Filipino music icon Joey Ayala rocked the second Kalonbarak Summer Music and Mountain Adventure (Kasumma) Festival held recently at the Kalonbarak Skyline Ridge, a public eco-park and campsite situated at 720 meters above sea level in Malungon, Sarangani.
The multi-awarded neo-ethnic songwriter performed his well-loved hits “Magkaugnay”, “Tabi Po”, “Karaniwang Tao”, “Maglakad” and “Agila” and other folk rock hits, with his famed Bagong Lumad band composed of Onue Badiang (bass), Mlou Matute and Tapati Itapat (vocals and percussion), and Chong Tengasantos (drums).
Ayala also facilitated a day-long workshop in enhancing musical styles combining Filipino ethnic instruments with popular music.
The mountaintop concert is part of the Music in the Sky, the core event of Kasumma Festival, a community event geared towards live performances featuring different music genres, with emphasis on the music of the indigenous peoples of Sarangani, notably the Blaan, Tboli and Tagkaolo tribes.
After the workshop, five local groups performed in the recitals—Kagten Blaan, San Fule Band, Lake Sebu Performing Arts, Sining Kalilintad, and Kaluba Band.
According to the prized recording artist, the festivity was an eye- and ear-opening experience for him. He said it was a relief to see young people performing generations-old styles in a stunning natural setting which overlooks the rolling hills, seas and plains of southern Mindanao.
Kasumma Festival was incepted last year by the Municipal Government of Malungon, to showcase its nature, culture and adventure destinations.
The three-day festivity is supported by the Province of Sarangani, and the Department of Tourism-Region 12.