MANILA, Philippines – Never mind whether Dan Brown considers Manila as the “gates of hell,” thousands of Filipinos, several world-famous American bands, and legendary skateboarders found their small piece of heaven during the Circuitfest 2013: Music and Skate festival Saturday night in Circuit Makati.
The Downtown Fiction lead vocalist Cameron Leahy makes the audience jump to their songs during the Circuifest 2013 Music and Skate Festival PHOTO/MATIKAS SANTOS
Internationally acclaimed alternative rock band Yellowcard, which was the finale act of the concert, commented, “Thank you Manila! You have such a beautiful city, such a beautiful country.”
Ryan Key, Yellowcard lead vocalist, shared that they have not gotten over their jet lag yet because they have been awake since 3 a.m. on the day of the concert.
“We’ve been awake since 3 a.m. and we’re all a little tired so thank you for hanging around with us,” Key said. “We are all so honored to be the finale performers of Circuitfest.”
Derek Sanders, lead vocalist of pop punk band Mayday Parade which performed before Yellowcard, equally enthusiastic, describing Manila as “truly one of the best places we’ve been to.”
Hour-long rain during the event failed to dampen the fiery passion of young Filipinos for the live skateboarding from legendary skaters Willy Santos and Riley Hawk and band performances at the fully grass-carpeted Globe Circuit Events Ground in Makati City.
Connor McDonough, lead vocalist of Pop-rock band Before You Exit, acknowledged the crowds’ perseverance despite the rain late in the evening saying “We thank you guys for staying out despite the rain, you’re really great, thank you!”
Riley Hawk, son of legendary skatboarder Tony Hawk, shows the audience his skateboarding tricks. PHOTO/MATIKAS SANTOS
“This is already the best show we’ve had and we’ve only played two songs so far,” McDonough commented during a break from their performance.
They asked the audience “how do we say we love you guys?” to which the crowd gamely replied “mahal kita!”
Joel Kanitz, lead vocalist of alternative rock band This Century, could not help but appreciate the love shown to them by their Filipino fans.
“You guys are amazing, we have a great time everytime we come to the Philippines,” Kanitz told the audience. It is their third time to perform in the country.
“Thank you Manila! This is crazy man!” Kanitz commented during a break in between their songs. “We would not be playing music if it wasn’t for you, we wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you. We want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
Before You Exit lead vocalist Connor McDonough electrifying the audience
Earlier in the afternoon, a light drizzle fell over the open grounds prompting members of the audience to pull out umbrellas while others donned raincoats. The audience however, continued to scream, shout, and jump to the music, even those who did not have any cover from the rain.
Downtown fiction lead vocalist Cameron Leahy acknowledged the audience and called on them: “Wave your umbrellas, be proud!”
International bands A+ Dropouts, We Are The In Crowd, All Star Weekend, and YouTube singing sensation Megan Nicole, likewise expressed their elation for the audience’s support.
Skateboard sensations
Filipino skateboarders show off their tricks on the mini ramp during the Circuitfest 2013 Music and Skate Festival.
Despite the rain that made the skateboard mini ramp slippery, Fil-Am skateboarder Willy Santos and Riley Hawk, son of legendary skateboarder Tony Hawk, performed tricks to skateboarding fans and enthusiasts during the event.
“It’s been awesome. I never really had this much people come and watch me this long,” Hawk said when he went up the stage to share his experience on skateboarding.
“Just go out and skate with positive people,” he said when asked what his advice was to Filipino skateboarders.
Santos, who was born in Subic, Pampanga but was raised in the United States, has come to the country several times to promote skateboarding.
He said that skateboarding is definitely growing in the country and that he would be coming back to continue promoting skateboarding to Filipinos.