The Manila Times

‘Rekta sa Kalye’ music fest is back on track

- TESSA MAURICIO-ARRIOLA

FOLLOWING a setback last year, the much-anticipate­d “Rekta Sa Kalye” music festival is finally set to rock audiences this April, thanks to the entry of Blvck Entertainm­ent Production­s, Inc. as the event’s new producer.

This major music endeavor promises to be a sun-soaked celebratio­n of local Filipino music and culture, showcasing the talents of budding undergroun­d artists alongside mainstream bands.

Initially scheduled for November 2023, the festival failed to push through when relationsh­ips between the former producer and Rekta’s brainchild and organizing entity broke down.

As Rekta Sa Kalye CEO Mong Feliciano alleged at a media conference for the festival’s return, “Our show faced many problems last year when our producers then suddenly fled and many tickets had already been sold.”

While determined to take legal action against the supposedly errant party, Feliciano’s group decided it was more important to make it up to the fans as an immediate next step and was grateful to connect with Blvck Entertainm­ent’s Vice President Engr. Grace Cristobal, with whom their “visions aligned.”

Known as a young yet aggressive music management and production company, Blvck Entertainm­ent came to Rekta’s rescue and committed to producing the festival as a testament to their unwavering confidence in the Filipino’s musical artistry.

Asked by The Manila Times Entertainm­ent if their entry signified the production outfit is shoulderin­g the project’s losses, Cristobal replied, “Yes we are. When we say we’re committed to supporting amateur, undergroun­d and alternativ­e artists, we mean it.”

The businesswo­man added, “We have the same goal of providing opportunit­ies for new talents to break through the music industry, so we’re here despite knowing the risks.”

Rekta sa Kalye’s roots lie in the streets of Edsa, where it began as an undergroun­d movement before evolving into a full-fledged music festival. A successful annual endeavor, save for the one-off in 2023, Feliciano promised an edition with an impressive and more diverse lineup of performers. From Billboard chart-toppers like O Side Mafia to renowned FlipTop rappers like Smugglaz and Basilio, the stage is set for electrifyi­ng performanc­es sure to captivate audiences.

Genuinely excited to be part of the grand-scale endeavor, Cristobal reiterated, “We aim to present as many talents as we can so they can get their chance to showcase their abilities out in the streets.”

Tickets are available for purchase online through Rekta Sa Kalye’s official website, as well as popular e-commerce platforms like Shopee and Lazada. For those who prefer offline purchases, tickets will soon be available through SM Tickets. For those who bought tickets last year, log on to the website to find out how to use them in April or process reimbursem­ent.

Rounding up the announceme­nt, Feliciano announced in relief and renewed vigor, “Rekta sa Kalye’ is officially pushing through in April.”

On the side of Blvck Entertainm­ent, Cristobal’s husband and company president, Louie, expressed, “We are excited to bring this event to completion because we have been loyal advocates of OPM and believe in the worldclass talents of Filipino artists.”

 ?? ?? Known as a young yet aggressive music management and production company, Blvck Entertainm­ent (led by engineer Grace Cristobal, fourth from right) came to Rekta’s rescue and committed to producing the festival.
Known as a young yet aggressive music management and production company, Blvck Entertainm­ent (led by engineer Grace Cristobal, fourth from right) came to Rekta’s rescue and committed to producing the festival.

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