RAKRAKAN Fest 2009

RAKRAKAN FEST 2009: ‘ASTIG ANG ORIG!’

The experimental event concept in 2006 has now become a yearly tradition that is being looked forward to by Filipinos in the UAE. A Filipino rock phenomenon that was born in Dubai has already branched out to its neighboring countries–Qatar and Bahrain—for its off-shore legs. A historical feat which was primarily intended to amuse and entertain rock enthusiasts has now charmed Pinoys of all ages, from the different walks of life.
This December, ABS-CBN Middle East bids adieu to 2009 with a roaring rock music celebration. The most successful and most attended Filipino concert in the whole of Middle East to date is set to explode as four bands rock our world. Experience grand mix of Alternative, Reggae, Heavy Metal and Grunge at the Rakrakan Fest 2009!

CALLALILY—THE YOUNG GUNS
(Kean Cipriano on lead vocals; Aaron Paul Ricafrente on bass guitar; Tatsi Jamnaque on rhythm guitar; Alden Acosta on lead guitar; Lemuel Belaro on drums)
The youngest of the pack picked their unique-sounding name CALLALILY from a rather odd source—their favorite brand of bread. But that distinctive ring to it gave just as fast a recall as their hits. Barely on their 20s when they started in the scene, the five-piece band consisted of talented college studs has already claimed notoriety especially to the younger crowd. Their fresh music that has been widely embraced by the masses includes Stars, Magbalik and Susundan which garnered recognition since their rise to fame in 2006.

ITCHYWORMS—POP ROCK MADE BETTER
(Jazz Nicolas on lead vocals and drums; Jugs Jugueta on lead vocals and guitars; Chino Singson on lead guitar and backing vocals; Kelvin Yu on bass and backing vocals)
Surely you’ve heard the song of a lovelorn guy choosing between his unrequited love and alcohol… Or maybe you’ve sang “Akin Ka Na Lang” yourself to that one person who, at the moment, cannot be yours. You might have been glued on TV during Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition days and heard “Kabataang Pinoy” over and over. No matter how many times you play their music, you just can’t get enough of them. Exceptional vocal harmonies and masterful musicality is what definitely sets ITCHYWORMS apart from their contemporaries.

BROWNMAN REVIVAL—REGGAE FIX
(Dino Concepcion on lead vocals; Dennis Concepcion on drums; Jayson Cuevas on trombone; Amber Abundo on trumpet; Jojo Antinero on saxophone; Januarie Sundiang on percussions; Jao Larion on bass; Alphy Desaville on guitar; Onard Bonavente on keyboards)
Gone were the days when other more senior acts such as their genre conquered the Philippine music charts. Now, listeners don’t have the trouble relating Filipino reggae to BROWNMAN REVIVAL. They’ll certainly make your heart skip a beat or two with their bold and one-of-its-kind renditions of all-time favorite OPMs. Passionate as it is festive, the entourage effectively blends the fusion of reggae and pop sensibilities eagerly accepted by the chill-out loving audience. Their repertoire comprises of Binibini, Maling Akala, Lintik, Under the Reggae Moon and more. Best to get your grooves ready…

WOLFGANG—THE REUNION
(Basti Artadi on lead vocals; Manuel Legarda on guitar; Mon Legaspi on bass guitar; Francis Aquino on drums)
The band’s reunion happened two years ago. However, this year, WOLFGANG will be reuniting with their fans that had missed their groundbreaking live performances since they had gone on hiatus and their followers had embraced the life of an expatriate. With almost 12,000 fans on a social networking site such as Facebook, the band undoubtedly hasn’t lost their fangs. Prepare your grunge mood as you sing along their best hits such as Halik ni Hudas, Natutulog Kong Mundo, Arise and Beast. Welcome the heavy music of their new album, Villain. And experience once again three things: Mosh Pit. Nineties. Wolfgang.

For only AED 85, these four bands will unleash the rocker in you in one night. Be there on December 4, 2009 at the East of Dubai Airport Expo. Gates open at 5PM. Concert starts at 7PM. Dial 800-ABSCBN for more details. Don’t miss the ‘annual Kapamilya reunion’ happening at the RAKRAKAN FEST 2009: ASTIG ANG ORIG!