AkweChella: The All-Univ Party
Willfreedo resurges at Hibalag stage after four years
By AC Putong
Ten-piece reggae-fusion band Willfreedo brought back the Hibalag nostalgia with a dynamic performance during the All-University Acquaintance Party, dubbed “AkweChella,” on Aug. 20 at the Ravello Field.
The band took a four-year break from the Hibalag stage after their last performance in 2022 “to give chance to other performers,” Willfreedo Vocalist Norris Wagas said.
“When we were [in] college, playing at Hibalag [was] really a dream for every artist. So, after four years, with our schedule, not really busy, and our gigs, dili kaayu busy unlike sauna gyud na straight-straight gyud,” he said.
They performed original hit songs and covers as the headlining and final act, including “Dumzville,” “Hibalag,” “I will make you Katawa,” “You Belong With Me” by Taylor Swift, and “Baby” by Justin Bieber, among others.
Wagas said they adjusted their setlist to include songs that aligned with the Coachella-inspired theme to “hype up the crowd.”
“Actually, [it was] very challenging, especially since it’s a different generation; different era of Sillimanians, so we really had to adjust with our setlist and make sure that some songs, maka relate rapud ba,” he said.
Willfreedo is composed of Norris Wagas, Rei Courtney Colina, Sparke Spañola, Leo Francis Cabral, John Daniel Gucor, Charwin Varela, Ruel Tabada, Arnold James Manuel, Romer Pielago, and Juni Jay Tinambacan.
Wagas also said they highlighted their song “Dumzville,” a song that they’ve been playing during the festival for seven straight years, representing the nostalgia found in the SU campus.
Meanwhile, Dumaguete-based artist Thea Karis Burgos lit up the stage with “Secret Love Song” by Little Mix, “Lush Life” by Zara Larsson, and “Havana” by Camilla Cabello.
P-POP soloist Rakhim “RAKS” Tahir then serenaded attendees with covers of “Swim” by BTS, “Seven” by Jungkook, “Naiilang” by Le John, and his original song “Unsaid Just For You.”
Local band Indigo Wave also electrified the crowd with covers of hit OPMs “Akin Ka Nalang“ by The Itchyworms, “Pag-Ibig ay Kanibalismo II” by fitterkarma, and “Lifetime” by Ben&Ben.
Meanwhile, the SUSG Cheering Committee Vice-Chairperson Bill Jeff Hamoy said they introduced the Human Bingo game as the All-University Acquaintance Party’s new segment.
“While we were coordinating AkweChella, [the SUSG President Zild Jan Teves] really wanted to emphasize that people should interact and people should have fun together,” he said.
Members of the SUSG Cheering Committee prepared interactive bingo cards and handed out copies at the beginning of the event.
Hamoy also said that concerns were raised by attendees towards delays in last year’s All-University Acquaintance Party’s setlist.
“This year, instead of us directly going right after the parade of lights, we have our separate date. And our program flow, wala na other factors that might delay the whole program,” he said.
The AkweChella capped its festivities with attendees soaked in the foam party.
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