GFest Davao 2024: Where Beats Meet Community and Local Stars Shine

 

When I tell you GFest Davao was the event of the season here in the Southern Philippines, I’m not exaggerating. November 16 at the SMX Convention Center wasn’t just a concert—it was a love letter to Davao’s music scene, a showcase of raw talent, and a glorious celebration of everything we adore about live music. Here’s the play-by-play of one of the most unforgettable nights of my life.

Setting the Stage: The Atmosphere

Nameless Kids setting the mood at the #GFest2024

Walking into the venue, I was greeted by a symphony of activity. Nameless Kids had already taken the stage, their indie vibes perfectly setting the mood. Around me, concertgoers were bustling—some lining up for personalized swag at the Globe Rewards booths, others munching on street food-inspired snacks. The energy? Electric. The crowd? Pumped. It was clear this wasn’t just another night out; this was an experience.

Nameless Kids, true to form, delivered a performance that felt intimate yet larger-than-life. Their smooth melodies resonated, the kind that makes you sway without realizing it. Meanwhile, attendees explored arts and crafts booths, sipping iced drinks as they soaked up the good vibes.

Paul Pablo: A Visionary Performer

Paul Pablo hits the stage with his "hugotronic" music

And then, there was Paul Pablo—Davao’s pride and one of the highlights of the night. Let me tell you, Paul is all about representation. His set wasn’t just a performance; it was a story, a visual feast, and a call to embrace individuality.

The crowd roared as Paul strutted onto the stage, his fashion as bold as his message. Remember his Elemento EP? Songs like Lupa, Apoy, Dagat, and Hangin came alive as models showcased outfits inspired by these tracks. Imagine a fusion of music and a mini fashion week—it was genius.

A fashion show featuring creations based on his music graces Paul Pablo's performance

Paul’s “hugotronic” sound, which he describes as electropop with heartfelt lyrics, had the audience swaying one minute and jumping the next. Songs like Takaw Tingin brought a sense of community, reminding us all of music’s power to connect.

PLAYERTWO: Genre-Bending Magic

Homegrown hip-hop group, PlayerTwo raises the crowd's energy with their hits

When PLAYERTWO hit the stage, the energy in the room skyrocketed. These guys are a powerhouse of creativity, and their live performance proved why they’re one of Davao’s brightest musical exports.

Their setlist included hits like THAT'S MY BABY and Someday, a personal favorite. What I love about PLAYERTWO is how each member shines individually—whether it’s Ivo Impreso’s smooth vocals or Wave P’s infectious beats—yet together, they create this unique, genre-blending sound that’s impossible to resist.

The crowd couldn’t get enough, and honestly? Neither could I. Their vibe was contagious, and I left their set feeling like I’d just been to the coolest house party ever.

Angela Ken: A Soulful Interlude

Angela Ken was the emotional centerpiece of the night. When she sang Ako Naman Muna, you could feel the entire room pause and listen. Her voice is as pure live as it is on record—maybe even more so.

Her performance was a reminder of how music carried many of us through tough times, especially during the pandemic. Angela’s heartfelt delivery had people tearing up (yes, even me). But she also brought a sense of hope and healing, making her set one of the most memorable of the night.

Gins&Melodies: A Prelude to the Main Act

Before the main event, Gins&Melodies took the stage with their signature charm. Their performance of Babaero had the crowd laughing and singing along, their cheeky lyrics a perfect prelude to the evening’s crescendo.

Maki: The Showstopper

And then came Maki, the moment we were all waiting for. From the moment he stepped on stage, the atmosphere shifted from buzzing to absolutely electric. Opening with Dilaw and Namumula, Maki had everyone on their feet. His voice was magnetic, his energy infectious, and his stage presence? Unparalleled.

@ayeladventures So lucky to have front row seats at the #GFestDavao ♬ original sound - AyelAdventures

I found myself inching closer to the stage, drawn in by Maki’s charisma. By the time he launched into Saan?, I was just a few feet away from the man himself. And when the crowd erupted with “Sa kalsada ng Davao City!” during the chorus, Maki didn’t just let it happen—he encouraged it. He leaned into the moment, pointing the mic toward us and feeding off our energy like a true showman.

Maki’s connection with the crowd was effortless yet profound. He wasn’t just performing; he was vibing with us, making us feel like we were part of the act. At one point, he came to the edge of the stage and reached out, clasping hands with fans while still delivering a flawless performance. That close interaction? It elevated his set from incredible to unforgettable.

But it wasn’t just the proximity that impressed me. Maki had this uncanny ability to read the crowd, knowing exactly when to slow it down with Sikulo and when to ramp it back up with his upbeat tracks. His banter between songs was pure charm—funny, heartfelt, and utterly engaging. He even took a moment to shout out Davao City, thanking us for the love and support, which only made the crowd go wilder.

By the time his set ended, I wasn’t just a fan—I was a full-blown believer. Maki has this rare gift of making a big stage feel intimate, and that’s what makes him such a standout performer.

The Globe Experience

What made GFest Davao even more special was Globe’s commitment to creating an immersive experience. From personalized tote bags to exclusive swags redeemable via Globe Rewards points, every detail was designed to make fans feel valued.

And can we talk about the production? The sound was impeccable, the lights dazzling, and the stage effects on point. It was clear that Globe wasn’t just putting on a concert—they were curating an unforgettable night.

What a Stellar Evening!

As I left the SMX Convention Center, my heart was full. GFest Davao wasn’t just about the music; it was about the community. Seeing local talents like Paul Pablo and PLAYERTWO share the stage with rising stars like Maki and Angela Ken was inspiring.

Davao has so much talent, and events like GFest are crucial for giving these artists the platforms they deserve. Globe nailed it, bringing us a night of music, fun, and connection that we’ll be talking about for years.

GFest Davao wasn’t just a concert—it was a celebration of Davao’s vibrant music scene and a reminder of the power of live performances to bring people together. To Globe: thank you for giving us this gift. To my fellow concertgoers: see you at the next one!

Let’s keep supporting local music and the incredible artists who make it all possible. If GFest Davao is anything to go by, the future of OPM is looking very, very bright.