The first Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival was staged in 2011, with 1,500 attendees. Last year, there were 4,500. What’s so special about this music festival staged on an island? Plenty, if you ask Miro Grgic who, together with fashion designer Olivia d’Aboville, are the organizers of this event that not only promises good tunes but also great art, and for good karma, philantrophy and giving back to nature. Coconuts Manila chats with Grgic ahead of the 4th Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival next month.
What first brought you to Manila?
My Filipino best friends invited me in 2004 on a holiday. I came back every year after that.
How have you — and our city — changed since?
Technology has changed everything. The city is evolving. Music and festival industry are doing well. I keep learning and growing with it. Technology has allowed us to promote that which we are passionate about at very little to no cost.
You are originally from Australia, home to Laneway Festival. Ever been?
I was born and raised in Croatia. I moved to Australia in 1994 when I was 15, where I studied to become a sound engineer and manager. I’ve not attended Laneway. I have attended and worked at many other festivals in Australia, namely Big Day Out, Falls Festival, Livid, Homebake and many others.
Is Malasimbo inspired by music festivals like Laneway?
Not at all. Malasimbo is inspired by the Philippines. It is now on its 4th year. Its a festival unique to the Philippines, its arts and culture.
The unique thing about Malasimbo is that it is not limited to music — it also has visual arts in the lineup. How do people interact with the installations?
There are many unique things about Malasimbo, not just music and arts. We have a great social responsibility element that pays tribute to the protection of the environment as well as social and community development. Each individual responds differently to art installations. I am most often at front of house doing sound, so U don’t get too see much of it. But it is photographed heavily and some people like to get in amongst it and draw inspiration from it.
And, of course, you give back to the community. You have supported reforestation the past festivals, what are you doing this year?
Marine protection, working with Illac Diaz on his Litter of Light project, promoting indigenous culture and dedicating our Monday program to local music, paying tribute to Puerto Galera and Mindoro Island. The festival’s foundation, d’Aboville Foundation is also working on the protection of Tamaraw Bull, native to Mindoro, which is heading for extinction.
Who are the “don’t miss” performances this year?
They are all not to be missed!!! Roy Ayers & Lonnie Liston Smith, Jose Gonzalez, Robert Glasper, Jordan Rakei, Mad Professor, Omar, Osunlade, Mark de Clive-Lowe, June Marieezy, Low Leaf!!!
Is music really a universal language?
I cannot speak for the rest. For me, music is my life.
Can music really heal the world?
It heals me. Whether or not it can heel the greed running this world mad, I really don’t know.
How many tickets were sold in 2013?
Around 4,500 (some were 1-day, 2-day or 3-day passes)
Finally, how sustainable is Malasimbo?
It is sustainable because we have no plans of stopping doing something that we love.
Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival runs from Feb 27 to Mar 3 in Puerto Galera. Cost of tickets range from PHP500 to PHP6,600. Visit www.malasimbofestival.com for more information.
This story first appeared in Coconuts Manila.
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Lou Albano says
Jordan Rakei!!!