‘Soaking’ in music, arts and nature
By Abegail Kionisala, UP Cebu Intern
GOODBYE to suffocating classrooms and say hello to open spaces under the sun — Cebu welcomed summer with a bang with the Soak Music and Arts Festival last April 26 at the Family Park in Talamban.
Art, music and fun — Soak offered that very experience along with an advocacy. “It’s also a celebration of water, earth and Mother Nature. It was supposed to be for World Water Day, but we moved it. That’s why it’s on the 26th to commemorate Earth Day,” said Nina Alcoseba of the organizing team, The Lemon Collective.
experimental music.
Soak advocated for ecological awareness and also promoted Cebuano talent in music and art. “We wanted something to tie in with nature and emphasize local art and talent. That’s why all of our performers are local musicians, the art exhibits by local artists,” Alcoseba added.
Ukulele Cebu opened the show. Among the other local musicians who also performed at the festival were Kaapin, Skankin Brews, The Wonggoys, Luxxx, Snubear and Honeydrop. Lastly the highlight of the evening was soul songstress June Marieezy, who flew in from Manila and graced Soak with her presence and marvelous music.
As for the art scene, life-size birds and fish made out of rattan were installed by fine arts student organizations, Tribu M and Captured. Live art shows were done by The Junks Collective, Wyndelle Remonde, Tom Jopson and Nikki Uminga who painted on 1UP bancas. Lastly, visual art masterpieces were exhibited by Stephanie Tudtud, Francis Sollano, Peter Corazo, Mona Alcudia and Richie Pulvera.
Steph Jarina, also part of The Lemon Collective, said, “We are partners with the Metro Cebu Water District. Family Park has a water reservoir and that’s actually one of the reasons we chose it for venue. We want the people to feel the fullness of Mother Nature, and to value the importance of water and earth.”
The Lemon Collective is the production team behind the smashing event. It is a start-up group of young creatives who aim to promote the arts and advocate for social causes. The same group was behind the successful 1UP Yolanda Relief Drive for the victims of Yolanda last Nov. 15 held at UP Cebu.
