Bathed in the warm glow of hundreds of candles, DILAAB: A Candlelit Multisensory Experience transported audiences into an enchanting realm of music, nostalgia, and connection. Held at the Penthouse Dome of the First United Building in Escolta, Manila, the event transformed the space into a sanctuary of music, ambiance, and shared moments. Across four intimate, sold-out performances, guests were immersed in an evening of beautifully reimagined Filipino music, sensory-rich elements, and meaningful audience engagement.
The concept for DILAAB was born when producer Irvinne Redor attended a candlelight concert in Melbourne in December, where a string quartet performed a set of Queen songs. Inspired by the experience, he envisioned a similar concert format in the Philippines—one that would celebrate local artists and deeply resonate with Filipino audiences. The first band that came to mind was Ben&Ben, whose music evokes nostalgia and connection across generations. While candlelight concerts have gained popularity worldwide, Redor wanted DILAAB to be more than just a passive listening experience—he envisioned something participatory, immersive, and uniquely Filipino.
That vision struck a chord, as DILAAB quickly sold out all four shows. Even after seats were gone, inquiries flooded the event’s Instagram page, with audiences eager to secure tickets or find out if additional dates would be added. The overwhelming demand reinforced the event’s deep appeal and motivated the team to plan future DILAAB performances.
At the heart of the experience was the CAP Ensemble string quartet, featuring violinists Jerico Flores and Daniel Estrellado, violist Eco Camacho, and cellist Zedie Balaccua. They performed an all-Ben&Ben repertoire, specially arranged by Darren Vega for DILAAB. The setlist included Pagtingin, Upuan, Araw-Araw, Ride Home, Masyado Pang Maaga, Leaves, Kathang Isip, The Ones We Once Loved, Maybe the Night, Tomorrow with You, Sa Susunod na Habang Buhay, and Paninindigan Kita. The delicate, all-string renditions breathed new life into these beloved songs, creating a deeply emotional experience for attendees.
What set DILAAB apart was its multisensory approach. Hundreds of LED candles bathed the venue in a warm, golden glow, while a carefully curated scent heightened the ethereal atmosphere. Guests also enjoyed wine, complementing the refined, intimate setting. More than a concert, DILAAB was designed as a fully immersive journey, engaging sight, sound, scent, and taste.
A key element of DILAAB was its emphasis on participation. Guests were invited to take part in a postcard exchange, where they wrote anonymous messages, reflections, or stories to be randomly shared with fellow attendees. This simple yet meaningful activity deepened the connection among the audience, transforming the event into a shared, interactive experience.
After the event, many guests posted photos of the postcards they received, revealing heartfelt messages from strangers that resonated with them in unexpected ways. One particularly touching note recounted a guest’s memory of watching a Ben&Ben concert with their fiancée, seated so far back that the performers were barely visible. Yet, they described it as the best concert ever—not because of where they sat, but because of who they were with. This sentiment underscored DILAAB’s mission: to create a space where music fosters connection, nostalgia, and deeply personal moments.
Among those captivated by DILAAB were notable personalities, including award-winning actress Nadine Lustre, Miss Aura International 2024 first runner-up Isabelle De Los Santos, live loop artist Zsaris, social entrepreneur and sustainability advocate Bryan Benitez McClelland, and conductor and jazz musician Toma Cayabyab. Their presence highlighted the event’s cultural significance and its ability to bring together artists and creatives across disciplines.
Beyond the music and sensory experience, DILAAB also became a stage for serendipitous reunions. One of the most touching moments came when two guests, who had booked their tickets separately, unexpectedly reunited at DILAAB after 10 years apart. Their chance meeting, set against the backdrop of music and candlelight, made the evening even more meaningful. Additionally, a guest expressed interest in bringing DILAAB to Pampanga, recognizing its potential to touch audiences beyond Metro Manila.
The enthusiastic reception for DILAAB has inspired its organizers to expand the concept further. Future iterations will not be limited to a string quartet; the team is exploring other musical arrangements, such as a Rondalla Quartet, Guitar Quartet, or even a Vocal Quartet, to reinterpret the works of iconic Filipino artists. Plans are also underway to bring DILAAB beyond Metro Manila, introducing the experience to different regions and communities.
With the Escolta run marking a successful launch, the DILAAB team is now working hard to shape the next editions of the experience. While no official dates have been announced, one thing is clear: DILAAB has struck a chord, its glow reaching far beyond Escolta. With music, light, and shared moments, it has set a new standard for immersive Filipino music experiences—one that will continue to flicker and flourish in the hearts of those it touches.
For updates on future DILAAB events, follow @dilaab.ph.
