It’s the comeback we’ve all been waiting for: Wanderland 2023. 

After three challenging years, Karpos Multimedia’s highly anticipated annual music and arts festival is back in the game. Returning to their homecourt at the Filinvest City Event Grounds in Alabang, the weekend was a playground of exciting moshpits, delicious treats, dream-come-trues, and life-changing performances. 

It took a (long) while to get here, but it was definitely worth the wait. Here’s what went down at Wanderland: The Comeback.

EXCITING ROOKIES AND OLD-TIME FAVES 

The past editions of Wanderland have brought artists from different parts of the world to Manila, and this continues this year, with notably even more Asian artists. First-timers come in the form of pop duo HYBS from Thailand, Korean artists George and Balming Tiger, Leo Wang from Taiwan, Indian-American R&B artist Raveena, and Taiwanese band Sunset Rollercoaster. Homegrown Filipino artists are present from new acts– The Sundown, The Ridleys, and Flu to more familiar names like BLASTER and The Celestial Klowns, No Rome, and ((( O ))), and generational musician Rico Blanco.

Wanderland 2023: The Comeback features a slew of artists that will touch on different types of music fans. Whatever your music preferences or generation grew up in, there's something for you. Dashboard Confessional pulled in millennials who grew up listening to emo, while headliner Carly Rae Jepsen’s cult following for her distinct pop voice gathered her strong fanbase for Day 1. What really highlights the 10th anniversary of Wanderland is Day 2 headliner Phoenix who was one of the first artists Karpos Multimedia brought to Manila back in 2014– truly a full circle moment, and what a comeback indeed. 

WANDER-COURT

Art and activities were aplenty on the Wandercourt, with a running track, live art, photo booths, and more for us to explore. Most of the brand activations and installations were centred around getting that Instagram-worthy picture to share, and we can’t complain; the entire world needs to know we’ve got our heads back in the game. It would be nice though, to have the live art pieces in a more prominent area of the festival grounds instead of being placed at the side.

FOOD FOR FUEL

When you have a jam-packed festival, you need all the fuel you can get to keep your energy up, and luckily, Wanderland 2023 had a whole lot of food and beverage options for everyone to choose from. You had burgers, pork belly sisig fries, tacos, salad wraps, fried chicken, iced coffee, flavoured beer, fruity cocktails, Y2K-inspired ice cream, and so much more. We were all definitely spoilt for choice. 

It’s just a shame that on Day 1, payment lines held some of us up before we could sink our teeth into all the delicious treats. It was a tough decision to brave the winding lines and sacrifice catching certain sets for some well-needed fuel. It definitely didn’t help when poor connection issues stalled Wanderers wanting to use cashless payments. Luckily, by Day 2, the festival ensured everything was sorted, and everyone was moving and zooming to indulge in all the scrumptious food and beverages.

The water stations are also back this year, which are strategically situated in various places in the venue. You’d never have to worry about being dehydrated, just make sure to practice good hygiene, the pandemic isn’t over after all. With Wanderers bringing their own reusable water bottles and the squad of trash collectors helping clean up, there was also visibly less trash on the grounds this year.

GLOBE STAGE

The Globe stage was the playing field for some of the most exciting performances of the entire weekend, where we saw incredible moshpits, dreamy sunset rides, and more.

Balming Tiger was an undeniable favourite, bringing everyone together with their musical prowess and encompassing presence. This was the first time the alternative K-pop collective had ever performed in Manila, but that didn’t stop them from turning Wanderland into their own block party, complete with a moshpit and endless dancing. 

Sunset Rollercoaster were an absolute dream. With their signature synth-pop and dreamy jazz sound and captivating stage design, the Taiwanese band brought us to spaces and places that felt like a warm hug—and considering the chilling winds that night, it was just what we needed. 

george signalled the beginning of summer with his chill and groovy R&B stylings. Despite the beginning of his set being shrouded in technical difficulties and delays, the rest of his performance, after a quick meditation session on stage, felt like a delightful breeze on a warm day. It was also a treat to hear george, and his incredible band, do new arrangements of his popular hits like ‘boat’ and ‘ANYTIME ANYWHERE’.

And then we had HYBS, who are known for their laidback road trip-esque music so it was such a delightful surprise when the Thai duo brought a party to the Globe stage. Their recorded tracks do no justice to the magic they had on a live stage, taking us on a whirlwind with their electrifying and charming performance that had us smiling and dancing until the very end. 

If anything, Rico Blanco’s Wanderland set is a testament to his revered artistry. Even if you were nowhere near the Globe stage, his music was heard throughout the festival grounds with everyone—and we mean, everyone singing along. From the vendors to the bouncers to the people in line for the toilet, the impact of Rico Blanco’s irreplaceable mastery of music, despite noticeable sound issues here and there, was felt everywhere. Just ask Dashboard Confessional’s Chris Carrabba, who gave the Filipino rock icon a special shoutout during their set. 

Dashboard Confessional revived a light inside so many Wanderers as they brought the crowd back to the glory days of the early 2000s. The rock band, who was undoubtedly one of the most highly anticipated performers at Wanderland 2023, delivered a performance worth waiting for. "Everybody here can sing like crazy," Chris Carrabba remarked at the crowd's pitch-perfect sing-alongs. "[You] are our favourite audience in the world." It was the kind of set you had to be amongst the crowd for; you couldn’t get the full scope of their magic otherwise.

WANDERLAND STAGE 

The Wanderland Stage featured an equally exciting line-up of artists that ranged from down-tempo music to euphoric highs. 

