Not even the possibility of a heat stroke stopped Wanderers from crusading to pitch their mats, colorful cloths, and set up camp at the grassy landscape at Globe Circuit Grounds for the third installment of Wanderland. Wanderers—rather, Wanderscouts, for this year’s camp-themed festival—were immersed in an adventure that brought them back to nature. They gathered around the musical bonfire to revel in the mystical land that is Wandercamp.

Opening the Wandercamp main stage was local act Austin, whose tunes were a great and welcome distraction from the scorching heat. Wanderband winner The Strange Creatures serenaded the crowd with their folk-pop melodies, which included their songs Stargazer, Despite Everything, Palipad Hangin and I Feel Like I’m On Drugs. Moving Wanderscouts to the rhythm of their can’t-be-contained-in-one-genre sound was Sinyma. The interplay of electro, soul, and funk complemented each other so well everyone in the camp grounds couldn’t help but groove to the beat. Musical prodigy Kate Torralba took the stage next with her darling sound that evokes a certain gracefulness and soul that paints a candy pop picture with a mature tone.

 

Whereas most festivals today are diluted with international musicians, it’s heartening that Wanderland put the spotlight on Philippine artists. Eleven out of seventeen performances were homegrown, which is clearly an appreciation for local talent. Wanderland had a stellar line-up at the Locally Stage—Similar Objects, FXXXYBLNT, BP Valenzuela, The Afterschool Special, Crwn, and Jess Conelly—with each one seamlessly transitioning into each other.

As the day wore on, Youngblood Hawke’s cheerful music swept over the area right after The After-School Special opened the Locally stage. Both bands’ energetic presence made it impossible for Wanderscouts to stay still to their infectious sonic offerings. The Jungle Giants were a great follow up and rode on to the burgeoning momentum of excitement.

Lewis Watson serenaded the crowd with his soulful, folk melodies. As the sky transformed into a pastel beauty, his tunes were the perfect accompaniment to a spectacular view. A huge wave of nostalgia hit Wanderscouts as local pop rock heroes Hale took the stage. Having been on hiatus for a while, they were welcomed back with an ardent crowd loudly singing along to their classic hits.

Augustana’s set pulled at Wanderscouts’ heartstrings, especially when the band performed an all-time favorite “Boston” which made the campers flock to the stage. As some Wanderscouts cried during their set, some fought their tears by dancing to the band’s more upbeat numbers.

RAC broke the chill vibe Wanderland is becoming known for and transformed the steady Saturday afternoon for into a full-blown rave. All of a sudden, Wanderscouts were no longer lazing on their mats and under their teepees, as they joined the dance party they had been waiting for all day. Headliner Kid Cudi closed the festival with Wanderscouts united to surrender to his beats and rhyme and reason, into a lingering outpour of positive energy.

Wanderland did a fantastic job this year at being able to weave different genres together as well as create a campy atmosphere!

More Wanderland Photos at Wanderland Festival 2015 Photo Gallery

* Special Thanks to Karpos Multimedia

Written by Isabel Matias
Photos by Carla Barretto