With a line-up that boasted of multiple genres, GoodVybes Music Festival, as its name suggests, aimed to give festivals goers exactly that—a good time. There were a lot of firsts with this music festival: the first music festival of the year, the first to premiere at the Aseana City Open Grounds as well as the first music festival of Vybe Productions.

Just like most international music festivals, GoodVybes had multiple stages. There were three: the live stage, which was the main stage; the beat tent where local artists performed; and the DJ tent, both for local and foreign DJs. With this set-up of multiple stages, the audience could choose whatever genre they preferred. In between set times at the live stage, there would be superb local talent performing at the beat tent and DJ tent.

The lack of grass, but abundance of rocks and sand gave the venue a dessert-like feel. There were three sections to the music festival: VIP, Gold, and Silver. Those with VIP tickets had access to the elevated deck, but both VIP and Gold could get spots by the stage. Those at the Silver section were surrounded by the merchandise booths—we hope for more merchandise next year!—and food trucks. There was also one booth for refreshments where festivalgoers could get a drink to hydrate.

Tenderfist welcomed the crowd with their feel-good pop melodies. Their music was the perfect opener as festivalgoers entered the area and roamed around the venue amid the hot sun. Local talent Brisom went next on stage with their indie electro-rock tunes, followed by Assembly Generals paving a hip-hop atmosphere. Though Stars may be one of the more mature performers in the line-up, their energy was just as high as their younger counterparts. Kwjan, originally slated to perform at the live stage, gave an explosive performance at the beat tent. London duo Oh Wonder sent chills to listeners with their rhythmic mellow and sometimes haunting ballads. Singer Josephine Vander Gucht talked to the crowd about how amazing it was for them to be performing half-way across the world. She’s Only Sixteen had the people at the beat tent having fun and enjoying their tunes. Whereas the beat tent was open air, the DJ tent was cool and enclosed creating a mini-club like atmosphere. DJ Samantha Nicole, Pelvis Resley & The Sex Offenders and Mulan graced the DJ tent with their beats.

Though BP Valenzuela had an overlapping set schedule with Scottish band CHVRCHES, she had a loyal group of supporters that stayed. It was an overwhelming sight for both the musician and her fans as this was evidence that the local music scene is very much alive and kicking.

By the time CHVRCHES came on stage, the event grounds turned into a dance party. Singer Lauren Mayberry commented how not too long ago they toured with Passion Pit, so to have them touring and performing at the same music festival was reminiscent and amazing.

Romantic surprises can also happen at a music festival. During Moonwlk’s performance, lead singer Nick Lazaro proposed to his longtime girlfriend.

The most anticipated act of the night was Passion Pit. Festivalgoers were at an all time high at this point of the show. Though the energy was high, there was a point during the show that had Michael Angelakos feeling overwhelmed at the amazing reception.

The after party began with Shadow Moses x Ninno’s performance and was followed by French DJ Darius, Busy P and MYD who got the crowd hyped up until the wee hours of the morning.

The country’s festival season debuted early this year, and we’re not one to complain, as GoodVybes certainly lived up to its name.

More Photos at GoodVybes Fest Photo Gallery

Special Thanks to Vybe Productions

Written by Isabel Matias
Photos by Peter Tolibas