It’s been a month already but I still can’t move on from this year’s Rakrakan Festival. Once again, Rakista Radio and REC made another mark to OPM history as they successfully hosted this year’s Rakrakan Festival with the theme “Pinoy Muna”.
The event was held last February 24, 2018 at Aseana City Concert Grounds which featured diverse OPM selection, more various stages and a lot of new activities. There are 121+ OPM artists, 6 Stages, a skateboarding exhibition and competition, BMX and Fixie Competition and Exhibition, an Inter-Collegiate Live Art Competition joined by top Universities in the Metro and nearby provinces, 70 local merchandise exhibit and many other thrilling activities.
Rakistas patiently lined up to enter the venue as gates opened after lunch under the scorching sun. Some came all the way from far provinces all over the country to experience this one historical event. Rakistas from all walks of life were gathered to witness the fun and excitement Rakrakan Festival has to offer. From students, professionals and even parents (how cool is that) who were very supportive with their Rakista offspring.
This is my second time attending Rakrakan and compared to last year, this year is definitely bigger, louder and bolder. One day is not enough for a humongous festival like this. If only we can split ourselves to fully experience all the stages and activities, believe me, we already did!
Here are the stages and bands who performed during the festival:
MOVE STAGE
December Avenue, Ben&Ben, Orange&Lemons, Hale, Moonstar88, 6cyclemind, Join The Club, Banda ni Kleggy, Gracenote, Soapdish, Agsunta, Stellar, Pedicab, Imago, Typecast, Maryzark, Drive Me To Juliet, Clara Benin, Tanya Markova, Bob
MOSH STAGE
Slapshock, Franco, Mayonnaise, Dicta License, Happy Three Friends, Siakol, Wilabaliw, Chicosci, Razorback, Kjwan, Basti Artadi, Now You Make Me Angry, Hilera, Faspitch, Even, Philia, Saydie, 123Pikit, Reborn, Fherrond
TROPA CENTER STAGE
Ely Buendia, Gloc 9, Side A, Freestyle, Spongecola, Urbandub, Silent Sanctuary, South Border, Itchyworms, Rocksteddy, Loonie, Ron Henley, Save Me Hollywood, Barbie Almalbis, Dello, Smuglaz, Curse One, Flict G, Dash Calzado, Migz Haleco, Eloise Jayloni, Absolute Play
INDIE STAGE
Autotelic, Leanne and Naara, IV of Spades, She’s Only Sixteen, Brisom, Over October, Lions & Acrobat, Better Days, Dhruva Tara, Taken By Cars, Tom’s Story, Monolog, About Radio, Cables & Space, Ciudad, BennyBunnyBand, The Late Isabel, Lunar Lights, Manila Under Fire
SLAM STAGE
Valley of Chrome, Skychurch, Sirens, The Youth, Philippine Violators, The Wuds, Gin Rhum & Truth, Run By Nine, Piledriver, Embercore, Vie, Badburn, Mr. Bones & the Boneyard Circus, Woopis, Talata, Snakefight, Shotgun Combo, Subculture, Bonifacio Republic, Days of January
GROOVE STAGE
Brownman Revival, Lion & The Scouts, Kokoi Baldo & Juan Gapang, On The Spot, The Chongkeys, Engkanto, Collie Herb, The Joyrides, The Buzzer Beater, We Got Herb, Coffee Break Island, VLTR, Green Leafy Vegetables, Jah Dela Cruz, Mike Swift & Miko Swabe, Sagip Adik Foundation, Plan of Fools, Reklamo, Blue Jean Junkies, Adinkra Lumads Djembe Community
As mentioned, there are a lots of activities that Rakistas participated and we really felt the support and appreciation of everyone. From buying local merchandise, art appreciation and joining extreme activities, everyone gave their best shot and support for fellow Rakistas.
Of course the highlight of the event were the OPM artists who performed and mingled with OPM fans. From legends to new and aspiring indie artists, everyone celebrated OPM’s greatness.
The crowd favorites were IV of Spades, Ely Buendia, Slapshock, Brownman Revival, Franco, Mayonnaise and Dicta License to name a few.
For me, the highlight of the event was when Slapshock performed at the Mosh Stage (with some special “fire” effects). The crowd went really wild as they slam and groove to Slapshock’s songs. I literally feared for my life on this set.
Here are some of the snaps we had:
Rakrakan Festival 2018: Pinoy Muna! was truly one successful event and a day to remember. I am looking forward to another event like this in the coming years so the next generation may also experience the greatness of OPM. Long Live Rakistas and OPM, we hope to see you all again next year!
Images Courtesy of Lomograpika Design Studio and Pinoy Secret Files
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