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Wanderland names headliners; Sugarfree musical ‘Sa Wakas’ to return
They say that in life, you only need three things: someone to love, something to do, and something to look forward to. I’m not sure I can help with the first two, but there are at least two things happening early next year that should give you music lovers a sense of anticipation and an extra dose of excitement, in case you need it.
Wanderland
First, the country’s biggest annual music festival has finally completed its lineup with the announcement of its headliners. Wanderland, which is staging its fifth edition on March 4, 2017, is adopting a jungle theme next year, and with the list of artists performing, it’s certainly looking like it’ll be wild.
Australian indie rock stars The Temper Trap are making a return to the Wanderland stage after headlining the inaugural edition of the festival. Dougy Mandagi and the rest of the band stole our hearts when they first performed in 2013, particularly with their adorable, anthemic hit song “Sweet Disposition.” It’ll be great to see them again now that they just released their third album, Thick As Thieves.
Another big name coming over is English indie pop duo The Ting Tings. Perhaps best known for their infectious dance-pop hits, the duo of Katie White and Jules De Martino are a fantastic addition the lineup. I can already see myself dancing to “That’s Not My Name,” and “Shut Up and Let Me Go.”
The three other names revealed at a special event hosted by Karpos Multimedia last Saturday are Canadian duo Purity Ring (who played a stellar set at this year’s Laneway Festival in Singapore), Malaysian superstar Yuna, as well as local indie favorite Fools and Foes.
They join previously announced acts Explosions in the Sky, LANY, Honne, Woodlock, UpDharmaDown (who are also second-timers at Wanderland), Gab and John of Urbandub, Tom’s Story and Reese Lansangan. Also taking the stage are the winners of the Wanderband competition Lola Amour, Banna Harbera, and Mickey Sulit.
Wanderland is also moving from the Globe Circuit Event Grounds in Makati, its home the last four years, to the Filinvest City Event Grounds in Alabang. Tickets are at P5,500 (Wanderer) and Star Wanderer (P8,000), Wanderbuddies (4 tickets for P18,000) and Star Wanderbuddies (4 tickets for P35,000).
'Sa Wakas'
The other big music event people should look forward to is the re-staging of the musical "Sa Wakas", which is based on the songs of Pinoy favorite Sugarfree.
First staged in 2013, the musical tells the romantic, if heartbreaking story of two lovers set to the timeless music of one of the most beloved bands in OPM. Written by Andrei Nikolai Pamintuan and Marianne Abuan, and with music arranged by Ejay Yatco, "Sa Wakas" is being brought back after four years due in part to the insistent demands of the fans who failed to see it the first time.
“If we were going to wait for the right time and place, we were never going to do it,” said the show’s producer Charissa Pammit. “You just have to dive right in.”
Two songs from the original staging (“Hintay” and “Dramachine”) have been cut to give way to two new songs: “Kung Ayaw Mo Na Sa Akin,” and “Huling Gabi.” The sets have also been tweaked and new cast members have been added.
Alternating in the role of Topper are Vic Robinson and Pepe Herrera, while those playing the role of Lexi are Caisa Borromeo and Cara Barredo. The main cast is rounded out by Justine Peña and Maronne Cruz, who alternate in the role of Gabbi.
I think the show isn’t only for fans of Sugarfree, but for those who enjoy a homegrown musical with an engaging story and featuring spectacular new Filipino talent. I, for one, can’t wait to see it. — BM, GMA News
The second run of Sa Wakas opens on January 12, 2017 at the Power Mac Spotlight Theater. Tickets at P1,500, P1,200, and P700. For more information, visit sawakasmusical.com.
Paul John Caña is a magazine writer and live music geek. Check out his blog manontheotherside.blogspot.com. Email him at pjcana@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter and Instagram @pauljohncana.
