More than Music: Aninag Siquijor — The Third World • Community driven and built by culture – Streetwear, sneakers, photography, music, art and lifestyle.

As summer has arrived in the country, Siquijor welcomed the season in the best way possible with Aninag, a three-day festival. But this isn’t your usual festival, though. Alongside the captivating music, Aninag offered immersive experiences that awakened the senses, creating a celebration that went far beyond the stage.

The festival was brought to life in collaboration with local communities, with activities rooted in respect for place, culture, and shared responsibility.

Day 1 welcomed attendees with a Grounding Ceremony curated by human+nature, a Siquijor-based creative platform focused on underground music, visionary arts, and holistic wellness. This official welcome to the festival featured stories from local voices, signature Cacao Elixirs from Hiwaga Wellness, and a conversation on cacao from Canjah Organics, leaving attendees inspired for the days ahead. As night fell, the festival’s momentum carried attendees into the night’s celebration, with an opening party headlined by Orange Juice Asia, accompanied by spins from Dumaguete DJs Shinobi and Jib.

Day 2 furthered the energy, as it started with Run for the Islands, a trail run in San Juan, Siquijor that put women at the forefront through the Move for Equity initiative in collaboration with Girls Got This. By sunset, attendees were drawn into the groove of ANINAG MUSIC NIGHT, where budots pioneer DJ Love blasted his classic beats, joined by DJs Divine, Germs, I Am Tong, Amihan, Nandu, Martin, and JC in a celebration of music.

What better way to close the festival than by bringing the community together? Day 3 began with Community Workshops focused on exploring the arts and traditions that make Siquijor known as the Mystic Island of the Philippines, particularly of Lukmit dolls, love potions, and the healer’s oil. Supporting local continued at the Kahayag Market, where local and island-made finds took center stage.

Aninag Siquijor knew how to throw a festival that truly reinforces the connection between a community and the land that sustains it. Apart from the celebration, the festival is guaranteed to leave you inspired to champion, create, and connect with your culture and community.

PHOTOS BY JET EMILIO

WORDS BY SOPHIA PANGANDIAN