The Sound of Leyte’s Rebirth
For the Love of Leyte is the start of a long-term initiative for livelihood and economic growth in Leyte.
MANILA, Philippines — Situated just outside of Tacloban, The Farm at Ginsiyaman welcomes people of all ages and all walks of life for a two-day benefit music and arts festival as the start of a long-term initiative for livelihood and economic growth in Leyte. Featuring a musical lineup including international headliners, popular OPM bands and local Waray artists, For the Love of Leyte pays homage to the long and worthwhile journey towards the rebirth of Leyte with a celebration of love and life post-Haiyan.
For the locals of Leyte, the road of recovery persists, but the time has come for them to share their art, culture and heritage with the world. The collaboration between The Philippines Foundation Ginsiyaman Festival and UK-based One Love Festival promises a one-of-a-kind musical experience as they show people a glimpse of the rich stories behind Leyte talent and craft. With jungle disco, boat painting and campfire jamming lined up, the festival hopes to immerse people in the lively and bustling Leyte culture.
On site camping is available as accommodation for those who want to feel one with nature.
The event celebrates local creative talent and crafts through a series of workshops in Tabo-An Ha Ginsiyaman (Market at Ginsiyaman) including tuba painting, ticog hand weaving, sugba and utan cooking, and buri embroidery, encouraging collaboration between local artisans and social entrepreneurs.
The musical lineup consists of artists who share the same passion for the cause and performers who have roots in Leyte — whether it was their place of growing up or their parents’ birthplace. Festival goers will groove to Ben & Ben, Bullet Dumas, Itchyworms, Kiko Bun, Babani Records, Reese Lansangan, Ang Bandang Shirley, Hernandez Brothers, La Loba Negra, Tom’s Story, Conscious & The Goodness, Free the Robots, Irie Sunday, Lunas, Rob Mananquil, 76 Receipts, Kulahig, LSR, Lady Suzette, Maroon & Gold, Succubus, The Guerillas, Aurora, KRNK, Specs, Digital Danboi, Tom Turner and Bruder.
Just one hour away from Tacloban, The Farm at Ginsiyaman welcomes people of all ages and all walks of life for a two-day benefit music and arts festival.
At its core, For the Love of Leyte has its heart set on sustainable tourism and development — to re-introduce people from all corners of the world to post-Haiyan Leyte and all that it has to show and offer. “To do a music festival of this scale outside of Luzon, I would say it’s a first,” says Matt, the logistics head of One Love Festival.
I couldn’t help asking, “What makes this festival any different from others?” Matt was quick to answer: “It’s meaningful. Isn’t it just completely different when you’re doing something with great meaning?”
Proceeds of the festival will be channeled to the rebuilding of the Leyte arts, culture, and tourism sector. Visit https://www.fortheloveofleyte.org for more information.
