SHOW
Sulong SEAPop Caravan strengthens cultural connections
The Sulong SEAPop Music and Culture Caravan served as a platform that strengthens cultural connections across Southeast Asia by bringing together artists, creatives, and audiences on one venue.
The sounds of Southeast Asia echoed through SM City Manila in Ermita as colorful performances and cultural showcases of the Sulong SEAPop Music and Culture Caravan welcomed everyone to a day of music, art and cross-cultural exchange on 18 July.
Visitors enjoyed a full-day experience highlighting the region's rich artistic traditions through insightful lectures, interactive workshops and electrifying performances. Blackstar Entertainment CEO Jon Pinto shared his expertise on the OPM (Original Pilipino Music) and P-pop industry, while culinary consultant and chef Datu Shariff Pendatun explored Southeast Asian gastronomy. Meanwhile, Talahib Philippines introduced audiences to the beauty and history of traditional Filipino musical instruments through a dynamic, interactive lecture.
The festivities officially commenced with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Avi Dewani Sari Harahap, minister counselor for Culture and Information of the Indonesian Embassy in the Philippines; Mariel Jasmine Nini, head of the International Cultural Affairs Office of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts; Joaquin San Agustin, executive vice president for Marketing of SM Supermalls; Jon Pinto, CEO of Blackstar Entertainment; and Mohd Faizal Sharip, director of Tourism Malaysia Manila, Embassy of Malaysia. The ceremonial opening signaled the start of a day dedicated to celebrating Southeast Asia's diverse cultures and emerging talents.
One of the event's highlights was the SEAPop Talent Competition, which showcased performers from different nationalities and artistic backgrounds. The competition was judged by Jon Pinto, 1ST.One's Ace, and Jamie J. Hernandez Jr.
Representing Laos, Khaen earned third place with a captivating performance featuring the traditional mouth organ of the same name. Singer Jassy Calupitan secured second place after impressing the judges with her powerful vocals, while dance group Principium claimed the championship title with an energetic routine that brought the crowd to its feet.
The excitement continued with a special audience interaction featuring 1ST.One's Alpha and Jayson, Thai BL actor James Prescott, film producer Donavan High, and Amira Alawi. The guests entertained fans with fun questions and shared behind-the-scenes stories about the Thai-Korean BL series Wooju Bakery.
The celebration reached its peak with a star-studded concert featuring Thai actor James Prescott, P-pop sensation Hori7on, Cambodian artist G-Devith, and P-pop boy group 1ST.One, who thrilled the audience with a mix of original hits and crowd-favorite covers.
In an exclusive interview with the DAILY TRIBUNE, Jon Pinto underscored the importance of initiatives like the Sulong SEAPop Music and Culture Caravan in strengthening regional cultural ties.
"Very important ‘yung mga ganitong event kasi ‘yung mga artists like G-Devith, nai-introduce sila sa mga local audience natin. They somehow appreciate our creative works, so it's an important platform for discovery. At the same time, ang mga local artists natin, nadi-discover din ng neighboring countries natin (Events like these are very important because artists like G-Devith get introduced to our local audience. People appreciate the creative work, making it a significant platform for discovery. At the same time, our own local artists get discovered by our neighboring countries as well)," Pinto said.
The Sulong SEAPop Music and Culture Caravan served as a platform that strengthens cultural connections across Southeast Asia by bringing together artists, creatives, and audiences on one venue. Through music, art and shared traditions, the event celebrates the region's diversity while opening doors for emerging talents to reach wider audiences and fostering greater appreciation for Southeast Asia's vibrant creative industries.