LET FREEDOM, MUSIC AND FESTIVITIES RING AT FÊTE PH 2026

Liberté, égalité, fraternité (liberty, equality, fraternity) is the national motto of France, and it’s probably a driving principle behind Fête de la Musique Philippines, which launches its 32nd edition this month, with 123 events nationwide, across 34 locations in the Philippines over the coming weeks.

- SCOTT GARCEAU

“For the People, By the People” is this year’s theme, and it fits the French motto as much as it applies to the idea of “People Power” — in this case, the people’s power to party, stage nationwide celebrations, and spread culture freely.

Says Alliance Française de Manille executive director Olivier Dintinger: “It’s really ‘of the people, for the people’ this year. Fête de la Musique has evolved into a true ‘community of communities,’ uniting artists and music lovers from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. This 32nd edition belongs entirely to the people. By keeping the festival completely free and expanding our footprint nationwide, we are celebrating not just the universal language of music, but the vibrant, community-led spirit that makes the Philippine music scene so extraordinary.”

At the Raffles Long Bar launch, Embassy of France to the Philippines cultural counsellor Mathilde Sejourne added:

“What makes this festival extraordinary is not only the scale of its concerts, but also the collective efforts and passion behind them. Every pocket stage, every destination stage, every volunteer, every local government unit, every community organization, and every artist contributes to this celebration that truly belongs to the people.”

Starting with a “Music Heals” event on June 10 (offering gentle yoga, sound healing classes and a collective market at Alliance Française, 209 Nicanor Garcia, Bel-Air from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.), things will heat up from there, with French pianist Maxime Zecchini holding two intimate performances, starting at The Writer’s Bar in Raffles Makati on June 14, followed by a recital at the Alliance Française de Manille on June 15 — all celebrating the 160th birth anniversary of Eric Satie.