by: Chazlee Vanhaltren
Headline act OPM band December Avenue thrilled the Silliman crowd during this year’s Sillimusika on Aug. 30 at the Filomeno Cimafranca Ballfield, an edition that also saw improved support from local acts.
The five-member alternative rock group serenaded the crowd with their hit singles “Kung ‘Di Rin Lang Ikaw,” “Bulong,” and “Huling Sandali,” closing the set with their newest release, “Saksi Ang Langit.”
Sillimusika Committee Chairperson Adrian Estelloso said that student ticket sales surged from last year after they secured a headliner that “appealed to nostalgic student preferences.”
“What we really focused on this year was bringing back nostalgia to when people were still teens or in elementary, especially for this current generation. So we got a band that people can relate to much more,” he said.
Meanwhile, local eight-member group Soluna opened the concert with pop and alternative covers of “Closer,” “Come Inside Of My Heart,” “Kiss It Better,” and “Antukin.”
Dandbroom, a five-member band making its Sillimusika debut, followed with their originals “Sige Lang!” and “On My Way To You,” alongside covers of “Human Nature” and “Lifetime.”
Seven-member band Hiraya then energized the crowd with their renditions of “Jealous,” “Huwag Na Huwag Mong Sasabihin,” and “Break Free.”
Aya Lubon, a returning artist, completed the lineup with dance groups Corps D’ Elite, The Lifestyle, and BBB, executing dance routines to tracks by Doja Cat, Beyoncé, ADÉLA, and Chase Atlantic.
Lubon said her performance and preparation improved significantly, as she moved from using pre-recorded tracks with dancers last year to working with a whole live band and dancers.
“I think this year was definitely a step up preparation-wise compared to the last three years I’ve been picked up for Sillimusika. Especially with the photo/videoshoots, the promotions, the onboarding meeting itself,” she said.
Lubon also said the performers appreciated details such as live cameras, curved LED walls, and seats near the stage to watch the headlining act.
Strict entry restrictions were enforced this year, prohibiting large backpacks, folding chairs, and umbrellas on the concert grounds.
Estolloso said this came after recent issues concerning school safety such as national school shootings and social media discourse.
The committee also partnered with the Red Cross Youth, Philippine National Police, Traffic Management Office, and city offices to establish emergency and medical response plans in the venue.
