Farewell, Rakrakan Festival: A Decade of Music, Memories, and Mosh Pits
Written by Chanella Claire Serrano, researched by Eunice Mamacud, with reel editing by Arianne Briones and Kimberly Louise Valle
Anticipation hung in the air as music enthusiasts from all over the country gathered to witness the grand finale of an era, The Last Rakrakan Festival 2023. This iconic music celebration, which had now become a staple in the local music scene, bid its farewell with a bang on November 25 and 26, 2023 at SMDC Festival Grounds, Parañaque City, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of fans and artists alike.
For the past ten years, the festival has been a go-to event for people to enjoy music, support the artists they love, or discover some new ones. The festival featured the best of the local rock and alternative scene, and emerging indie bands to renowned legends. To ensure that the event encapsulated the essence of the festival’s decade-long journey, The Last Rakrakan Festival featured a lineup that spanned the spectrum of musical genres. The festival gave stage to beloved local bands to iconic stars during its 2 day event; foreign bands and artists were also invited. The 3 major stages (Peace, Love, and Mosh Stage) were set to bid a fitting adieu to the festival that had grown to symbolize the people’s mutual love for music.
Some memorable moments of The Last Rakrakan Festival were the performances of Rico Blanco who headlined the first day of the festival and Ely Buendia who took on the second day. There were quite a few tribute performances that paid homage to the festival’s legacy. Bands and artists that had graced the stage previously, returned to perform special sets, creating an atmosphere of nostalgia. The festival’s organizers curated an experience that celebrated musical diversity and the unifying power of music. As the sun set and the music grew louder, a palpable feeling enveloped the crowd who roared in harmony with their beloved artists.
But beyond just enjoying the music, The Last Rakrakan Festival also featured a variety of activities for fans to enjoy during the festival, such as Cosplay Competition, Skateboarding, Bumper to Bumper Car Shows, Merch and Food Bazaar, and more. From visual arts to immersive installations, festival goers were invited to explore the creative side of the festival and interact with the vibrant community that had been a consistent presence at Rakrakan events.
As the curtain closed on The Last Rakrakan Festival, emotions ran high both on and off the stage. Artists expressed their gratitude for the platform the festival had provided and shared anecdotes of the memories created over the years. Fans and artists also posted on social media to reminisce about their favorite moments, creating a virtual wave of appreciation that echoed the sentiment of this bittersweet end. The legacy of Rakrakan Festival will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of fans and artists for many years to come.
CLTV36 is proud to be one of the official media partners of Rakrakan Festival 2023.