Since 2002, Macbeth has always found a way to integrate music and fashion. The brand, after all, was inspired by the Southern California lifestyle that was into music and arts. It is not a surprise then that Macbeth, celebrating its 10th year being in the Philippines, will fuse their fashion brand with music. This time, OPM that is propagated by underground and mainstream bands.
The Macbeth 20th Anniversary Show celebrates its 20th year being in the world, and at the same time, its 10th year in the Philippines. The event is both a fashion show and a music festival, featuring a variety of OPM bands and at the same time, launching Lady Macbeth and Macbeth Underwear.
“This is our culture,” event director Benjie Estanislao said.
“Kinuha namin ‘yung 20 favorite bands ng Macbeth from different genres,” Franz Santiago said. “From underground to mainstream music kasi ‘yon din ‘yung aim namin—to merge ‘yung dalawang world ng mainstream and underground music into one event… para magkaroon ng fair opportunity ang lahat ng banda para sa event na ito.”
Benjie added, “It’s a very difficult concept, but also very fun to do.”
The event was Benjie’s first time directing a show. However, he remains optimistic, promising that the event will be surprising in the best way.
Benjie adds that this event is a big part of the music and arts culture. “That is what our culture do—we’re breaking all these barriers as Macbeth is doing also. It is the first time to have a big event of this magnitude, putting bands and a fashion show at the same time.”
The director claims that no one has done this kind of event in the Philippines yet, so he assures, “That is a show that you would like to see.”
Voices from the underground
As underground musicians, they are all grateful to be a part of the event, claiming that the Macbeth Music Festival is a big deal to them.
Chin Detera, lead of CHNDTR, expresses her excitement for the event. “Kami ‘yung mga indie bands na nabigyan ng opportunity makatugtog sa isa sa pinakamalaking musical event, tapos sponsored pa siya ng pinapangarap naming maging guest kami balang araw,” she said.
“This is something big na minsan lang dumating sa buhay ng mga banda na kagaya namin,” she added. “Sobrang grateful kami kasi nabibigyan nila ng opportunity ang mga banda.”
Dowell from Snakefight describes the opportunity as “surreal.”
Robert Calingo of Written by the Stars said that it is a privilege to perform at the Macbeth Music Festival.
“Isa talagang privilege para sa amin maging part ng event na ito,” he said. “Thankful kami sa Macbeth for trusting us.”
Christian Tomacruz of Snakefight shares that he has been a big fan of Macbeth for years now, so when his band was invited to perform at the 20th Anniversary Show, he felt nothing but pure excitement.
“Maraming bands—diverse,” Jam Bumanlag said. “We have [performers] from Baguio, from Mindanao, and Visayas—they are well-represented, as well as the genres, of course, [such as] metal, reggae.”
The Macbeth 20th Anniversary Show will be held at Metrotent Convention Center, Pasig, on Saturday, October 8. Gate will open at 11 AM.
Image credits: Bernard Testa, Patrick V. Miguel