The northern Philippine province of Isabela hosted a week-long music festival featuring some of the country’s top artists, culminating in a grand concert led by Ely Buendia, Moonstar88, Maki, and Bea Alonzo.
The festival, part of the annual Bambanti Festival, ran from Jan. 20 to 25 in Ilagan City, celebrating Isabela’s agricultural heritage and the farmers who contribute to its prosperity. The event drew attendees from across the province’s 34 municipalities and three cities.
A series of nightly performances at Queen Isabela Park showcased various musical genres. Highlights included “Acoustic Night” featuring Over October, ShortNoticed Unplugged, and DJ Dom; “Rap Night” with performers kiddotin, Robledo Timido, Dyco, and Halfway Velocity; and a “Battle of the Bands” competition with groups such as Midnight Cravings – Farah, Rivals Of Tomorrow, Bandila, 5id, Myx-Ture, Reverie, Kahidlaw- Maria, and Banyuhay.
Other performances included a second “Acoustic Night” featuring MYMP and Marya Klara, as well as “Ginuman Night” with Nik Makino, Shao Lin, and bands Hale and Cosmic Superstition.
The festival’s final night saw a crowd-rousing performance from Maki, known for his viral hits “Saan?” and “Bakit?” His song “Dilaw” became an audience anthem, with concertgoers singing along. DJ Mayel and Pulse Melody provided support for his set.
Two major musical events were staged at the Isabela Sports Complex toward the festival’s conclusion. “Bambanti Festival 2025: Ang Piyesta ng Bagong Pilipinas!” featured performers Lara Maigue, Gian Magdangal, and local talent Ralph Angelo Babaran, grand champion of Isabela Got Talent 2025. The Whiplash Dance Company also took the stage.
The Isabela Grand Concert Party, the festival’s most anticipated event, featured Moonstar88, actress Bea Alonzo, and Ely Buendia. Moonstar88, with lead vocalist Maysh Baay, performed hits including “Migraine,” “Torete,” and “Panalangin.”
Alonzo, known for her acting career, delivered a set that included Miley Cyrus’ “Flowers,” Sitti’s “Para Sa Akin,” and the “One More Chance” theme song “I’ll Never Go.”
Buendia, fresh from his November 2024 concert at The Capital Arena, closed the night with classic hits such as “Pare Ko,” “Spoliarium,” “Maling Akala,” “Ligaya,” and “With a Smile.” He ended with “Huling El Bimbo,” a song that had the crowd singing along.
A grand fireworks display concluded the festival, which organizers described as Isabela’s largest music event to date.