Opening the 2-day festival were Wanderband winners The Sundown. The Cebu-based group brought with them their cathartic and upbeat sound that set the tone for the next two days. The sunnier sound of their songs, such as 'Come Home To Me' was in contrast with the next artist, Blaster and The Celestial Klowns, who performed their disco-driven songs 'O KAY GANDA,' 'DISCO FOREVER,' and 'NARARARARAMDAMAN'. IV Of Spades fans were also treated to a 'Come Inside Of My Heart' performance.

As the sun went down, the Wanderland Stage featured artists with a more subdued sound. Canadian band Men I Trust performed a dreamy set featuring their signature blend of indie pop and shoegaze. Crowd pleasers 'Show Me How' and 'Numb' got the crowd in a trance. 

Making the most of her first time in the Philippines, Raveena, and her spectacular band, performed 12 songs, including fan favourites 'Honey', 'Only If', and 'Headaches'. With her charm, saccharine vocals, and entrancing approach to R&B, Raveena captured the crowd and gained even more fans. 

((( O ))) is no stranger to the Wanderland crowd, and it shows. The experimental artist showed up with her Diwatas and served her hypnotic sound and enchanting choreography that built up on the spirit of her music.

Day 2 of Wanderland was swept up with a very windy afternoon, and The Ridleys and Flu made for a perfect afternoon spent under the sun, snuggling a comfy sweater. 

Stephen Day completed the trifecta for the afternoon with his brand of folk music. 'If Standing Was Flying' was a standout from the Texan artist who masterfully blends his old-school crooner sensibilities with indie, electronic pop, and folk influences. 

Crowd favourite FKJ started his set with some theatrics involving a couch, napping, and a sketchy old record. His ability to play while he’s on stage is what makes him such a compelling musician to watch and he was the right guy to vibe to as the sun went down. 

THE HEADLINERS

The headliners, Carly Rae Jepsen (CRJ) for Day 1 and Phoenix for Day 2, are no strangers to the Philippines. Both of them have been here in the past– CRJ thrice in the past and the latter, twice. What makes their 2023 stops special, however, is not only that they’re headlining for Wanderland 2023 but because of the relationship their respective fandoms have formed with them.

Filipino CRJ fans call themselves Iglesia Ni Carly (Church of Carly). The fanbase of the pop star was built up through the years and the crowd during Day 1 showed how much affection the fans have for her. Every word was sung back to her: her biggest hits 'Run Away With Me' and 'Call Me Maybe' to her deep cuts 'When I Needed You' and 'Favorite Color'. Carly Rae Jepsen brought down the house with an hour and a half of euphoric pop and oft-angsty b-side tracks, gorgeous costume changes, and a stage presence that’s as magnetic as her songwriting is. Audiences were soaked up in emotions that range from painful to playful and yearning to unabashed.

Already on their third visit, Phoenix are back with a brand new album. The French quartet seemed comfortable with the Filipino crowd, making jokes between songs. Vocalist Thomas Mars spots a record from the crowd, their 2009 LP Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, and starts bidding with the audience. At one point, he goes on a banter about global warming after spotting guitarist Christian Mazzalai’s hotel room light open from the field. This warmth permeates throughout the show. Their setlist boasts of songs they haven’t performed in Manila yet such as the buzzy and groovy 'Alpha Zulu' and the deeply affecting 'Winter Solstice'; while their tour mainstays such as 'Lisztomania,' 'Too Young,' and 'J-boy' were received with cheers and adoration. 

What’s truly remarkable, though, is how seeing them feels brand new every time. Always transformative in their music, Phoenix’s spectacular lighting and visual design go hand in hand with the music. 'Love Like A Sunset' reminds you of the smallness of human life and witnessing Thomas kneel on the ground to sing 'If I Ever Feel Better' to an unknowable creature is simply put, spiritual. By the end of their set and when they say thank you for the night, it doesn’t feel fully like goodbye because Phoenix has found a place here in Manila.

SHIFTING SCHEDULES AND QUEUING WORRIES

Queuing was quite tense, particularly on the first day, as fans filed in for Wanderland's first iteration in three years. Some Wanderers were left confused by contradicting directions from some bouncers who were also seemingly getting back into the groove of overseeing massive crowds at festivals once more.

Wanderers also had to adjust their watches as their entrance to the grounds was slightly delayed, and some sets were pushed back. However, the festival schedule caught up by the time the headliners went on, closing each night on a high. 

We’re all still relearning how to get back into the game, and here’s to hoping for better, smooth-sailing times moving forward.

MOST VALUABLE PLAYERS

As much as we loved the artists that graced on stage, the crowd were the MVPs of the weekend. The excitement was palpable and contagious and understandably so. This was the first time a lot of us music fans and friends were coming together again, and also the first time a number of young Wanderers were getting their true Wanderland experience. 

In those two days, it felt like we were one team just living and enjoying the moment, so much so that we all almost forgot to capture what we saw and experienced on our phones. In fact, everyone was such a team player that it was a common sight to see strangers help each other find their lost friends and, oddly enough, lost blankets.

Also, we’ve got to shout out to the major all-stars of the weekend: the Wanderland crew. It’s not easy staging a festival, more so, their first after three years, and even with a couple of setbacks here and there, the team brought their A-game and bagged a win. 

Watch Bandwagon's recap of Wanderland: The Comeback:

Wanderland is set to return in 2024 on 9 and 10 March.