CASTAWAY MUSIC FESTIVAL DRAWS THOUSANDS IN SM CITY BALIWAG, SPOTLIGHTS RISING OPM ARTISTS
Thousands of music enthusiasts, mostly Gen Z demographic, packed the open grounds of SM City Baliwag over the weekend as the much-awaited Castaway Music Festival returned with a renewed focus on celebrating local talent and energizing the Original Pilipino Music (OPM) scene.
Headlined by crowd favorites CALEIN and P-pop sensation Horizon, the festival tapped into the pulse of today’s generation, blending pop, indie, and alternative sounds. The festival also serves as a powerful reminder of how youth-driven communities are reshaping the local music landscape. With pop-rock anthems and synth-heavy tracks echoing through the evening, the crowd sang, danced, and waved lights in unison, proving that live Filipino music is far from fading.
Castaway Music Festival also introduced a promising roster of up-and-coming OPM artists such as Amiel Sol, Leona, and SSUNN, who drew cheers from first-time listeners and loyal fans alike. Their energetic sets showcased a growing appetite for genre-blending, emotionally resonant songs—hallmarks of Gen Z musical preferences.
Now on its annual run, Castaway Music Festival continues to build its reputation as a must-see event in SM City Baliwag, spotlighting the evolving sound of OPM. This year’s staging in Baliwag marks a continued push to decentralize music festivals and support local music scenes beyond Metro Manila.
Beyond entertainment, Castaway Music Festival aims to give a stage to new talents while encouraging fans to discover and embrace the evolving sound of OPM.