Courtesy of FêtePH2025
In Vogue Playlists, various personalities across art, fashion, and culture offer an intimate glimpse into the sonic landscape that soundtracks their lives.
For over three decades, Fête de la Musique has transformed city streets and cultural spaces throughout the Philippines into vibrant stages, showcasing a diverse range of sounds and spotlighting various artists. With the theme “Un Monde” or “One World,” the 2025 edition showcases both local and international talent through a series of free concerts and performances. From the Main Stage at Ayala Triangle Gardens to satellite events, pocket stages, and destination shows nationwide, Fête brings a diverse lineup of artists for a month-long celebration of music.
In this edition of Vogue Playlists, we catch up with French jazz trio Émile Londonien, Bolivian pop wonder Bling Bling Papaya, Singapore-based Marian Carmel, OPM funk powerhouse Brass Pas Pas Pas Pas, and longtime favorites Ely Buendia and Armi Millare. They let us in on the songs they keep on repeat, the tracks that shaped their sound, and the music that keeps them moving.
Émile Londonien: “Catch The Light” by Emile Londonien
For French jazz trio Émile Londonien, performing at Fête de la Musique isn’t just about playing a set, but about creating a shared moment. “We hope [the crowd] will feel involved because the audience is part of the evolution of our set,” they say. Known for their improvisational style, the group thrives on the energy of the crowd, letting each performance unfold in real time. Currently on their first Asian tour, the trio has already crossed paths with a range of artists across genres and borders. “We’ve met some amazing artists so far, and we’re certain it will be the same in Manila,” they add.
A song that best captures their live performance energy: “Catch The Light” by Emile Londonien
Ely Buendia: “Santo” by Ely Buendia
At this year’s Fête, headliner Ely Buendia says he’s looking forward to playing “Santo,” a lesser-known track that always resonates with longtime fans. “I just want [the audience] to be in the moment and have a meaningful concert-going experience,” he says. For him, being part of Fête means joining a “nice cross section of good artists” and connecting with a wider musical community.
A song that he can’t wait to perform live: “Santo” by Ely Buendia
Armi Millare: “Two Worlds” by Armi Millare
For Armi Millare, performing at Fête de la Musique feels like coming full circle. “As a young musician, this was one of those gigs I really wanted to play in,” she says. “It’s been a treat to be invited.” For her, Fête is also a gathering of artists she admires and friends she looks forward to seeing. “It’s a great place to start if one wants to experience the diversity of our musical landscape.” When she performs, she hopes the crowd feels present and unburdened. “Just to be enveloped in the music, nothing complicated, just have them relax for a minute.”
A fun song to open a set with: “Two Worlds” by Armi Millare
Bling Bling Papaya: “Napin Dya” by Ignacio Maria Gomez
Bolivian pop artist Bling Bling Papaya says this year’s Fête de la Musique theme feels deeply personal. “It reverberates with my journey of travelling through the world and echoes in the songs I will be performing,” she shares. Her hope is simple yet powerful: “I hope people feel at home in themselves when listening. I hope to transmit and inspire them to believe in the treasure that exists in each of us.” Being part of a global lineup resonates with her belief in music as a universal language, one that connects artists and audiences beyond borders, through heart and sound.
A song that best describes the theme ‘un monde’: “Napin Dya” by Ignacio Maria Gomez
Marian Carmel: “What If Nobody Kisses Me” by Marian Carmel
For Singapore-based musician Marian Carmel, performing at Fête de la Musique in the Philippines is a personal milestone, especially when she saw their name on banners along Makati Avenue. “It’s my first music festival here,” she says. “Super grateful to be here and to share the bill with amazing artists who I look up to.” Having fun is important to them as a performer, as she is set to perform fan favorites and unreleased tracks. She hopes that the audience at Fete sees themselves in their songs. “I write a lot about being a third-culture queer kid, so when I play my songs and people resonate with them, I feel less alone too.”
A song everyone can dance along to: “What If Nobody Kisses Me” by Marian Carmel
Brass Pas Pas Pas Pas: “Tayo Na’t Mag Funk” by Brass Pas Pas Pas Pas
“Masarap!” says Brass Pas Pas Pas Pas drummer Wendell Garcia when asked what he hopes the crowd feels during their set. For the OPM funk band, Fête de la Musique is all about connection, energy, and pure joy. “We just wanna have a really good time playing for them and for ourselves,” Garcia shares. Meanwhile, bassist and musical director Francis De Veyra feels quite reflective. “It’s really a wonderful and humbling experience. Always a delight performing for Fête de la Musique.”
A song that’s a sure-fire crowd pleaser: “Tayo Na’t Mag Funk” by Brass Pas Pas Pas Pas
