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Recap: Welcome to the Wanderland jungle

Joko Magalong

<p>When I looked down into the spiffy festival map of this year’s Wanderland Music and Arts Festival, the song “Welcome to the Jungle” by Guns ‘n Roses played in my head. </p><p>Besides showing my age, that song seems apt as the fifth installment of this festival is jungle-themed, and the first three lines of that song are all in the festival anyway. </p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2017/life/03/09/wanderland-1.jpg"/><figcaption><div class="embed-desc">Live art installations add to the festive atmosphere. <cite>Photo by author</cite></div></figcaption></figure></div><p>“We’ve got fun ‘n’ games,” Axl croons in my head, and in Wanderland that translates to a 50-foot Tiger Wall to conquer, and a Safari Art Market full of fun things to do like painting twigs (more fun to do than it sounds), face and body painting, postcard making and sending, and even making your own Wander Crown, just in case you’ve forgotten your flower crown at home, of course. </p><p>You’ve also got mainstays to the Wanderland experience like jungle-themed-carnival games (‘The Human Deer Toss,” “Animal Knockdown’ or “Feed the Monkey”), as well as live art installations. </p><p>“We’ve got everything you want,” says the third line in the GNR song, and this festival’s new venue, Filinvest City Event Grounds, has the breadth just to do that. </p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2017/life/03/09/wanderland-2.jpg"/><figcaption><div class="embed-desc">The Jungle Jam pavilion with the Tiger Wall at the background <cite>Photo by author</cite></div></figcaption></figure></div><p>For example, there’s a Jungle Jam pavilion where festival-goers experienced a bit of the jungle beat with drum sessions and ukulele jams. A giant augmented-reality LED wall, meanwhile, delivered a lot of laughs to Wanderers, giving them an interactive experience by putting them right “in the jungle.” </p><p>And just because, there were song lyrics from the performing bands up in neon lights, providing a colorful and striking backdrop where one could Instagram their attendance. </p><p>That said, while last year was a jam-packed humid affair, this year, the roomy new venue, despite the thicker crowd, and the cool weather made this a more enjoyable romp all in all. </p><div><strong>WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE</strong> </div><p>We leave the GnR stylings in my brain and move on to more millennial musical pursuits, which is what this festival showcases. <br/>Each year, Wanderland gets bigger and bigger. This year sprouted another stage. From two, we now had three stages -- the Wanderland Main Stage, the Globe Stage, both found in one side of the venue, and at the back was the Jungle Stage. </p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2017/life/03/09/wanderland-3.jpg"/><figcaption><div class="embed-desc">The Wanderland crowd. <cite>Photo by author</cite></div></figcaption></figure></div><p>Before we get into the music, let’s get the elephant in this jungle-festival-room out of the way. </p><p>The night before, and the morning of the festival was beset with torrential rains. Word was that the backstage was flooded, and equipment got wet. Soundchecks were not fun, and the rain caused delays in the full program, resulting in the festival ending at 3 a.m. instead of the scheduled 1 a.m. </p><p>And yes, sound was an issue in certain performances, most notable in Lany’s performance where one could hear feedback and speakers cracking. Another thing one noticed also was the slow set-up for most bands, especially in the Wanderland stage (which was hit with the backstage flash flood). </p><p>Despite all these, all the performers delivered and the crowd seemed to love each and every set, and even more, the artists showed appreciation to the crew’s determination to get (and keep) the show underway with Katie White of the Ting tings even taking a moment in their set to thank their local and international crew for their efforts. </p><p>Now, onto the music. </p><div><strong>LOCAL POWER</strong></div><p>One of the winners of the Wanderband 2017 contest, Lola Amour, performed first in the Globe stage. Pio Dumayas’ clear vocals in songs like “No Tomorrow” with the band’s mix of easy-meets-danceable tunes made for a chill start to the festivities. </p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2017/life/03/09/wanderland-4.jpg"/><figcaption><div class="embed-desc">Gab Alipe and John Dinopol from Urbandub. <cite>Photo by Jeeves de Veyra</cite></div></figcaption></figure></div><p>Next up was Mickey Sulit, another Wanderband winner. Jazzy tunes, smooth vocals combined with piano keys and interesting percussion riffs won this Australian-based singer-songwriter new fans in the audience. </p><p>Math Rock is something that we’ve seen before in the festival, and this year, it comes with poetic lyrics and a vocalist named Isabelle Rodriguez, who had a cool, crooning voice, which the group juxtaposed with unpredictable chords and melodies. </p><p>Banna Herbera rounded up the Wanderband 2017 trio of winners, gracing early Wanderers with funk and soul carried by Yzabel Torres’ remarkable vocals. </p><p>From indie up-and-comers, we go to OPM greats. This year’s Wanderland welcomed back Up Dharma Down, with Armi Millare and company playing with their characteristic cool as the crowd sang favorites like &quot;Oo&quot; and &quot;Sana.