Thousands of music enthusiasts, mostly Gen Z demographic, packed the open grounds of SM City Baliwag over the weekend as the much-awaited Castaway Music Festival returned with a renewed focus on celebrating local talent and energizing the Original Pilipino Music (OPM) scene.
Headlined by crowd favorites CALEIN and P-pop sensation Horizon, the festival tapped into the pulse of today’s generation, blending pop, indie, and alternative sounds. The festival also serves as a powerful reminder of how youth-driven communities are reshaping the local music landscape. With pop-rock anthems and synth-heavy tracks echoing through the evening, the crowd sang, danced, and waved lights in unison, proving that live Filipino music is far from fading.
Castaway Music Festival also introduced a promising roster of up-and-coming OPM artists such as Amiel Sol, Leona, and SSUNN, who drew cheers from first-time listeners and loyal fans alike. Their energetic sets showcased a growing appetite for genre-blending, emotionally resonant songs—hallmarks of Gen Z musical preferences.
Now on its annual run, Castaway Music Festival continues to build its reputation as a must-see event in SM City Baliwag, spotlighting the evolving sound of OPM. This year’s staging in Baliwag marks a continued push to decentralize music festivals and support local music scenes beyond Metro Manila.
Organized by SM Supermalls, the Castaway Music Festival is part of the company’s wider commitment to promoting Filipino artistry. Concertgoers were given access to the festival by presenting receipts from mall purchases.
Beyond entertainment, Castaway Music Festival aims to give a stage to new talents while encouraging fans to discover and embrace the evolving sound of OPM.
