MUSIC FESTIVALS: How The Philippines Has Stepped Up Its Game

"It's More Fun In The Philippines", they say. For the longest time I wasn't sure if I agreed with that statement. Sure, our country has many beautiful destinations, but when thinking about the word 'fun' in terms of parties, concerts, and social happenings, I was still a bit skeptical.

Recent events have forced me to reconsider my mindset, though. I've been particularly impressed with the concert scene here and how Manila has been able to book international bands such as Imagine Dragons, Bastille, and The 1975 for full-length shows.

Nowadays, perhaps the most popular happenings in foreign countries are the renowned music festivals -- Coachella in California, T in the Park in Scotland, Summer Sonic in Japan, the list goes on!

Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival

Indeed, I used to wish I was living back abroad just so I could attend these prestigious festivals. However, I noticed that the Philippines has become increasingly competitive as of late when it comes to organizing music events.

With the emergence of festivals such as Wanderland (which bears more than just a little resemblance to the now-mainstream Coachella), I've got to admit that our country is stepping up its game when it comes to providing us with quality entertainment.

With that being said, the main reason why I love the music festival scene here in Manila is because it makes me feel like I'm in a foreign country. If you attended the Wanderland festival last Saturday, then you'd know what I mean. Rocking out to live bands, mingling with and meeting new people who share the same interests as you, playing games at the various booths available, and seeing everyone dressed in their boho chic best . . . You almost felt like you were at Coachella and that Paris Hilton was somewhere near you taking selfies on a statue of a horse.

My indie soul has been satisfied because of Wanderland and soon enough, the party animal in me will be too, what with DreamFields drawing ever so near. The only thing I'm wishing for is an awesome EDM festival like the ones they have in Europe.

The Philippines has been lacking in terms of creating EDM events such as Pacha in the Netherlands and Parklife in the UK. Though relaxing with fellow hipsters at Wanderland is all well and good, there are times when I just want to get lost in a sea of gyrating bodies, blinded by the pulsing lights as I drown myself in electronic beats.

Many of my friends in Thailand have gone to European cities like Amsterdam for the sole purpose of attending an EDM festival and I've been told that there's nothing quite like it. Sadly, when I went to Amsterdam I was just 7 years old and unfortunately still too young to care about, let alone go to, music festivals. Now, however, I'm old enough and eager to go.

Though I don't think I'll be going back to Europe anytime soon (I'll save the travelling for after I graduate), I'm excited because I've been hearing talk about Anotherland -- an EDM music fest to be held in the South of Manila -- and it sounds extremely promising! Indeed, I have no doubts that it will meet my high standards if the other festivals here in Manila are anything to go by. Anotherland is an event created by Axell Entertainment and will be held on May 29. Will I see you there? I hope so!