March 9, 2016 Update: MALASIMBOOO! Transformative Music, Art & Magic @MalasimboFest 2016
Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival, an international event set within the tropical gardens of Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines. Situated at the foot of Mt. Malasimbo where the grass-terraced amphitheater overlooks one of the most beautiful bays in the world. This year’s festivities include The Malasimbo Music & Arts Festival on March 6-8 and The Malasimbo Lights & Dance Festival on March 13-15.
People from over 30 countries come to learn and experience first-hand indigenous cultures through arts and music.
Checkout our video and find out what Malasimbo is all about!
MALASIMBO 2016 Series:
– Malasimbo: A Backstage Pass To The Beautiful Mindoro Island! @MalasimboFest 2016
– MALASIMBOOO! Transformative Music, Art & Magic @MalasimboFest 2016
– Malasimbo Music & Arts Festival: What to expect @MalasimboFest 2016?
The hike to the grass-terraced amphitheater was a bit of a challenge…
For those who have a 3-Day pass, you can camp on the mountain for free.
Don’t forget to visit the demo Mangyan village near the Dabu Stage.
There are 7 Mangyan Tribes in Mindoro. Each tribe features a permanent demo Mangyan life-size houses representing their rich culture and beautiful crafts.
For a quick snack, try the herbed kesong puti pandesal for Php 70. It’s carabao cheese, olive oil and herbs. Though quite pricey for a pandesal sandwich.
You can also take it home for Php 200.
And for their best seller the dabo-dobo, which probably got it’s name from the Dabo tribe of Mangyan, the local tribes of Mindoro. It’s chicken adobo with mushroom and garlic chips for Php 150.
It’s quite pricey for the small serving, but worth the try.
Be sure to arrive early and explore the open door museum. The grounds have been beautifully blessed with the works of talented contemporary artists mostly local artist but attracting foreign artists as well.
Ling Quisumbing Ramilo created the dreamy Everywhere There You Are, strips of orange floating in the wind.
Agnes Arellano created the avatar, one of four sculptures displayed in the event.
You can even witness performance art every 6 pm at the bonfire area.
The Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival would not be complete without it’s awesome line-up of performers.
The most anticipated is Ky-Mani Marley, the son of Bob Marley.
The stalls in the festival don’t accept cash; In exchange for your ticket each person will receives an RFID-enabled bracelet, which is also conveniently used to store cash points.
Overall we loved Malasimbo, we learned the festival wasn’t only about the music & arts, but it was most importantly awareness of the Mangyan cultures and preservation of our environment. The experience of Malasimbo for the traveling artist is a must. The trip was fun with a lot of friendly faces and foreigners. For those on a budget it’s best to eat first at White Beach as the food, drinks and transportation at the event area is x3 the price. The area is kid-friendly but I don’t recommend because of the logistics.
MALASIMBO MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL
Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro
Festival Date: March 6-8 (Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival) and March 13-15 (Malasimbo Lights and Dance Festival)
Email: info@malasimbofestival.com
Website: www.malasimbo.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Malasimbofestival
How to Get to Malasimbo: From Manila –> Take SLEX-STAR Tollway-Batangas Port (60-90 mins) –> Ride a boat from Batangas to White Beach (60-75 mins) –> Take a Jeep shuttle up to Mt. Malasimbo. (15 min)
Toll Fees (one way)- Php 306
Batangas Port Parking (per day)- Php150
Public Ferry (one way)- Php 250-280
Environmental Fee- Php 50
Municipality Fee: Php 10
Jeep to Malasimbo (roundtrip)- Php 200-300
Don’t expect much on the Food by the beach as it’s your typical Filipino fare dishes. We were recommended to try Foodtrip and Natividad along White Beach, that’s value for your money with unlimited rice!
We stayed at a hotel that’s a bit pricier than those in front of White Beach. But the plus side it’s secluded, they have transport shuttles to the beach, friendly staffs, amenities and WiFi.
What to bring in Malasimbo:
1. Bring comfortable shoes or slippers.
2. Bring a picnic cloth
3. Jacket as it gets cold at night
4. Sunscreen
5. Cash
6. Great company
7. Camera
8. Waterproof bag
9. Your signature Malasimbo look
10. An open mind
We wished we had time to explore the beaches and waterfalls, we’ll definitely be back to Puerto Galera for more adventures to come!
MALASIMBO 2016 Series:
– Malasimbo: A Backstage Pass To The Beautiful Mindoro Island! @MalasimboFest 2016
– MALASIMBOOO! Transformative Music, Art & Magic @MalasimboFest 2016
– Malasimbo Music & Arts Festival: What to expect @MalasimboFest 2016?