&quot; </p><p>Gab Alipe and John Dinopol from Urbandub both looked comfortable performing at the Jungle Stage. Acoustic Urbandub hits like &quot;A New Tattoo,&quot; &quot;Evidence&quot; and &quot;The Fight is Over,&quot; among others matched the relaxed vibes of the afternoon. </p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2017/life/03/09/wanderland-5.jpg"/><figcaption><div class="embed-desc">Reese Lansangan. <cite>Photo by Jeeves de Veyra</cite></div></figcaption></figure></div><p>Almost right after, Reese Lansangan played at the other end of the field at the Globe Stage. In pigtails and colored glasses, the acoustic artist sang her songs like the playful &quot;Grammar Nazi&quot; and the heartfelt &quot;For the Fickle/Steady Love&quot; to an appreciative crowd. </p><p>As the last OPM act of the night, performing after Lany, and with a set overlapping that of Woodlock’s, Tom’s Story drew a crowd. A testament to the quality of their instrumental rock stylings, the band provided a seamless foil to transition to the windy evening. </p><p>LANY</p><p>There’s just something very sexy about Lany’s whole set. Dreamy vocals provided by the equally dreamy Paul Klein, combined with their brand of soothing, calming, and at times, very danceable rock music with some &#x27;80s hints, and a lot of beach vibes, made for one of my favorite performances of the night. (Yes, despite the technical difficulties.)</p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2017/life/03/09/wanderland-6.jpg"/><figcaption><div class="embed-desc">Lany. <cite>Photo by Jeeves de Veyra</cite></div></figcaption></figure></div><p>Their whole set was a balanced mix of fast songs like &quot;Pink Skies,&quot; and more dramatic and slow songs like &quot;Someone Else.&quot; </p><p>Looking surprised at how the Manila crowd was singing almost every single lyric to their songs, and the fact that the audience seemed to be taking the technical difficulties in stride, Klein told the audience, “This is the biggest crowd we’ve ever played to,” which had the crowd going wild. </p><p>Lany ended their set with &quot;ILYSB&quot; which the audience passionately sang to. “That I&#x27;m hella obsessed with your face,” line was especially loud, the throng expressing their love for the band. </p><p>“I think we’re going to come back a lot,” Klein promised, and fans will wait with baited breath. </p><div><strong>WOODLOCK </strong></div><p>Woodlock was all about comforting vocals, and pop-folk sensibilities. <br/>The Aussie trio had the crowd jamming to their acoustic set featuring songs like &quot;Lemons&quot; and &quot;Forever Ago.&quot; Bowen Purcell (drums) performed standing up, adding an energetic (and fun to watch) element to an otherwise laidback performance. </p><div><strong>YUNA</strong></div><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2017/life/03/09/wanderland-7.jpg"/><figcaption><div class="embed-desc">Yuna. <cite>Photo by Jeeves de Veyra</cite></div></figcaption></figure></div><p>This Malaysian artist is no stranger to the festival scene, having performed previously in Lollapalooza (2012) and is set to appear in two other international festivals in 2017. </p><p>In Wanderland, Yuna sang with vocals that at times reminded me of Norah Jones, and in other instances, had the power of Adele’s range. She also hits that area of “soulfulness” similar to Alicia Keys’ as well.</p><p>Touted worldwide as an R&amp;B phenom in the making, she took the Wanderland stage with confidence, and delivered songs to fans like &quot;Used to Love You,&quot; &quot;Time&quot; and &quot;Crush,&quot; ending with highly danceable Pharell-Williams-produced song, &quot;Live Your Life.&quot; </p><div><strong>HONNE</strong></div><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2017/life/03/09/wanderland-8.jpg"/><figcaption><div class="embed-desc">Honne. <cite>Photo by Jeeves de Veyra</cite></div></figcaption></figure></div><p>Honne had an energetic set in the Globe stage. Groovy and soulful music -- anchored by Andy Clutterbuck’s bluesy vocals -- Honne, the English electro-soul duo (with James Hatcher) regaled the crowd with songs like &quot;Treat You Right,&quot; &quot;All in the Value,&quot; as well as the sing-along extravaganza that was &quot;Good Together,&quot; among others. </p><p>“It’s our first gig of 2017, and what a way to start with you guys!” exclaimed Clutterbuck. </p><p>Honne ended its set with &quot;Warm on a Cold Night&quot; which had Clutterbuck asking the crowd to sing along with him (the crowd more than obliged, of course). He also went down the stage at the end, to the frantic delight of the audience, especially the lucky few in front. </p><div><strong>EXPLOSIONS IN THE SKY</strong></div><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2017/life/03/09/wanderland-9.jpg"/><figcaption><div class="embed-desc">Explosions in the Sky. <cite>Photo by Jeeves de Veyra</cite></div></figcaption></figure></div><p>Instrumental rock band Explosions in the Sky brought a different vibe to the Wanderland stage at the later part of the evening. <br/>Their band is aptly named, starting with a few quiet notes, gradually building up to explosive crescendos of sound, catching you unaware at times with its intensity, then it all goes back down to an almost careful silence. At