Manila, Philippines – It is said that music is a universal language that transcends cultural boundaries, uniting people and forming communities that share the same passion. The annual 'All of the Noise 2025' festival, hosted by Filipino music event organizer 'The Rest Is Noise (TRIN)' on April 4th and 5th, powerfully demonstrated this very essence of music.
Commemorating TRIN's 10th anniversary with an even richer and more diverse program, this year's festival took place over two days at 'The Astbury' in Makati City. The event offered an unforgettable experience for music enthusiasts and industry professionals alike, featuring screenings of music documentaries, cultural discussions, photo exhibitions, and passionate live performances by talented musicians from the Philippines and various Asian countries.
Documentary Screenings Capture the Rhythm of Filipino Music Culture
The festival kicked off with the screening of two documentaries that shed light on the unique aspects of Filipino music culture. On the first day, Director Jay Rosas's <Budots: The Craze (2019)> was shown, exploring the origins of 'Budots,' a distinctive Filipino electronic music genre born in the Davao region, and the pioneering role of Sherwin Tuna, also known as DJ Love. The documentary illustrated how DJ Love's Budots evolved beyond mere music into a dance culture, becoming a significant part of Filipino culture.
The second day featured the screening of Chuck Escasa's <Jingle Lang Ang Pahina (2012)>, which revisited 'Jingle Magazine,' an independent music magazine that was once a vital medium for the Philippine popular music industry and focused on teaching guitar chords to its readers. Founded by Gilbert Guillermo, 'Jingle Magazine' was dubbed the 'National Music Bible' for revolutionizing Filipino music journalism.
Following the screening, during a Q&A session, Director Escasa revealed that he aimed to make the documentary's editing "irreverent and puerile" while still deeply resonating with the audience. This was an attempt to reflect the emotions he felt as a child in the provinces when reading the magazine in the 1970s. Director Escasa added that he plans to remaster and expand the documentary for wider audience screenings after securing the copyrights for the music used.
In-depth Discussions Amplify the Volume of the Music Industry
To further the discourse sparked by the documentary screenings, 'All of the Noise 2025' organized a music conference program titled 'Cut through the Noise.' This program featured lectures and discussions by experts from various fields on a wide range of topics related to the Philippine music scene.
The first day included a discussion on the roots, development, and struggles of the Visayan and Mindanao music communities as they strive for Filipino music to flourish not only in the capital region but throughout the entire country. Notably, Cal Lucente of the Cebu-based band Mandaue Nights participated as a speaker, sharing vivid stories from the local music scene and later delivering a passionate performance at the music showcase.
This was followed by an in-depth discussion on 'How to Build a Sustainable Career in Music.' Industry experts David Siow, Dylan Amirio, and Gino Rosales shared insightful perspectives during this session, which was moderated by MC Galang, co-founder and creative director of TRIN.
On the second day, the 'Amplifying Queer Visibility and Imagery in Filipino Music' session featured singer Pixie Labrador, alternative music artist Peachy Shabuh, and musician Ed Cruz, who emphasized the importance of authentic queer representation in crafting genuine queer narratives and creating safe spaces where art can thrive.
Meanwhile, the 'Bold Maximalism: The Global Future of 'Budots' and Philippine Electronic Music' session brought together writer Rex Cellebra, sound artist Jorge Juan B. Wieneke V, and Director Jay Rosas of <Budots: The Craze>. They delved into how the Budots phenomenon, once dismissed as 'baduy' (tacky), reflects internalized self-hatred and acts as a decolonizing force that embraces local identity and artistic expression.
Solidarity Through Music and Anticipation for the Future
'All of the Noise 2025' was more than just a music festival; it was a meaningful occasion where people from diverse backgrounds gathered under the common language of music to interact and reaffirm their sense of solidarity. In particular, the diverse performances by musicians from various Asian countries promoted cultural understanding and showcased the potential for international exchange through music.
Returning with an even more enriching program to commemorate TRIN's 10th anniversary, this year's festival offered a glimpse into the dynamic present and bright future of the Philippine music scene. It is anticipated that 'All of the Noise' will continue to grow as a significant platform in the Asian music scene, extending its positive influence through music beyond the Philippines.
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