The tenth edition of the Wanderland: Arts and Music Festival felt like a much-needed warm hug I’ve always longed for.
Photo: Wanderland Festival/Instagram
I first heard of Wanderland when I was in junior high school, and since then, Iโve always looked forward to the festivalโs vibrant lineup, which features a mix of international artists and OPM acts. At that time, I was young and broke, and attending felt like a far-fetched dream.
Fast forward to March 22 and 23, I was stepping into my first-ever Wanderland experience. I was nervous, excited, and prepared for what was bound to come.
Went for the music
This yearโs edition featured 21 incredibly talented acts, each delivering a performance that set the perfect mood and flawlessly captivated the audience.
One of the biggest highlights for me was experiencing OPM music live. Witnessing the talent and dedication of homegrown artists like Alyson, Waiian, TONEEJAY, Sinosikat?, Mayonnaise, Nameless Kids, Dilaw, and Urbandubย reminded me why OPM continues to thrive and resonate with so many.
I vividly remember how hyped I wasโI even ran closer to the stage when TONEEJAY performed one of his hits, “Inner Child.” Ironically, while the song usually makes my heart sink when I hear it playing on my phone, experiencing it live was a complete game changer.
Mayonnaise’s set was also something else. Hearing classic tracks like “Ipagpatawad Mo,” “Kapag Lasing Malambing,” and “Jopay” got us dancing, jumping, and screaming on top of our lungs.
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If thereโs one thing I love about Korean indie acts, itโs how their songs paint a vivid picture in your mind and leave you feeling at peace afterward. On Day 1, 92914 performing “Sunset” against a picturesque backdrop felt like stepping into a dream, while Yung Kai singing “Wildflower” on Day 2 was like dancing in a field of bell flowers and daisies.
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Undoubtedly, the international acts left a lasting impression on Wanderers. On Day 1, indie rock group Dayglow and Australian multi-instrumentalist Chet Fakerโwho finally made his Wanderland debut after the 2020 edition was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemicโwere met with a loud crowd. Meanwhile, wanderers on Day 2 took a trip on memory lane with The Paper Kites and Plain White T‘s timeless hits.
Finally, headliners Daniel Caesar and Honne brought so much life, enthusiasm, and nostalgia to the entire venue.
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Both performers, who have been a staple in everyone’s playlists, captivated the crowd with their soul, passion, and love for their craft. Hearing “Best Part” and “Day One” live, surrounded by fans who have cherished their music for years, was a moment no phone or camera could ever truly capture.
Stayed for the art
Apart from the music, the weekend also featured quirky and awe-inspiring live art from local creatives, along with a variety of immersive activities, art installations, and one-of-a-kind experiences that Wanderers of all ages loved and enjoyed.
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Indeed, the Wandermarket was the place to be for all the stylish and artsy festival-goers! It featured several interactive activities for those looking to try something new, including ceramic-making and matcha-making. However, I saw myself intently searching and scoring through great deals and awesome finds from our very own local businesses.
Long lines were also seen at the photobooth and Jessy Laraganโs “Pajama Portrait”โwhere the talented artist quickly draws an adorable portrait of you in just minutes! These tangible memories were definitely something worth cherishing for a lifetime.
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Meanwhile, those who couldnโt leave the venue without a keepsake had the time of their lives at the Wandermerch booth. The booth, which attracted long lines of eager and sentimental Wanderers, offered exclusive Wanderland-themed merchandise, including shirts, caps, bags, keychains, and moreโspanning both current and past editions. Of course, this year’s Wander Bob Blind Box was an instant crowd favorite.
A full circle moment
The weekend wasnโt flawlessโthe dry and humid weather left me feeling more exhausted than usual, my knees ached from waiting in long lines and standing amid the crowd, and a few technical glitches added to the challenges. However, if you remove all these circumstances from the equation, the experience itself was worthwhile!
Photo: Wanderland Festival/Instagram
Wanderland 2025 was more than just a weekend of live music and spectacular art. For me, it was a huge dream crossed off my bucket list. As someone who couldnโt attend live events or concerts during my teenage years, this festival healed my inner child, allowing me to enjoy it in more ways than I could have ever imagined.
If I had the chance to talk to my 13-year-old self, I know she would be completely shocked to find out that I would one day experience Wanderland in the best way possible.
With my first Wanderland experience being one for the books, wouldnโt it be selfish to ask for one moreโor even many moreโin the years to come?
Wanderland: Music and Arts Festival is presented by Karpos.ย
ALSO READ: Wanderland at 10 Years: A Look-Back at the Festivalโs Biggest and Best Acts
