The Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival 2012 -- the first and only festival of its kind in the country that combines music the arts nature and indigenous culture -- is slated March 2 to 4.

The festival takes place at the foot of Mount Malamsimbo in the island of Puerto Galera Oriental Mindoro overlooking the beautiful bay.

The festival serves as a venue for international and local musicians to play together in one outdoor amphitheater.  It also holds an exhibit for local contemporary artists to install their creations with the natural environment.  Lastly, it showcases the culture of Mangyan tribes living around area through architecture (a Mangyan Village replica was built) and other livelihood. 

After a very successful gathering last year, expectations have become even higher this time around. 

Because of this, the two visionaries behind the festival, Hubert d' Aboville, president of the European Chamber of Commerce of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP), and Miro Grgic, the CEO of Volume Unit Entertainment (VUE), has invited legendary Joe Bataan to headline the event.

The African-American-Filipino Joe Bataan is recognized as the king of Latin Soul and created the fusion of Latin and soul music in the 60s and renowned for his hugely influential Salsoul Record label.

The announcement of Bataan's participation in Malasimbo 2012 was made during a press lunch early January in Cafe Museum in Makati City.

Other international musicians to join Bataan are DJ Kentaro from Japan (World DMC Champion 2002) and DJ Cam from France (Hip Hop Jazz Pioneer and founder of Inflamable Records).  From the local front, bands Up Dharma Down, Goodleaf, Waway Saway, Feen are also expected to perform at the said festival.

Ensuring the high-caliber musical experience is Grgic, who is a DJ and sound engineer himself.  VUE will utilize the best sound and lighting systems available.

More Filipino visual artists are expected to join this year's celebration including Gus Albor, Alwin Reamillo, Leeroy New, Nikki Luna, Goldie Poblador, and Niccolo Jose among others.  Grace and Dondi Katigbak, and Dennis Lagdameo also return from last year.

"There is so much creative talent in this country for the world to see.  We want the festival to become an annual eco-cultural tourism experience -- a venue for Filipino artists and a place to promote environmental awareness," Hubert d' Aboville shares.

All efforts to bring in local and international musicians and artists aim to promote and boost the eco-cultural tourism of Puerto Galera.

According to d' Aboville, this year's festival is likely to bring in more tourists and expects around 3,000 local and international tourists visitors.  He also mentioned ambassadors and top company executives will be joining the three-day festival.

As a long-term project, Malasimbo festival also gears to improving the lives of the indigenous tribes residing in the area.  Part of last year's proceeds went to reforestation in Mount Malasimbo and to the seed-money for the installation of solar energy for the Iraya Mangyan community's barangay hall in Baclayan.

Lastly, d' Aboville encourages everyone to reserve tickets as early as possible as there will only be limited numbers for sale.

The Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival is being supported by the Department of Tourism and the National Commission for Culture and in close cooperation with the local government of Puerto Galera and the provincial government of Mindoro Oriental.

Tickets for the 2012 Malasimbo Music & Arts Festival are now available at TicketWorld.com.  For more information, visit www malasimbofestival.com.

Source: Manila Times; Life and Times; 27 January 2012