Last February 18, 2011, Puerto Galera, Mindoro played host to thousands of people who came to celebrate music and art in paradise. The festival experienced excellent acoustics thanks to ECCP President and Malasimbo co-organizer Hubert d’Aboville, who generously provided his property, a natural amphitheatre overlooking the bay of Puerto Galera, which has been recognized since 1979 as a “Human Reserve of Man and Biosphere” (MAP program of UNESCO). The 2011 Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival, held at Mt. Malasimbo, was so successful that it left enthusiasts clamoring for more.
This year, the organizers of the 2012 Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival promise an even better festival. Miro Grgic, the Croatian President of Volume Unit Entertainment, the company behind Malasimbo, believes strongly in one-upping his performance from 2011’s initiative.
“It is so important for us to show how beautiful this country is – the Philippines has become my home since moving here in 2010. In fact, as far as I’m concerned, I am Filipino! We are some of the most talented musicians in the world; it’s time the world knew just how talented.”
As such, Volume Unit Entertainment seeks to provide awareness on the country’s nature conservation through the best format possible – engaging, compelling, ethereal music, featuring both local and international musical acts. In fact, thanks to the success of 2011’s Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival, the Department of Tourism has included Volume Unit Entertainment’s multi-festival initiatives as part of its 2012 eco-cultural tourism plans.
This year, the organizers will improve on the first Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival with more musical and visual artists.
Headlining the entire musical group is 69 year old Joe Bataan, the African-American-Filipino king of Latin soul from New York City. He is also the creator of one of the most prominent disco labels, Salsoul Records, a word and genre coined by the musician himself by combining salsa and soul. One of Bataan’s best albums on Salsoul records was “Afrofilipino.” Although he has never visited the Philippines, the home country of his father, Bataan was always clear on his heritage – he is proud to be Pinoy. This Malasimbo 2012, Bataan will set foot in the country for the first time in his life, and will perform some of his best-beloved songs as a true musical pioneer and a true-blue Filipino.
Bataan is also the father of Asia Nitollano, the winner of the Pussycat Dolls Present: The Search for the Next Doll. Obviously, music runs in this family’s blood, and in March 2012 the country will finally welcome home its prodigal son, and revel in the talent of Joe Bataan, in a first for the country and a first in this musical father’s long life.
Olivia d’Aboville welcomes a new set of visual artists to Malasimbo 2012 including Risa Recio, Agnes Arellano, Billy Bonnevie (who has had long experience dealing with the Mangyans), Niccolo Jose, Nikki Luna and many more. The artists will supplement and complement the natural beauty of Mt. Malasimbo with their gorgeous art installations, providing entertainment for your eyes while you’re serenaded by entertainment for your ears by Joe Bataan and other musical geniuses.
Tickets for the 2012 Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival are now available at Ticketworld. More information is available at www.malasimbofestival.com (PR)
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Mindanaoan is a multi-awarded blogger, content creator, seasoned social media strategist and publicist with undeniably successful track record. 2012 International Visitor Leadership Program (for global leaders) alumnus and O visa grantee (for people with extraordinary skills and who have risen to the top of their field). Avid traveler and a proud relief operations volunteer. Regular resource person for social media, blogging and content creation. Available for work and travel – [email protected]
