O/C Records, in partnership with the University of the Philippines Diliman University Student Council (UPD USC), gears up for the return of Hiwaga: UP Fair Monday this February 12, 2024 at UP Diliman’s Sunken Garden.
Featuring performances from today’s OPM hitmakers such as Adie, Unique Salonga, Kean Cipriano, The Juans, mrld, Janine Berdin, Maki, Kenaniah, Cean Jr., and Flow G, UP Fair Hiwaga is expecting an attendance of at least 14,000 fairgoers.
“We continue to champion creative freedom in OC and Hiwaga. The goal is to empower artists from all walks of life to take space & own their voices. To be able to do this with USC is a great privilege because we are working with individuals who know the value of this to the core,” said O/C vice-president Chynna Ortaleza-Cipriano.
In 2020, a little over a month before the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns started, O/C partnered with the UPD USC for the first ever UP Fair Hiwaga, which featured a diverse lineup of musicians from different genres.
Kean Cipriano, the founder of O/C, said that this year, they ensured that attendees will enjoy the show from start to end.
“UP Hiwaga is true to its name. Sama-sama kaming bumubuo ng isang araw na nakalaan para sa mahika at misteryo. Siniguro namin na magiging masaya at umuwi ang mga manunuod na inspired sa performances ng mapapanuod nila. Excited na kami na makita kayo lahat sa February 12!” he shared.
Also gracing the UP Fair Hiwaga stage are street dance group A-Team, singer-songwriters Chrstn and Amiel Sol, rising bands 12th Street, Crash, Nameless Kids and Healy After Dark, and UP Performers such as Rau, Gazera, JP Cuison, Mga Baklang Kanal and drag artist Shebu Pacifique.
UP Fair is a weeklong advocacy-led fair organized by different night handlers carrying calls on human rights and national sovereignty, education, women and gender, urban poor, peasants, and national minorities.
The UP Fair Hiwaga banners, meanwhile, call on the forthcoming jeepney phaseout affecting jeepney drivers from all over the country, ending contractualization, responding to bludgeoning prices and inflation, raising the wages of Filipino workers, and scrutinizing US culture of imperialism amplified by the Marcos-Duterte regime.
“This year is a symbolic year for UP Fair since we are presenting each night with advocacy partners to remain true to our commitment of UP Fair being a protest,” said Sean Latorre & Camyl Camba, UP Fair Hiwaga Co-Heads.
Tickets to UP Fair Hiwaga are available through upfairhiwaga.helixpay.ph.