A natural amphitheater at the foot of Mount Malasimbo aims to bring new life to Puerto Galera.

By Liz Anne Bautista

Everyone is abuzz these days over the island of Puerto Galera, and a two-day Malasimbo festival is the one to blame, or, should we say, thank. Celebrating music, arts, and nature, the festival aims to showcase all three in a natural amphitheater at the foot of Mount Malasimbo, which is overlooking one of the most beautiful bays in the world, Puerto Galera Bay. Also, for every ticket sold, a tree gets planted, which makes the P1300-P2000 fee all worth it (ticket is inclusive of transportation from the town center of Puerto Galera to Malasimbo Festival).

(See Juice's list of arts and culture events.)

The island of Puerto Galera: where the Malasimbo Festival goes down.

The festival venue, a natural amphitheater

Curious, already? Let us help you decide why you should definitely check out this event. Here are some of the activities lined up for February 18-19:

1. Music

The music program will feature live performances of local and international artists in the cool open-air natural amphitheater. Among the headliners include artist and producer DJ Krush from Japan and Korean group Gong Myoung. Aquarela, Caliph8, DJ Complex (Australia), Cynthia Alexander, Kadangyan, Nyko Maca & GAFiEiRA, and Pasta Groove (to name a few) are also set to perform. 

(Heading to Puerto Galera? See a list of beach resorts on the island.)

2. Culture

Art installations and sculptures by the best Filipino artists will be presented in specific spots around the festival area. Among the exhibitors are Agnes Arellano, Billy Bonnevie, Denis Lagdameo, Kawayan de Guia, Vernon Perez, Chitz Ramirez, Dondi & Grace Katigbak, Maïa, and Olivia d'Aboville.  

3. Shopping

A Mangyan village was also recreated to feature the seven tribes. It will remain all year around, even after the festival season, to support indigenous arts, crafts, and livelihood like basketry, ethnic jewelry, cooking, and even poetry writing. And for the bazaaristas, an eco-bazaar will showcase products from Django, Yadu, Tepiña, Mia Casal, and Echostore, as wells as a massage spa service. 

(See a list of restaurants in Puerto Galera.)

How to get to Puerto Galera:

Take a bus to the Batangas City Port. From Batangas City Port, take a banca ferry to Puerto Galera. (P450 two-way+P80 tax). Bancas are available from 7AM to 5PM only, so be sure to be there around that time.

For ticket inquiries, you can email info@malasimbofestival.com or be a fan of the festival on Facebook. 

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