Malasimbo Festival

March 3, 2014 posted by Vicki in Gypsetters Guide

Thanks to malasimbofestival.com for this photo

Why go: For the lure of amazing live music in the natural amphitheater setting of Mt Malasimbo, for getting back to nature and sitting in the grass, for fresh air, for trees whispering in the wind and the convivial atmosphere with like-minded free spirits. For admiring the art amongst nature. Don’t know who the musicians are? Don’t worry! Trust the peeps at Malasimbo know what they are doing and just go with the flow. Some of the live acts this year were Jordan Rakei, Omar, Robert Glasper Project and Jose Gonzalez.

Mt Malasimbo at night

Jordan Rakei

Omar. One of his backup vocalists was Miro Grgic (in purple), founder of the Malasimbo Music Festival

Robert Glasper Experiment; The Jungle Boys and Marcus Saguigad

What to pack: For the day and if you plan to go on the Malasimboat, bring easy, breezy pieces like bikinis with cover-ups or shorts with flip flops. For evening, try and be creative: think denim cutoffs and hippie chic fringe blouses; sundresses, comfy sandals or sneakers, bangles, dangly earrings and fun necklaces. For those who get chilly quickly, wear layers or bring a hoodie. For more inspiration, check my post on festival fashion here.

From L-R: Katrina Razon in her owl outfit; flower girls; Dennis and Tessa in her dreadlocks with Lara, Georgina and me; photo of Jose Gonzales and Melo Esguerra from Melo’s Instagram; hippie chick

Love/Lust: Love the open, sharing atmosphere. Everyone is happy and allows you to do your own thing. Love the addition of new artists each year. Would kill for a real toilet with running water, though.

Stay: During the day, soak up the rays, swim or scuba dive at a beach resort like Coco Beach or Buri Resort and Spa, which are resorts in Sabang or try the resorts in Aninuan. There are many resorts to choose from, but stay away from the busier White Beach area.

Some resorts give you the option of pool or beach

Eat: The kesong puti sandwiches or chicken adobo in a coconut shell topped with lots of garlic.

Drink: Don Papa rum coke. Beer. Bottled water.

Do: Go with a fun group game for anything. Go sailing. Jetski. Check out the cool art installations on Mt Malasimbo. Make new friends. Laugh.

Thank you to @laraparpy for her Instagram photos. From L-R: Christina Badkiss, Valentina Remotti, Sasha Haman, Georgina Ho, me and Lara Parpan; Valentina on a JetSki; the Lubenico; aboard the Lubenico; Valentina as captain; the Malasimboat

Ballerina by Grace Katigbak and tree star

Giant Dandelions by Olivia d”Aboville are made of recycled water bottles

Everywhere There You Are by Wawi Navarroza x Ling Quisumbing Ramilo and Iron Horse by Dondi Katigbak

Shop: Walking sticks. Vietnamese straw hats. Necklaces or fabric made by the indigenous people of Mindoro, the Mangyans. Malasimbo T-shirts and sweaters.

Book: The Road to Woodstock by Michael Lang.

OST: No Woman No Cry by Bob Marley. Happy by Pharrell Williams.

In the know: For sensitive sleepers, bring an eye mask. Insect repellent is a definite must. Don’t wear white shorts.

Season: The Malasimbo Festival is usually held the end of February/first weekend of March. Check malasimbofestival.com to know more about the Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival.