&Friends Festival
Music and pop culture festival in the Philippines
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
&Friends Festival is a music and pop culture festival held in Parañaque, Metro Manila, Philippines. The festival features electronic dance music concerts, gaming events, and content creator conventions. Clout Kitchen, a company led by CEO Justin Banusing, organizes the event. It uses multiple stages for international headliners, regional Asian artists, and local Filipino talent.
| &Friends Festival | |
|---|---|
| Status | Active |
| Genre | EDM, Pop, Hip hop |
| Venue | Okada Manila |
| Locations | Parañaque, Metro Manila, Philippines |
| Years active | 2025–present |
| Founders | Justin Banusing (Clout Kitchen) |
| Website | andfriends |
History
Inaugural Festival (May 2025)
The first &Friends Festival took place on May 30 and 31, 2025, at Okada Manila.[1][2][3] In January 2025, organizers announced that Zedd would headline the event.[4][5] Later that month, they confirmed Canadian rapper bbno$ as the headliner for the second night.[6]
The event combined music, gaming, and creator culture.[7] The festival used different areas within the hotel complex, including the Cove Manila and the Crystal Pavilion.[1] The lineup had over 50 artists.[8] Illenium made his Manila performance debut at the event.[9] Girls' Generation member Hyoyeon (DJ HYO) also performed.[10]
The festival also had an "OPM Spotlight" for Filipino musicians.[8] Performers included Ylona Garcia, Amiel Sol, and Kiyo.[11] Zedd's performance was his first in the Philippines in three years.[12]
Halloween Festival (October 2025)
A second edition, called the "&Friends Halloween Festival," happened on October 31, 2025.[13] Reports described the event as a mix of a festival and a destination wedding. The lineup featured Asian electronic music artists, including Knock2, Dabin, Beauz, and Sabai.[14]
Program and facilities
The festival uses multiple stages and areas.[1]
- Cove Stage: The main stage for headline acts.[11]
- Creator Stage: A stage for panels, K-Pop raves, and local OPM artists.[8]
- Friendship Stage: An area for DJ collectives and Asian underground music.[10]
The event also hosts a "Creator Expo" with internet personalities.[15] Guests have included VTubers Ironmouse and Shoto, along with gamers and lifestyle vloggers.[16] The venue includes space for cosplay and merchandise booths.[7]
Reception
Billboard Philippines reviewed the first festival. The review noted the crowd's interest in EDM but mentioned logistical issues. It cited long walking times between stages and limited food options.[1] Rappler wrote that the event allowed attendees to experience music, gaming, and internet culture together.[7]
Justin Banusing, the CEO of the organizer, said the event aimed to "merge global energy with local culture." Reports stated that international visitors made up more than one-third of the attendees at the Halloween edition.[14]
