Tacloban City—A two-day benefit music and arts festival of is seen to revive the economic growth of Leyte creative industries and rural artisans five years after Super Typhoon “Yolanda.”
Dubbed as “For the Love of Leyte”, the festival will feature an immersive program of music, arts and cultural workshop with two music stages, art grounds and on-site camping at the Farm at Ginsiyaman in San Miguel, Leyte on November 30 to December 1.
“At its core, the festival will champion sustainable tourism and development. It will re-introduce tourists to post-Yolanda Leyte, and will hopefully attract new supporters and advocates of Leyte creative industries. All proceeds of the festival will be channeled to the rebuilding of the Leyte arts, culture and tourism sector,” said Kay Palisoc, organizer of the event.
Palisoc added that all festival attendees are promised of a “one-of-a-kind musical experience and a glimpse of Leyte creative talent and the rich stories behind their craft.”
At least 27 bands from international, Original Pilipino Music (OPM), and Waray artists will play during the concert.
The musical lineup includes Ben & Ben, Kiko Bun (U.K), Bullet Dumas, The Itchyworms, Babani Records (Mauritius), Reese Lansangan, Ang Bandang Shirley, Hernandez Brothers, Conscious & The Goodness, La Loba Negra, Free the Robots (U.S.), Irie Sunday, Lunas, Rob Mananquil, Tom’s Story, The 76 Receipts, KulaHig, LSR, Aurora, Maroon & Gold, Lady Suzette, Succubus, KRNK, Specs, The Guerillas, Digital Danboi (U.K), Bruder, and Tom Turner, among others.
“The festival is intended not only to showcase the talent and creativity of Leytenos to tourists and attendees but also to inspire and upskill Leyte artisans through learning from and collaborating with social entrepreneurs,” said Palisoc.
The artist and exhibitors are Lolo Bobby Handicraft, My Souvenir De Basey, Eva Maries Arts and Craft, Upward Baybay, Kamay Ni Nanay, Mama Roots (Laguna), Mark Tamayo, Wang Yu Sajorda, and Abre Linea.
Workshops and activities during the event include tikog hand weaving, tuba painting, pottery, film screening, sugba and utan cooking, buri embroidery, open mic sessions, camping and bonfire, sketching, and portraiture.
“Intended to be an annual gathering to celebrate and sustain creative talent in the region, ‘For the Love of Leyte’ will harness the strength and resilience of Leytenos through tourism and livelihood opportunities.
“It aims to kick-start long-term initiatives with the festival and for the years to come,” Palisoc added.
According to Palisoc, all goods and services during the festival will be provided locally to empower the businessmen in the province.