In an era where there is a swift turnover of things, it is easy to get lost in the blur of the fast-paced life. Take a step back, slow things down, and enjoy the music with Wanderland Festival. This is exactly what attendees were able to do last May 18, 2013.

Globe Circuit Grounds proved to be the perfect environment for an event such as this. Surrounding the area were food and merchandise booths as well as food trucks. Brands present were Captain Morgan, Oishi, PLDT, RayBan, Keds, Bauhaus, Roxy, DC, Quiksilver, Olukai, SneakPeek, Havainas, Bobble, Magnum, Nestle, Gap, Monster Energy Drink, and MTV Asia.

The atmosphere was very relaxed. Mats, cloths, and towels were on the grass as people lay down as they watched the performances. The stage was a spectacle, an artistic monument, with its unconventional design. Its canopy roof aesthetically attractive against the skyline, adding to that laid back vibe that the festival had. Other features included an inflatable slide, a Velcro wall, and a joust area. Nearby were blank blocks of wood where artists such as Anjo Bolarda x Martojaks, Secret Fresh and Thursday Room had done their live art as the program went on.

After the scorching heat reached its peak at midday, the festival welcomed its first performers on stage. Wanderland kicked things off with local flair: Pulso, Taken by Cars, She’s Only Sixteen, and Yolanda Moon spiced up the scene. The bands exhibited their musical aptitude, proving that they were the appropriate local flavor to open at Wanderland’s debut.

The first international act was Colour Coding. Their set included Hold Tight, Had It All, a cover of The Killers’ When You Were Young, and Perfect.

Avalanche City mellowed things down, and lightened the atmosphere with their folk tunes. Songs in their line up consisted of Love, Love, Love and Sunset among others.

Tully on Tully, another band hailing from Australia, was the third international act to take the stage. Natalie Foster’s dynamic stage presence had the audience enthralled. She expressed her love for the country multiple times, even going as far as proclaiming it in the native tongue.

Before moving on to the next half of foreign performers, local band Up Darma Down had the crowd buzzing. To those fearing that OPM is gone, Up Darma Down’s performance only proves the exact opposite. The crowd cheered, danced and sang along.

From the concrete jungle of hopes and dreams that is New York City is the band Nada Surf. Matthew Caws, the lead singer, was very engaging with the crowd; he chatted and gave trivia about the band. He requested that the audience look grumpy and bored as he took a photo. He even asked them to dance with choreographed foot movement to one of Nada Surf’s songs.

One of the highlights of the festival was when Neon Trees went on stage. To say that the band, especially Glenn Tyler, was full of energy is an understatement. It was an explosive performance; the crowd ignited with vibrancy that echoed all throughout the grounds. At one point, Tyler even crowd-surfed. Animal, 1983 and Trust, and Everybody Talks were just some of the songs in their set list.

Finally, it was time for the most-awaited act of the night: The Temper Trap. It was a surreal moment for fans as the band played an eleven-song set. They commenced with Love Lost, followed by Fader, This Isn’t Happiness, Rabbit Hole, Trembling Hands, Soldier On, Miracle, Science of Fear, Resurrection, and Drum Song. The festival concluded with a powerful performance of Sweet Disposition.

Wanderland has successfully added its name to the growing list of annual music festivals in the country. It has tagged itself perfectly as the “ultimate sonic playground for the summer”. True to its nature, the festival is all about expression through fashion, art, and music. It is a creative nirvana.

More Wanderland Festival 2013 Photos

Written by Isabel R. Matias
Photos by Peter Tolibas and Carla Barretto

* Special thanks to Karpos Multimedia