Wanderland 2013: You Can Never Have Too Much Music

May 18. Circuit Makati.



Wanderland 2013

Being the first of its kind, Wanderland promised to be the "ultimate sonic playground for summer". An annual music and arts festival that debuted last Saturday, Wanderland featured several indie pop/rock bands, both local and foreign, plus known acts such as Up Dharma Down, Neon Trees, Nada Surf and The Temper Trap.

First Impression

The line-up reeks awesomeness but I'll be honest, I thought the price was a bit too expensive. But after a few days of thinking about it, for the number of great bands playing, it's all worth it. There's Up Dharma Down, Taken By Cars, Yolanda Moon and The Temper Trap!

The Venue

Wanderland 2013 was held at Circuit Makati, formerly the Sta. Ana racetrack. The place itself is not done yet. It seems that it's still on its early stage of construction. But the event grounds itself looked awesome. The half-dome stage is painted white and looks pleasing to the eye. The ground was covered with grass. It looked like a locally held Woodstock. Or something like that.



















The Lows

Wanderland 2013 is Wanderland's debut. It's bound to have some flaws and upsets.

The gates were supposed to be open at 11AM. We went there at around 10AM to be able to get the tickets and hoped to grab at least a decent view of the bands. We were allowed to get in at around 12.30PM, if I'm not mistaken. A lot of people did not bring food and water and so many ended up hungry and thirsty.

The bands did not start playing until around 2.30PM. It was all cool at first because we were able to walk around, check the stores, grab some food, drinks and merch. However, Taken By Cars only played three songs. Were they under time pressure because the event started late? Are they really set to play just three songs? Who knows. They're one of the bands that we came for and it's disappointing for them to be cut so short. Same goes for Pulso.



The Highs

One of the best things that I like about the production is the placement of the stalls. Portalets were scattered around the grounds to be able to cover large areas. Stalls were aplenty and were placed such that each side would be able to cater food, drinks, beer, merch etc. Too bad we were not able to check the artsy stuff.

Security was a bit laxed but understandable. The Bouncers seem to enjoy the event as well. I saw one of them head banging to Up Dharma Down LOL!



The Crowd

Hands down one of the best crowds I have seen. It's good to see them cheer for the band and join the others even if they do not know the song. Almost everyone in the VIP section were dancing, jumping, clapping and singing. It was a wild, wild crowd!

Final Thoughts

Aside from a few hiccups, it was a blast to be a part of the first Wanderland. There were so much emotions that it's impossible not to be overwhelmed. It promised to be the "ultimate sonic playground" and it delivered. It delivered in a spectacular fashion. Fuck the heat. Fuck aching arms and legs. Fuck trembling knees. It was all worth it. Wanderland 2013 was a wonderful event that celebrated music, art, love and friendship. It gathered people across the city in a single sphere and united them with probably the strongest force in the universe, music.

Wanderland 2014

Hoping to see Phoenix, Of Monsters and Men and The Hush Sound next year!