3 Reasons Why You Should Attend &Friends Festival
Manila has long been ready for a festival of this caliber. &FRIENDS is here, and it’s time to experience music beyond borders. Are you in?
Words Mika Reyes
Photos courtesy of &Friends
May 5, 2025
In California, Coachella just wrapped up its two-weekend spectacle, leaving the rest of us—thousands of miles away—feeling the intense post-festival envy. For Filipino music lovers, making the pilgrimage to Coachella is often out of reach, but this year, Manila is serving up a festival experience that rivals the best.
Say hello to &FRIENDS Festival—the ultimate music playground where global icons and rising Asian stars collide for a weekend of pure energy. It’s a cultural reset, a sonic adventure all in one weekend. It’ll be your chance to be part of something bigger than the usual festival hype. The stars have aligned, the beats are calling, and trust us—you don’t want to be the one watching it unfold from your feed.
1. A Lineup Like No Other
Picture this: Manila’s skies lit up by the euphoric beats of Zedd, ILLENIUM, Seven Lions, and more—artists who have conquered global stages like Coachella, Tomorrowland, and EDC Las Vegas. Yet, &FRIENDS isn’t just about international headliners. It’s a movement, a spotlight on Asia’s most exciting homegrown talents. Filipino-Australian sensation Ylona Garcia returns for a highly anticipated homecoming, alongside Amiel Sol and Kiyo, whose evocative storytelling and indie-pop vibes are setting new standards in OPM. Add to this a roster of talent from Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea, and you’ve got a sonic experience that defies borders.
2. More Than Music
This isn’t just a festival. It’s a statement. &FRIENDS Festival is where EDM, hip-hop, and indie converge with Filipino creativity, proving that OPM isn’t just a genre—it’s an identity. Set against the luxurious backdrop of Okada Manila, the festival is as much about redefining Southeast Asian music culture as it is about creating lasting memories. Whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer or a first-timer dipping your toes into the vibrant energy of live music, this is a place where you discover something new—about sound, about artists, and maybe even about yourself.
3. Three Stages, Two Days, One Unforgettable Experience
Forget the usual festival format—&FRIENDS offers three distinct stages tailored to different musical experiences. The Cove Stage is where high-energy EDM reigns supreme, the Creator Stage delivers a K-Pop-meets-EDM fusion, and the Plume Friendship Stage brings Asia’s underground scene to the forefront. From the heart-thumping bass of €URO TRA$H to the soulful energy of Manila’s own music collectives, this festival is designed to transport you through an immersive journey that lingers long after the final beat drops.
With 2-day passes priced at Php 8,500 (GA) and Php 15,000 (VIP), and single-day options starting at Php 3,500, the real question is—can you afford to miss out?
