Was it really only two weeks ago that I was dancing on a mountaintop in the Oriental Mindoro, Philippines?
This m.a.m.a. earth project begin in 2007 with a creative idea from my dear friend, Jaime Kailani. In the same year she began, I was working with another dear friend, now internationally-recognized Urban Farmer, Eugene Cooke, to present workshops and classes about building community through gardening. It was a natural progression to blend the two projects and put our efforts together. The m.a.m.a. earth stage has presented countless musicians and artists (like Grammy-winners Bruno Mars, Far East Movement, Quetzal and Shah Wonders) as we’ve worked to raise money for charities all over the world.
The m.a.m.a. earth family has grown to include people in California, New York, Atlanta, Brazil, Germany, Philippines, Thailand, the UK and Indonesia. Collectively, we are affecting communities in positive ways with art, music and nature, collecting donations for those in need, and offering easy ways for people to get creative, get inspired and get involved. All with the intention of making a change for the better, locally and globally. What a wonderful thing to have the world opened up to us because of social media and the internet. But meeting people face-to-face, experiencing moments together…that’s what feels so good.
In December of 2013, I was compelled to have m.a.m.a. earth sponsor Malasimbo Music & Arts Festival, the first international music and arts festival of its caliber in the Asia-Pacific. It is set amidst the tropical gardens of Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines; truly one of the world’s most enchanting backdrops for a festival. Since the festival’s debut in 2011, proceeds have funded reforestation and Tamaraw (a dwarf buffalo endemic to the island of Mindoro in the Philippines) reservation programs as well as fostering appreciation of Mangyan culture. The festival has four pillars—music, arts, indigenous people and the environment. This year’s lineup was amazing – from Swedish indie folk singer-songwriter and guitarist Jose Gonzalez, Grammy-winning Robert Glasper Experiment, British soul singer Omar Lye-Fook, Australian band Kooii with their signature sound of afrobeat, reggae and world rhythms as well as up and coming, Jordan Rakei who’s been making waves internationally with his soulful voice.
The trip to the Philippines was made possible by a generous donation from The Story Company (Think Like A Man, Ride Along). At Malasimbo Festival, I was able to connect with Illac Diaz of Liter of Light who’s project is bringing solar light to underprivileged households that do not have access to electricity or are unable to afford it. I met people from Britain, Malaysia, Sudan, Australia. I had the privilege of seeing, first-hand, the grace and professionalism of the Malasimbo team, led by Festival Director Miro Grgic and fashion designer Olivia d’Aboville. I witnessed the 30+ art installations and sculptures that cover the festival grounds and ate the best cheese sandwich EVER – Kesong Puti on Pan de Sal.
The experience of traveling to the Philippines and attending Malasimbo Festival was absolutely magical. The decision to participate in the festival happened like a blink of the eye and every step after was met with a resounding, YES! Exquisite music, the beauty of nature and the opportunity to connect with other like-minded individuals are just a few of the reasons that m.a.m.a. earth looks forward to continued support of Malasimbo Festival and the Philippines.
See my photos of the Oriental Mindoro, Philippines and Malasimbo Festival here.
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