LONDON, October 27, 2022 - "Eclectic" comes to mind to describe the recently held 1MX LONDON 2022 as it offered a variety of mainly Filipino artists but mixed with international flavours whose music transcend genres, styles and languages.
Originally planned as a peak of summer engagement, this festival in London turned out to be a high-energy musical portal to the beautiful season of autumn just outside the capital and largest city of U.K.
Presented by iWantTFC, TFC, ABS-CBN Global Events and MYX, in partnership with WorldRemit and MX3, and sponsored by SMDC, the 1MX artists did not only bring love and unique music to the stage, but also to the streets and community of London.
The main cast of music icons Bamboo, KZ Tandingan, EZ Mil and Darren, together with the rising stars, Jeremy G, Jon Guelas, SAB and Angela Ken injected vigor and positivity wherever they went before and during the actual music festival.
A CELEBRATION OF DIVERSITY BONDED TOGETHER THROUGH MUSIC, FOOD, CULTURE AND FAMILY
1MX LONDON 2022 was held at the Apps Court Farm, an 82-acre outdoor events space in the heart of Walton-on-Thames, an area frequently cited as the top location for families to live in U.K. But the centerpiece of the event remains the music which the cast delivered with great verve and passion.
London-based performers Waleska and Efra are among the native artists who performed at the 1MX pre-show.
(Photo courtesy of Litrato de Lala.)
Independent UK rap artist Clencha from South London Brixton brings out the Fil Jamaican hip hop vibe.
(Photo courtesy of Merwin Puri.)
From the pre-show with local performers that showcased diverse genres of music to the main concert with the main 1MX cast, the performances spelled "world-class".
"X-Factor" U.K. contestant Jon Guelas impressed with his covers. Singer-songwriters Angela Ken and SAB displayed not only their vocal prowess, but the breadth of their talents that included playing several musical instruments to accompany their own song compositions.
Fil-Brit artist Jon Guelas showed charm and stage presence. (Photo courtesy of Litrato de Lala.)
Fast-rising singer-songwriter SAB dazzled with her velvet voice and musicality. (Photo courtesy of Litrato de Lala.)
Former "The Voice Teens Philippines" finalist Jeremy G showed how he's grown with his overall musicality. "The Voice Kids 2014" Filipino Canadian finalist Darren, now 21, bowled over the audience as a total package, high energy performer.
Fil-Canadian singer Darren pumped up the crowd with his high energy and vocal prowess. (Photo courtesy of Litrato de Lala.)
Filipino American Rapper EZ Mil proved he is so much more than the viral whirlwind of "Panalo" with the flow, unique cadence, and lyrics of his new songs. KZ Tandingan is always a knockout with her powerhouse vocals, unique stylings and effortless swag, a true audiovisual delight.
Fil-Am rapper EZ Mil and KZ brought the house down with their onstage collab of the massive KZ hit, "Imposible". (Photo courtesy of Litrato de Lala.)
Then came The Voice Philippines coach and Filipino American rock royalty Bamboo who performed a set of eight songs that threw the crowd into a frenzy, showing he's aged like smooth, fine wine through the years.
Fil-Am rock icon Bamboo had the audience chanting the lyrics to his hit songs during his segment.
(Photo courtesy of Litrato de Lala.)
"I really made sure to spend the whole day here. This is my first time to watch something like this here as I arrived in London during the pandemic," said concertgoer Princess Garcia.
"It was so much fun! I hope they come back again!" said Rael Gregorio.
"Thanks so much, ABS-CBN, iWantTFC, and TFC for bringing to us awesome and unforgettable Filipino talent," said LJ Grocz.
"It's good to be back," said ABS-CBN Global Head of Events Joseph Arnie Garcia, who is also concurrent Regional Managing Director for Europe, Middle East and North Africa (EMEA). "The diverse crowd that attended was also a good sign that our artists are bringing out Filipino music and all its hues to the mainstream. Our artists are ready and deserve to conquer the international music scene. We thank everyone who supported, and we all eagerly look forward to the next 1MX."
(Photo courtesy of Merwin Puri.)
From the opening of the gates to closing, 1MX made sure everyone felt safe and welcome, particularly families who want to enjoy a full day together in an atmosphere of unity in diversity.
(Photo courtesy of Merwin Puri.)
Food is a staple in any 1MX event, and as always, ticketgoers were treated to the smells, tastes and colours of homestyle cooking from food vendors.
SPREADING POSITIVITY IN LONDON
The 1MX outreach to the community prior to the concert emphasized the brand's commitment not only to performing itself, but also to genuinely getting to know the people they are performing for.
(Photo courtesy of Thirdy Ado.)
Among the cast's activities was the courtesy call on Chargé d'affaires Rhenita Rodriguez and other officials at the Philippine Embassy in London. Officers who joined the cast were led by ABS-CBN Global COO Aldrin M. Cerrado and ABS-CBN Global Head of Events Joseph Arnie Garcia, concurrently the ABS-CBN Managing Director for Europe, Middle East, and Africa.
FilAm musical icon Bamboo showing his and the 1MX cast's appreciation for the sacrifice of Filipino and Filipina nurses and health workers in Kingston Hospital. (Photo courtesy of Litrato de Lala.)
KZ Tandingan, Angela Ken, Jon Guelas and Jeremy G cheer up the hardworking members
of the Philippine Nurses Association of London.
The cast and officers also made sure to visit Filipina nurses and healthcare workers which number around 30,000, the third largest nationality group in the National Health Service of U.K., next to British and Indian staff. They visited them at Kingston Hospital and also at the office of the Philippine Nurses Association in London.
1MX LONDON 2022 is the 5th installment of the 1MX franchise from ABS-CBN Global Events. The music festival has been making its rounds globally since 2017, including in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Manila, and Singapore.
Jeremy G and Angela Ken are among the cast members who joined
2016 U.K. Busker of the Year Clarissa Mae for a street performance at Leicester Square.
The cast brought their joy and positivity to the streets by joining British Filipina Clarissa Mae, 2016 U.K. Busker of the Year, at Leicester Square, a cultural hub and entertainment centre in London. Jon Guelas, Jeremy G, Angela Ken and SAB performed on the streets to the delight of passers-by, most of whom were non-Filipinos.
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