At UMusic Fanverse 2022, fans become the center of the universe
“It’s giving us main-character energies!”
A few minutes inside the Podium Hall, three music fans go giddy as they learn American singer Jeremy Zucker posted a photo of their companion, James Bryon, in his Instagram story. Zucker captions it “So f*ckin’ cute,” referring to the tee he wore during Zucker’s meet-and-greet the morning prior.
Other attendees also saw the IG story on their phones approached Bryon and congratulated him. This made the day for the freelance graphics artist before exploring all the booths and enjoying the musical performances lined up at UMusic Fanverse 2022’s “Supernova Sunday.”
“I’m a certified sadboi so I love that he has sad and happy songs that I can relate to,” shared Bryon. “He also has that vibe where he’s really friendly. When he had his concert and his meet-and-greet, he just gives time to his fans and makes sure everyone has a great time.”
And the fan moments were not exclusive to international artists. Systems specialist Belle Macasaet only discovered the music of Zack Tabudlo earlier this year at a concert in a posh resort hotel. Despite being a late bloomer, she has been following Tabudlo’s public appearances since then, and for her, UMusic Fanverse 2022 stands out.
"Ito lang ‘yung event na may meet-and-greet talaga and super sulit ‘yung bayad at maraming artists na nandito,” she said while flashing an autographed cover of Tabudlo’s debut album Episode.
Juan Karlos Labajo fan girl Aimee Panganiban likewise woke up early on a Sunday morning to line up early to her idol’s meet-and-greet set at 4:30 pm. “Nandito pa po ako ng 11 am. Sobrang masaya po ako kasi after pandemic po, mayroon po silang event na ganito for fans, lalo na po kay JK,” she said.
UMusic Philippines artists JK Labajo and Zack Tabudlo were also amazed at the “comic-con” style concept of Fanverse.
“It feels amazing, it feels right. It personally gives me happiness kasi I love live performances and I love interacting with the crowd and the audience, and seeing people listen to what I’m saying and singing — Ang saya,” Labajo said.
“This event is very special. People can reenact the scenes in the music field, having these intimate and very personal merchandise and booths where they can take pictures kind of put them in the perspective, in the shoes where we did it. Yeah, it’s an experience for fans,” Tabudlo shared.
Among the experiential booths featured at UMusic Fanverse were Olivia Rodrigo’s Sour Jeepney Ride and Photo Booth, Justin Bieber’s Peaches Groove Booth, the House of AG, Darren’s D Total Experience, Zack Tabudlo’s Giant Episode Album, and Taylor Swift’s cozy Midnights Booth.
Jerald Uy
Attendees could also stan by getting their own snacks from food stalls inspired by UMusic artists. These included Hatdog ni Zack, Juan Karlos’ Pancitan, and Dairy Grind ice cream like Unicorn Fart and Angel Baby, flavors based on popular UMusic and UMG (Universal Music Group) tracks. There was also a pop-up store where exclusive merchandise from posters to shirts was offered to attendees.
Of course, nothing beats live music. The “Supernova Sunday” lineup featured Tabudlo, Labajo, Shanti Dope, Zild, December Avenue, MC Einstein, GABRIEL, Jano, Huhsmile, Over October, and VVS Collective, among others.
About 300 superfans were treated as stars at UMusic Fanverse 2022’s “Supernova Sunday”. UMusic has just reignited their fantastic voyage and the possibilities are endless.
Check out some of the event highlights from The Big Bang Launch of UMusic Fanverse 2022 below.