World, Puerto Galera is ready to embrace more than 5,000 tourists on any given day, as proven by the d’Abovilles themselves. Numerous hotels, from the American standard The Manor Hotel, to the convention-type of facility Tamaraw Beach Resort, and the expat family-owned bed and breakfast beachfront and hilltop hotels, with prices ranging from US$20 to US$350 per night, there is an unlimited choice for visitors.