By Terence Repelente
Photos by Pinggot Zulueta
A MARRIAGE BETWEEN MUSIC AND ART: OPM band Hale rocks the stage
If Fête de la Musique and Art Fair Philippines had a baby, it would be Tagaytay Art Beat. It combines the best parts of the two major events and makes it even better—and cooler, literally and figuratively! Listening to your favorite OPM bands and appreciating the works of your favorite visual artists, while being hugged by the cold Tagaytay winds, are quite the experience, definitely the best summer ender.
Now on its third run, Tagaytay Art Beat’s excellent lineup of music and art once again found sanctuary at Museo Orlina, the home of Ramon Orlina’s breathtaking glass sculptures, at the foothills of Hollywood Street, Tagaytay City. The event officially began after the ribbon inside the museum was cut, which signaled the formal introduction of the featured paintings, sculptures, and other works of art by local young artists such as Gab Loste, Jess de Leon, Lee Caces, Kim Pamela Co, Anthony Molina, Dennis Jimenez, Hannah Bundalian, Gab Baez, Jenny Gernale, Razel Mari, Dennis Bato, Lhean Storm, Mykie Concepcion, Rydel Reib Arayata, and Bea Policarpio.
nna Orlina, Lay Ann Orlina, Ningning Orlina, Seventh District of Cavite representative Bambol Tolentino, Ramon Orlina, Tagaytay City vice mayor Raymond Ambion
When dusk neared, street and graffiti artists, Jappy Agoncillo, Dee Jae Paeste, Miggy Antonio, Aral Cru, and Kris Abrigo flexed their creative process by doing live art, a mesmerizing sight that perfectly accompanied the sharp and slick verses and beats by rapper/activist BLKD and his group Uprising Records: Anygma, Apoc x DJ Nicko, Kjah x Supreme Fist, and The Tooters. Hip-hop kick started the long night of non-stop jam.
Hours later, darkness enveloped the skies and the breeze fogged up the air, and it was as if the colorful glass sculptures came to life, neon lights danced in the eyes, the music took over the space. The night was champagne pink, no, there weren’t any champagne (there were, however, craft beer and variations of Johnnie Walker), but the effects of Tagaytay Art Beat were something similar—the feeling of joy, youthful sensibility, young recklessness—everyone was drunk of the moment. It was one of those times of pure and innocent happiness, synced with amazing music from beloved pop-rock bands like Autotelic and Oh, Flamingo!, where you just want to hug your friend or hold the hand and kiss the lips of your lover. Adding to the feeling of bliss are other OPM gems such as the math rock trio Tom’s Story and soul-rock band Farewell Fair Weather. Perfectly complementing the cool summer air are the angelic voices of singer-songwriters Clara Benin, Reese Lansangan, Julianne Tarroja, and Max Javelino. Providing some more ecstatic energy are industry giants Mayonnaise, Hale, and The Itchyworms.
and different artists flex their brilliant creative process by doing live art.
The Orlina family’s Tagaytay Art Beat 3 was a success, not only did it deliver on its promise to help young artists showcase their talent, it made everyone in attendance fall in love, including myself—with art, music, and life. Weeks after, I find myself still hungover, the intensity and buzz still haven’t left my body. And we hope to get drunk again next year!
Tagaytay Art Beat 3, an arts and music festival by Museo Orlina and Docdef Productions, was presented by Johnnie Walker, together with Jam 88.3 (official radio partner), Hope in A Bottle (official water partner), Chinampa and Uncle Dan’s (official food partner), and Tripkada (official travel partner).