Wanderland Music and Arts Festival is the ultimate comeback to remember
Three years have been long enough for the wait, and Wanderland Music Festival made sure that they came back strong with a massive lineup that brought Filipino music fans together for two days full of our favorite anthems performed live.
Last weekend, concert-goers trooped to the Filinvest City Events Grounds armed with all the necessary items for this much-awaited affair. Guests were greeted with different activities—from live art to fun games by sponsors, free water refill to yummy grub to fill up rumbling stomachs—before showtime began.
Day one saw a multitude of talent helmed by various artists from here and abroad, with most foreign acts visiting the Philippines for the first time. Cebu-based indie-pop band The Sundown opened the show, followed by Taiwanese rapper Leo Wang. Blaster, with his band The Celestial Clowns, went onstage next—where they performed his singles, covers, and an unreleased track called Boomerang. Ylona Garcia took the stage right after, where the crowd sang along to her tracks like Vibin’ and Don’t Go Changing.
@philstarlife It was definitely a weekend to remember for all the #wanderers ! We can't wait for next year's #WanderlandMusicFest ♬ original sound - philstarlife
Canadian indie outfit Men I Trust soothe the crowd with an enchanting performance of their hits like Show Me How and Seven. The energy quickly intensified right after, with Balming Tiger hyping up the crowd throughout their set. Raveena came up next, whose charming and sweet vocals made the audience fall in love like Honey.
Making his comeback in the Philippine stage as well, No Rome was greeted with loud cheers with live versions of Seventeen, The Narcissist, and more. He also shared an upcoming track—the first time performed live, too!
(((o))) mesmerized the Wanderland attendees with a theatrical set—fluid, captivating, and breathtaking. Before the main event, Sunset Rollercoaster gave a taste of their jazz-synth-pop goodness with their well-loved singles My Jinji, Candlelight, Little Balcony, and more.
Ending the night with a bang, Day One headliner Carly Rae Jepsen dazzled the crowd—literally!—in a shiny outfit as she sang the anthems of our youth. Everyone sang along to the likes of Runaway With Me, Call Me Maybe, E•MO•TION, and I Really Like You.
The next day wasn’t short on fun, too—if anything, everyone had just warmed up! Two local acts kicked off Day Two—August Wahh sang her heart-tugging anthems with crwn, while The Ridleys played a heartwarming set of their inspiring hits. Meanwhile, Korean R&B singer-songwriter george was next with comforting and kilig performances of Boat, let’s go picnic, and more.
Local band Flu followed with a slick and soulful set of their songs like Fine Day and Is This The Love That I Need?. Continuing the groovy vibe is Thai indie-pop duo HYBS with a dynamic set, singing their hits like Dancing With My Phone and Rockstar.
Stephen Day took the stage next, serenading the Wanderland crowd with his outstanding musical prowess. Rico Blanco kept up the momentum, showering everyone with nostalgia through the anthems like Antukin, Your Universe, and You’ll Be Safe Here.
FKJ heated up the Wanderland stage further as the multi-instrumentalist wowed the attendees with Tadow, a surprise collaboration stage with (((o))), and more. Dashboard Confessional, who returned to the Philippines, also surprised the crowd with Belle Of The Boulevard, Stolen, Vindicated, among other hits.
Making an impactful finale, Phoenix made the crowd go crazy with a more than an hour long set of their greatest music—everyone sang along to the likes of Lisztomania and 1901.
Throughout the festival, lucky fans also got up close and personal with the artists through a short meet-and-greet, smiles painted all over after as they came face to face with their beloved music idols.
It was indeed a comeback to remember—and we can’t wait for another edition of Wanderland next year.