RADfest 2025 Shows The Promising Evolution Of Manila Gig Culture

Gig culture is the heart of Manila’s independent music scene.

Whether tucked away in nooks and crannies of the metro or set on the big stage, gig culture is the pulse that dictates the rhythm of the local indie scene. It’s the launchpad for those who wish to get their foot in the door, a hotspot of collaboration, and at its core, a gathering that brings independent acts into the limelight to celebrate a scene that continues to grow and diversify. This phenomenon was perfectly exemplified in ONE CLICK STRAIGHT’s first-ever festival, RADfest 2025.

Gathering a lineup of ena mori, Toneejay, SUYEN, Gabba, Kamikazee, SOS, Chain Messages, T33G33, and Dayaw, the one-day festival took place last Saturday (June 28, 2025) in Soundcheck, Pasig City. The show served as a larger celebration of the release of ONE CLICK STRAIGHT’s latest EP, otw / broke, that made its debut as a complete record last June 27, 2025.

In its entirety, RADfest retained the intimacy of a small gig while upping the ante with a full-fledged production. Tucked into an unassuming warehouse complex — save for the pounding drum and bass that quietly echoed outside — Soundcheck served as the perfect venue for this expanded gig of sorts, sheltering festival-goers from the pouring rain. Notably, the storm had little to no effect on turnout, as the venue remained comfortably packed with eager fans.

With its nine-artist lineup, RADfest showcased the breadth of sounds emerging from the underground — from experimental art pop and hyperpop to traditional shoegaze. Rising acts like SUYEN and Dayaw represented the upcoming generation of Manila’s independent scene, while the electric sets of SOS and Kamikazee brought the energy of seasoned veterans.

During the band’s set, Kamikazee’s lead vocalist, Jay Contreras, humorously declared, “Sa mga kids na ngayon lang kami mapanood, buhay pa kami! (To the kids who’ve only just watched us now, we’re still alive!)” He followed with, “Kami ang mga tito niyo, ‘wag naman lolo. (We’re your uncles, not yet grandfathers.)” Moments like these added to the event’s intimate atmosphere, where artist and audience seamlessly engaged in playful banter.

When it came to the main characters of the night, ONE CLICK STRAIGHT delivered an ecstatic set that reverberated throughout their audience. As they played hits both cherished and new, the crowd moshed, crowdsurfed, and did just about anything to make the experience unforgettable. During their performance of their newly released alternative rock anthem “Telepono,” the band rallied the rest of the evening’s performers onto the stage — including a Lebron James lookalike in full costume — closing the show on a heartwarming note that echoed the electric, collaborative energy of OPM (Original Pinoy Music).

As a whole, RADfest 2025 was a first-person experience that captured the promising evolution of Manila’s gig culture. With up-and-coming acts and veteran bands alike taking the stage with rousing energy, it gave us a glimpse into the best of what the future holds for the country’s independent music scene.