MANILA – Good music, booze, food and brands all go in one melting pot on December 19, Saturday for the return of Rakrakan Festival, to be held at the Globe Circuit Events Ground, Circuit Makati.
First launched in 2013, the all Original Pinoy Music (OPM) festival will have a total of 70 mainstream and indie local musicians to perform across three stages: Mosh, Move, and Groove – in a bid to appeal to a more diverse audience.
Millennials have been in mind in preparing the band line-up, says Harold Solomon, CEO of Rakista Radio, but the appearance of icons such as Wolfgang and Urbandub, the latter’s last gig before being going on hiatus, will attract audiences in their early 30s.
“These are people have spent their college life… growing up listening to songs from these legends. They are so prolific that even teens know them,” Solomon adds.
In addition to OPM, the 12-hour love affair with rock enthusiasts will feature a merchandize bazaar featuring over 50 independent brands such as Evil Genius, D Grave Apparel and Frakenstee an open skate park, a new street art exhibition and band meet-and-greets and free Segway rides.
“Activities set a concert from a true music festival. It should be and experience and not just something you just listen and dance to.” Solomon shared with adobo.
Rakrakan Festival is expecting to welcome over 15,000 people, which has been proven as a remarkably consistent turnout for the organizers since 2013. Solomon owes the numbers to Rakista.com, a online community managed by Rakista Radio for rock fans.
“Things that gets shared there spread so quickly. It’s like they are genuinely helping us promote the event without us asking them or paying them for it. They love Rakrakan and they share what they love.”
It’s not all booze and rock n’ roll, Solomon admits, recalling the arduous task of logistics, security and talent management involved to organize Rakrakan. But so far, the event has managed to avoid the red and reached its business targets for the last three years.
“It’s tough organizing Rakrakan but it is worth it. I like what I do and the positive reception has been great. The fans keep us going,” he adds.
Early-bird tickets are still available at all SM Tickets outlets nationwide for Php 320 and VIPs at Php 1,500 (SM Tickets charges included). Regular tickets are priced at Php 400 on the event date.
