Aurora Music Festival 2025 Reminds Us Local Talent Belongs On The Global Stage

Last weekend, Aurora Music Festival returned for its grandest installment yet. Held beneath sweeping skies of Clark Global City, the festival delivered a thrilling weekend full of grand performances by Filipino music’s most-sought after acts — from hip-hop’s finest Flow G to rock music’s incomparable icon Rico Blanco to the country’s most streamed artist Cup Of Joe to indie favorites Over October.

If you were a fan of Filipino music, there was no better place to be last weekend than Aurora Music Festival 2025.

Admittedly though, last weekend’s Aurora Music Festival was a BINI concert, with “Aurora” styled to their branding (the sampaguita emblem replacing the “o”). As early as two in the morning on May 3, crowds flooded the Clark City grounds, gripping portable fans, bloombilyas (BINI’s official lightstick) and their significant others.

The colossal stage flaunted eight narrow LED screens — four on each side — dedicated to each BINI member. And they knew it. Aiah, Colet, Maloi, Gwen, Stacey, Mikha, Jhoanna, and Sheena posed for the massive Day 1 crowd, sparking deafening screams as each screen flashed a fan favorite.

The biggest music festival in the country was a dream realized for BLOOMs, as BINI, crowned Billboard Philippines’ No. 1 Artist of 2024, headlined both nights — May 3 and 4 — the first act to do so in Aurora history.

For just a 500-peso Silver ticket (the cheapest), BLOOMs got a taste of the electrifying communal vibe that only a live show can give. The P5,000 Platinum ticket, which puts one closest to the stage, delivered a front-row view of the girls in their jazzy, vibrant, psychedelic costumes, showcasing high-energy bubblegum pop and tight, synchronized formations under the Pampanga summer sky.

The wild screams made it clear: P-pop’s biggest sensation still dominates. And when Aurora Music Festival’s social media blared that BINI had sold out major venues in the Philippines, they weren’t lying — as around 150,000 people showed up in force for the two-day live music event.

But it’s not all about the headliner. 

The legendary Rico Blanco played right before BINI on Day 1, rocking an oversized corduroy nautical jacket packed with zippers. The youthful rockstar didn’t just perform for BLOOMs — he was one, possibly the biggest fan in the crowd, shouting, “Ready na ba kayo (Are you ready), BLOOMs?” before each song. When the Clark night sky cracked and drizzled during “Umaaraw,” with the crowd scrambling to unfold umbrellas, Rico roared, “Ulan lang yan, BLOOMs tayo! (A little rain can’t stop us BLOOMs!)”

This was the most electric prelude of Day 1. Rico owned the stage, effortlessly commanding the crowd. With memorable hits like “Kisapmata,” “Elesi,” “Antukin,” and more, he connected with the crowd like a preacher, leading them in vocal exchanges and bringing energy back to a sea of concertgoers worn down by the early morning and long hours on the road (with some even coming from Baguio). 

He spent much of his time tossing cold water bottles into the crowd, muttering, “I’m under time,” but that’s Rico Blanco for you. He doesn’t need to move much; his presence alone commands the stage. His simple, emotionally charged songs are the blueprint for timeless hits. Fireworks lit the sky as the rain paused, and his finale, “You’ll Be Safe Here,” wrapped up his one-hour set.

Earlier, Moira, clad in a camouflage corset with net sleeves and baggy denim pants, serenaded the crowd with acoustic pop and folk ballads, opening with “Paubaya” and including a heartfelt rendition of Phil Collins’ “You’ll Be In My Heart.” P-pop group BGYO kicked off Day 1, electrifying the crowd with their EDM, hip-hop, and R&B hits like “Light My Fire,” “Andito Lang,” and “Magnet,” sparking high-voltage dancing.

R&B and soul heartthrob Arthur Nery entertained the crowd with seven songs, including “Pagsamo,” “Isa Lang,” and “Higa.” TJ Monterde, with his easy smile and clad in a brown corduroy jacket, melted hearts while performing “Mahika,” “Dating Tayo,” and even inspired a wedding proposal during “Palagi.” When his wife KZ Tandingan joined him onstage, the crowd swooned at their honeymoon-vibe chemistry.

Day 2’s preliminary highlight was Flow G, a legend in Filipino hip-hop. But he didn’t arrive onstage. Instead, he emerged from behind the scenes, stepping onto a monster vehicle, backlit by fiery hot air balloons and searing pyrotechnics. Standing as a hip-hop god in a black leather jacket, cornrows, and glistening bling-blings, he launched into his 15-song set — the longest of the day.

The first act of Day 2 was the chart-breaking indie pop-rock band Over October, who delivered a chill, authentic vibe with emotional depth. This band deserves more future shows. As they sang “123,” “Bitin,” and other tracks, they demonstrated technical mastery, soul, sensitivity, and emotional resonance.

Meanwhile, Billboard Philippines chart-topper Dionela fired up the crowd with “Oksihina,” “Marilag,” and other hits. A sweet moment transpired when he invited girlfriend Meizy onstage to belt out lines from “Bahaghari.”

Maki, however, relied on antics instead of focusing on his vocals. He tried to entertain with romantic moves onstage with Cup of Joe’s Gian while performing his No. 1 hit “Dilaw.” It was a missed opportunity — Maki’s talent gets lost live, leaving more room for distraction than delivery.

Cup of Joe made a mark on Day 2 with their tight six-song set, including the viral relapse song “Multo,” which blended acoustic, retro, and alternative sounds, moving the sea of attendees to light up the evening with light sticks.

BINI on Day 2 brought a stronger stage presence than the previous night. In their cowboy aesthetic costumes on Day 1, they leaned into what they called their “corny jokes” and begged for laughter, but they were all business when performing, making the crowd explode with the kind of intensity that only true BLOOMs can fully comprehend and experience. Day 1 ended with “Pantropiko,” leaving fans mesmerized and still in awe long after.

On Day 2, dressed in breezy summer costumes adorned with oversized flowers and butterflies, the girls looked like fairies emerging from a mystical garden. They opened with their iconic “Salamin, Salamin,” delivered their new track “Blink Twice,” and closed their set with flawless, fiery energy, under a sky lit by New Year’s Eve-level fireworks, serving as a send-off before the girls’ global tour.

For two days, the Aurora Music Festival roared with life, proof that live shows are thriving and OPM is stronger than ever. Massive crowds gathered under the open sky, drawn by impressive production and a powerhouse lineup that brought together legends and fresh voices alike. Beyond the beats and lights, Aurora delivered a collective experience of hugot, healing, and pure fun. For a moment, stress melted away. It was a reminder that our local artists aren’t just good; their talent is bold, world-class, and more than ready for the global stage.