It was a blast of laughter, music, advocacy, and art at the 123 Block, Mandala Park at Mandaluyong as Linya-Linya Land (LLL) made its triumphant return after four long years. Co-presented by Gabi Na Naman Productions, the event featured a diverse line-up of stand-up comedians, artists, and musicians.

At the side of the stage, artists’ booths were set up. Pol Medina Jr. had his Pugad Baboy comic saga and some mugs for sale. As a bonus, fans could also get their merchandise signed by him and snap a photo with him as well. Edwin Tayao, known for his jeepney signage art, was also a crowd favorite as he was taking requests on the spot. Rob Cham was also frequented by guests to have their live portraits drawn.

LLL’s advocacy partners including AHA Learning Center, Angat Buhay, and The Learning Lab at Bantayog ng mga Bayani also had their booths set up at the venue. Muralist AG Saño and Linya-Linya co-founder/painter Panch Alvarez were also seen painting live art as the main stage was abuzz. Their finished artworks were later auctioned off, the proceeds to be donated to their advocacy partners.

Stand-up comedians from Comedy Manila took the stage to incite a whirlwind of laughter from the crowd. You’d probably heard them in podcasts or seen them in noontime shows and television ads, but seeing them weave their magic live was a differently wonderful experience altogether. Jeleen Cubillas, Victor Anastacio, Nonong Ballinan, James Caraan, and GB Labrador shared their candid yet insightful takes on religion, politics, and popular culture.

Of course, leave it to Linya-Linya Land to feature a spectacular group of musicians. Autotelic was the first musical act to hype the stage. They performed “Gising”, “Takipsilim” and “Laro”.

With an acoustic guitar in hand, Nica Del Rosario paid homage to her musical influences by covering Kitchie Nadal’s “Huwag na Huwag Mong Sasabihin” and Spongecola’s “Jeepney”. She also performed “Tala” and “Rosas”.

The mood took a slight turn for the solemn and the romantic when Johnoy Danao, backed by a three-piece string orchestra, took the spotlight. Who knew “Right Time” and “Ikaw at Ako” could sound more poignant?

It was the rowdy kind of fun as Cheats rocked out during their set with songs like “Machine Jr.” and “Accidents”. Linya-Linya co-founder Ali Sangalang joined them onstage during their last song.

It was around 11 PM when Ebe Dancel took the stage, but the crowd was rejuvenated by his presence. He never fails to have the crowd singing along to “Prom”, “Bawat Daan” and “Burnout”.

In LLL 2023, we got to experience live comedy, live art, and live music all in one day. Can’t wait for what next year’s going to bring!

Special thanks to Linya-Linya and Gabi Na Naman Productions!

by Sandra Mae Laureano