Everything about this year’s edition of Fête de la Musique (or World Music Day for those who aren’t familiar) screamed bigger and better. Because the local music scene is constantly expanding as time passes, more musicians means more stages. And who in their right mind wouldn’t want that? Last year’s 17 pocket stages grew into a whopping 21 for this year, mapping throughout a bigger location now, all within the city of Makati. And you know what they say–the more the merrier.

Scout managed to catch the indie, rock, eclectic + art, bedroom beats, and fusion venues, and of course the main stages at both A-Venue and Greenbelt. Each of these spaces were jam packed with fans and we’re sure the rest of the stages had the same treatment. Yeah, we know; we wished we could’ve gotten to all 21 places too.

Much like last year, it had actually started raining as the night went by, but of course that didn’t stop avid music fans from braving a little drizzle to catch their favorite acts on the various stages that stretched across the city. No pain, no gain.

Fête de la Musique 2016 closes with its final stage this Thursday, June 23 at Puerto Real Gardens, Intramuros, picking out the finest representatives out of each genre, including Banna Harbera, Jensen and the Flips, Yolanda Moon, Giniling Festival, and Up Dharma Down. OPM is alive and kicking and this festival proves it all the more with each year’s celebration.

To say it was lit is an understatement. Check out our gallery to see our exclusive coverage of Fête de la Musique 2016.

Photos by Allana Aldea and Reason Fortun