one point, this author was imagining fireworks at certain parts of their music. </p><p>Explosions in the Sky didn’t need lyrics to be powerful and evocative, and to be one of my favorite acts of the night. </p><div><strong>PURITY RING </strong></div><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2017/life/03/09/wanderland-10.jpg"/><figcaption><div class="embed-desc">Purity Ring. <cite>Photo by Jeeves de Veyra</cite></div></figcaption></figure></div><p>This Canadian duo had the audience madly dancing to their songs which heavily featured synths helmed by Corin Roddick. Surrounded by crystal lights that flickered to every beat and press of Roddick’s kit, their show was combination light and acrobatic show with vocalist Megan James nimbly leaping onto risers and speakers. </p><p>James’ voice had an almost childlike nuance to it, adding a haunting element to each song, almost transforming their set into psychedelic synth pop. Some songs performed by Purity Ring include &quot;Fineshrine,&quot; &quot;Heartsigh,&quot; and &quot;Push Pull.&quot;<br/> <br/><strong>THE TING TINGS</strong></p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2017/life/03/09/wanderland-11.jpg"/><figcaption><div class="embed-desc">The Ting Tings. <cite>Photo by Jeeves de Veyra</cite></div></figcaption></figure></div><p>Starting off things by saying, “You have to all dance!” with authority was exactly how Katie White started their set. And who could not help but do so with the Ting Ting’s cachet of danceable indie pop gold? </p><p>From the opening guitar riffs of their first hit, &quot;Great DJ,&quot; to the hard-hitting guitars of the Beastie Boys-inspired &quot;Hang It Up,&quot; White and Jules de Martino (drums) had the crowd at their feet, equal parts rocking out and dancing. </p><p>Handclaps were asked for and given, shouting your lungs out on cue to the “Hey!” part of &quot;Shut Up and Let Me Go&quot; was done like it was rehearsed. &quot;That’s Not My Name&quot; was a sing-along spectacular of a song, worthy of their top hit. </p><p>White and de Martino ended their set with the Madonna-esque “Hands” and after they left the stage, it felt like there was a sudden vacuum. It felt abrupt (even if it wasn’t really), perhaps because they filled the stage with so much energy, especially White who was constantly in motion during their performance.</p><p>“We throw everything at it. Riding high on stage with energy and rhythm is king,” said White in a previous interview on how they perform. </p><p>And after this performance, we unequivocally concur. </p><div><strong>THE TEMPER TRAP </strong></div><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2017/life/03/09/wanderland-12.jpg"/><figcaption><div class="embed-desc">The Temper Trap. <cite>Photo by Jeeves de Veyra</cite></div></figcaption></figure></div><p>“You guys are officially our most loyal fans,” said vocalist Dougy Mandagi to the still sizeable Wanderland 2017 crowd who stayed to watch his band perform last. </p><p>Mandagi and his band returned to the Wanderland stage five years after headlining the inaugural festival. While some things have changed including the later start time of their set, the change of venue, and Mandagi’s now longer hair, some things have stayed the same -- Mandagi’s great voice, his trademark high falsetto notes that he effortlessly hit (even at the wee hours of the morning), the band’s solid line-up, and most importantly, their music was still better heard live.</p><p>While claiming to have threw out their set list, the band played a slew of songs from all their albums including favorites like &quot;Science of Fear,&quot; &quot;Trembling Hands,&quot; and &quot;Soldier On,&quot; but most of their set was from their latest release, &quot;Thick as Thieves.&quot; </p><p>Having heard this album before, listening to it live, for me, has cemented the growth that the band has gone through. Generally speaking, this last album had a grittier sound -- a progression of sorts for their music. Unlike the more baby-like steps that they took in their second album, today, their sound feels more confident --different, but still theirs. </p><p>For example, you have the light jangly happy tunes in &quot;Fader&quot; transformed to a heavier and darker but still jangly melody in &quot;Burn.&quot; Both of these songs were performed during their set including new tunes – &quot;Fall Together,&quot; &quot;Thick as Thieves,&quot; and the haunting &quot;Resurrection&quot; to name some.</p><p>“Beautiful, we’ve got a country full of singers,” Mandagi commented as the crowd sang on the intro of &quot;So Much Sky.&quot; </p><p>And just like in the first Wanderland Festival all those years ago, Temper Trap ended the night with their most popular song, &quot;Sweet Disposition.&quot; </p><p>Wanderland 2017 ended without the usual fanfare (read: confetti), and most of us were hungry, tired and cold. Despite all that though, hearing Mandagi whisper &quot;won&#x27;t stop to surrender&quot; for the last time live again was worth waiting up to 3 a.m. for. </p><p>No regrets. </p>

<p>This year, the roomy new venue, despite the thicker crowd, and the cool weather made Wanderland Music and Arts Festival 2017 a more enjoyable romp all in all. </p>

This year, the roomy new venue, despite the thicker crowd, and the cool weather made Wanderland Music and Arts Festival 2017 a more enjoyable romp all in all.