The Aurora Music Festival concluded in a spectacular celebration of Original Pilipino Music (OPM), culture, and art last May 3 and 4 at Clark Global City in Pampanga. With sold-out shows and more than 80,000 attendees, the festival was headlined by the nation’s girl group, BINI, and featured a powerhouse lineup of Filipino artists.
On Day 2, held last Sunday, May 4, PUSH ABS-CBN joined thousands of fans in witnessing an electrifying showcase of performances.
Over October
The indie-pop band Over October kicked off the Day 2 performances where the band’s vocalist Josh Buison greeted the massive crowd:
“Grabe ang dami-dami niyo. What’s up everybody!” Josh said, “Maraming maraming salamat for allowing us to be a part of this event and I hope you guys enjoyed this music.”
The band performed their hits “Ikot,” “Kaakit-akit,” and “Ating Dalawa,” including their newest single, “Bitin,” a continuation of “Ikot.”
Lead guitarist Joshua Caleb Lua expressed, “Surreal grabe. I think this is the biggest crowd that we played it so far. Nakakatulong ang energy niyo as audience sa mga musicians na tumutugtog.”
After their set, Josh and rhythm guitarist Anton Rodriguez expressed the excitement of debuting a new song live
“Kapag mayroon kaming bagong kanta, it’s always the fondest song to play,” Josh shared.
Anton continued, “When you have a new song, experiment talaga siya when you play it pero sa Bitin it feels so good all the time and that is something we are so thankful for.”
Flow G
Rapper Flow G made a dramatic entrance riding his motorcycle and performing on top of his car. He performed his songs “High Score,” “G Wolf,” "Rapstar,” among others.
To the crowd’s surprise, he brought out fellow Ex Battalion members Skusta Clee, Brando, Emcee Rhenn, and King Badger for a collaborative set, performing “43x,” a snippet of “Need You,” “Chismis,” “Hamig,” and “We The Best.”
“Di ko kayo kaya pasayahin magisa kaya sinama ko ang gang,” Flow G said. “Maraming salamat sa inyo!”
Cup of Joe
For the third time, Cup of Joe returned to the Aurora stage with an emotional and well-received set. They performed the title track of their new album “Silakbo,” “Patutunguhan,” and “Misteryoso.”
“What’s up, Aurora Fest! Wow grabe ang dami niyo,” lead vocalist Gian Bernardino said. “It’s our third Aurora Fest… We are honored to be co-headlining this tonight show.”
Cup of Joe was one of the headliners of the second day of the fest alongside BINI.
“We are grateful sa support niyo ever since we debut in 2019 hanggang ngayon. (We are) overwhelmed,” Gian expressed.
The band also performed some of their early singles which were also fan favorites such as “Sinderela,” and “Tingin,” which became one of Billboard Philippines top songs in 2023 featuring singer-songwriter Janine Teñoso.
Following the success of their songs, the band also performed “Mananatili” and “Multo,” which just recently entered the Billboard Global 200 chart, placing at 181st place.
“Ito yung isa sa pinakamalaking crowd na pinagperforman namin. Marami pong salamat sa inyo,” Gian expressed, closing their set.
“Sa lahat po ng mga Joewahs (their fandom name) namin and sa mga nakikinig po sa amin, marami pong salamat sa inyo.”
Maki
Rising artist Maki painted the stage with his signature color-themed songs, including “Namumula,” “Bughaw,” and “Dilaw.” He delighted the crowd by bringing Cup of Joe’s Gian onstage during “Dilaw,” playfully calling him “BINI Maloi.”
Maki also performed “Bakit?,” “Kailan?” and ended his set with the performance of “Saan?” where he tweaked some parts of the song to include Pampanga and Aurora Music Festival.
During his Q&Q, Maki also teased a new song inspired by the color kahel (orange) and announced a 10-track album coming later this year.
“10 tracks. Medyo marami rami. Sana po abangan niyo lahat yung bago kong album. Kasama na diyan yung Namumula, Bughaw, atsaka Dilaw,” he shared.
Dionela
From Maki, singer-songwriter Dionela also brought his songs “Oksihina,” “Langit,” “Hoodie,” and “Musika” on stage as he expressed happiness performing for a huge crowd celebrating Filipino music.
“Mabuhay ang OPM!” Dionela said.
He also recalled how he once did his gigs around the festival venue in his early years, saying, “Gusto ko lang i-share na noong naguumpisa ako, dito lang din ako sa Clark. Pumupunta sa gig ko usually apat lang, dalawa doon yung nanay at tatay ko, isa doon yung girlfriend ko at yung isa walang paki sa akin.”
Dionela also performed covers of South Border’s “Rainbow” and Paramore’s “The Only Exception,” which had the crowd singing along.
For his “Bahaghari” performance, Dionela brought his girlfriend Meizy to sing the latter part of the song. He also told the story of Meizy’s bandana which he put on his guitar and brings to places where he performs.
Dionela wrapped up with “Marilag,” “Sining,” and a surprise performance of Ne-Yo’s “Miss Independent,” teasing an upcoming collaboration with the American singer.
BINI
For the much-anticipated finale, BINI lit up the stage with a solo dance intro and their hit “Salamin, Salamin.”
“Grabe ang energy niyo, sobrang nakakahawa. Para kaming nananalamin, kaming BINI,” member Sheena expressed.
Member Mikha added, “Sobrang thank you. Thank you so much for everyone here tonight. I know it has not been easy. Mahirap maghintay under the sun, under the rain and ngayon ang dami natin.”
The festival marked their last local performance before continuing their BINIverse World Tour, making it a memorable night for both the group and their fandom, Blooms.
“Habang tinitingnan namin kayo, sobrang saya ng feeling, sobrang saya an anandito kayo, naghintay for us. Sobrang saya na dito sa Aurora Fest yung last show namin bago kami mag world tour. This is the biggest crowd na pinagperforman namin. We love you all!” BINI Maloi stated.
BINI Stacey continued, “Ito yung celebration na pagiging good vibes ng lahat na kaninang umaga pa na dala-dala ninyo.”
The group then performed “I Feel Good” and “Blink Twice.”
BINI Aiah expressed, “You surely make us feel good. Pawis kami, pero we feel good.”
Member Gwen added, “Thank you so much guys for the warm welcome.”
The group also had special moments with fans as they did the light wave choreo with the almost 90 thousand audience members.
BINI kept spirits high despite technical difficulties, engaging fans with fun moments like Maloi’s viral Kim Seon Ho TikTok dance and a cover of Jennie’s “Like Jennie” with Stacey.
BINI Colet expressed. “Sobrang grabe yung energy niyo, yung love niyo. Sobrang ramdam namin.”
As the festival concluded, BINI performed a special stage on one of their new song “Zero Pressure” chorus part before proceeding to their final song “Pantropiko.”
“Maraming salamat! Mabuhay ang OPM!” BINI member Jhoanna said as they took the final bow.