Thousands of fans flocked to Legazpi City for the second annual Bicol Music Festival, held at the old airport grounds. Presented by the Tourism Promotions Board, the Department of Tourism, and Live Nation Philippines, the event aimed to promote DOT’s “Love The Philippines” campaign. This year, P-Pop Kings SB19 — fresh off their successful “Simula at Wakas” kick-off shows at the Philippine Arena — headlined the festival.

Under a sunny Legazpi sky, attendees enjoyed a variety of activities including a car drifting show, skydiving, aerobatic performances, and a vibrant hot air balloon display.

The musical festivities kicked off with a special performance by indie Bicolano singer Fred Engay, who performed “Mari Na Sa Bicol,” the official theme song of the Bicol Loco Festival. Another talented Bicolano artist, Dwta and her band, captivated the crowd with hits like “Padaba Taka,” “Sampung Mga Daliri,” and “Pauwi Na ‘Ko (Dito Ka Na Lang).”

Next up were two Korean “oppas,” Kim Won Shik making his Bicol Music Festival debut, and the returning Kim Ji Soo, both of whom delighted fans with a mini-fan meet.

The energy surged as hitmaker Earl Agustin serenaded the packed crowd with his chart-topping songs, including “Dalangin,” “Dito Sa’kin,” “Pag-ibig ng Ikaw at Ako,” and “Tibok.”

The excitement was palpable when SB19 took the stage. The Kings of P-Pop opened their set with an electrifying performance of “DAM,” then treated fans to songs from their “Simula At Wakas” EP, such as “Quit,” “Time,” “8TONBALL,” and “DUNGKA.” SB19 shared that their performance at the Bicol Music Festival was their second time in the region, having previously brought their “Get in the Zone Nationwide Tour” there in 2020. Meanwhile, a special moment unfolded as Stell received surprise birthday greetings from his team and the adoring fans. The crowd favorite “MAPA” also echoed through the venue. Though “Dungka” was the planned finale, enthusiastic demands from the fans brought SB19 back for an explosive performance of the world-famous “Gento,” perfectly capping off an unforgettable night. I think this has been one of their most exceptional festival performances, fueled by an incredibly high-energy crowd and the clear delight the members found in gracing the stage as a group once more.

We got a chance to interview with SB19 after their set:

“Can you share how the “Simula at Wakas” era has personally affected you both as artists and as individuals?”

Pablo: “Parang kasi po for Simula at Wakas, naging very ambitious kami pero siguro hindi siya dun tumitigil lang. So in the future releases na gagawin namin, siguro better yung mas maaga pang preparation para mapaghandaan pa namin yung gusto naming mangyari kasi medyo mahirap na siguro higitan yung sinagad na namin. So probably more innovation sa team namin yan bigger and grander stages.”

Josh: “We actually learned siguro matutunan namin mas magtake ng risk for this one para iniisip namin, YOLO na. Sige gagawin na namin yung mga dreams namin gawin for SB19. Doesn’t matter kung ano yung kapalit basta try namin or hindi. Pero mas naging ganun po and siguro dahil galing po kami last year sa mga solo works namin marami po kaming natutunan na naapply namin sa group.”

WATCH FULL INTERVIEW HERE

The second annual Bicol Music Festival wasn’t just a collection of performances; it was a vibrant tapestry of shared moments, local pride, and unforgettable memories. It truly highlighted Legazpi City as a must-visit destination, proving that when music and community come together, something truly special happens.

Words by Kevin Pableo
Photos from Live Nation Philippines
Special thanks to the Tourism Promotion Board Philippines, Department of Tourism Philippines, and Live Nation Philippines.