Apl.de.Ap, Arnel Pineda, Kamikazee, James Reid, And More To Perform At Kaogma Festival 2025
First held in 1989 to celebrate the foundation of the Camarines Sur province, the festival is happening this May 23 to 28, 2025.
Apl.de.Ap: courtesy of @apldeap. Arnel Pineda: @ArnelPinedaOfficial. Kamikazee: courtesy of @KamikazeeOfficial. James Reid: courtesy of @james
Apl.de.Ap: courtesy of @apldeap. Arnel Pineda: @ArnelPinedaOfficial. Kamikazee: courtesy of @KamikazeeOfficial. James Reid: courtesy of @james
Kaogma Festival is back for another year, featuring a star-studded lineup of performers.
First held in 1989, the festival was created to commemorate the foundation day of the province of Camarines Sur in the Philippines, which happened on May 15, 1589. Over the years, it has evolved from a one-day event to a multi-date celebration that features a number of activities for attendees to participate in, including numerous live music performances.
This 2025, Kaogma Festival will have performances from a total of 23 artists, ranging from hip-hop stars and pop favorites to rock bands and R&B balladeers. Notably, the festival will be headlined by Black Eyed Peas‘ Apl.de.Ap, as well as Journey frontman Arnel Pineda. Joining them are Kamikazee, James Reid, Hev Abi, TJ Monterde, Zack Tabudlo, Dionela, December Avenue, Al James, Maki, Bugoy na Koykoy, O SIDE MAFIA, Toneejay, Zild, The Juans, G22, KAIA, Illest Morena, Hellmerry, Talata, August Wahh, and Jolianne.
The sets from these artists will be spread across the six days of Kaogma Festival 2025, happening from May 23 to 28 (Friday to Wednesday) at Capitol Grounds in Cadlan, Pili. Notably, no entrance fee is required since the entire festival is free.
Performance schedules for each dates of the event have yet to be announced by the festival. Watch this space for updates.
In Billboard Philippines-exclusive interview, apl.de.ap talked about the importance of investing in Filipino music, emphasizing how it is becoming more and more recognized globally.” He stated, “Right now is the moment; it’s the right time to invest in Filipino artists, because OPM is being recognized around the world now. Just quite like, like Afrobeats from Africa, like K-pop. OPM is the next thing (because) our culture is being recognized.”
“It’s just so much talent and all they need, really, is a chance and more investment — and, this is the time now. It’s so much like so many styles and music genres that I’m like discovering, just being at home,” he continued. “And, I mean, yeah, I’m so excited that that I got to witness this. And, you know, I mean, I’ve always been proud of our culture, but now I could point back to people around the world to check out Philippine music right now. It’s time.”