BAGUIO CITY – Music Program, Coke Studio Philippines, took over Melvin Jones Grandstand last February 28, 2025, featuring artists Reggae Set Go, Illest Morena, Kyle Echarri, and December Avenue.
Representing Baguio City, Reggae Set Go kicked off the show with an Irie vibe, performing songs like “Babanam Kevalam” by Kadangyan, “Doobido” by Kamikazee, and many more. Their performance got everyone jamming and dancing, setting the perfect tone for the night.
Next up was Morena rap queen Illest Morena, known for her unique rapper persona, and she was on Spotify RADAR 2024. Performed her original songs “Sabik,” “Faded,” “Slow Burn,” and “Buena Chica,” among others. Showing off her spicy moves and talent, Illest Morena made sure the people remembered her as the “Latina of the night.”
The energy shifted when the heartthrob and the Coke Studio artist, Kyle Echarri, stepped on stage wooing the crowd with “Careless Whisper” by Wham!, winning over the audience’s hearts with his charisma. During his cover of “Ako’y Sa’ Yo” by First Circle, he brought a lucky fan on stage, giving her a real magic moment to remember. As a surprise, Illest Morena joined Kyle to perform their Coke Studio collaboration “Believe” from Coke Studio Philippines Season 8. The song exudes self-empowerment and asking its listeners to never doubt themselves.
Closing the night with a very high note, December Avenue took to the stage with their song “Kahit Di’ Mo Alam” as their opening performance. The band also sang fan favorites “Kung ‘Di Rin Lang Ikaw” and “Eroplanong Papel” and ended the night with “Sa Ngalan ng Pag-Ibig” while the fans showed a sea of lights throughout the song. Fans were delighted to see the band perform their songs in Baguio after some years. “Na enjoy ko naman yung experience sa panonood ng concert, since an doon yung kinahahangaan ko, which is yung December Avenue” says Ria Merrera.
December Avenue is a five-member band that creates and writes music about love, life, and moving forward. To the band, December serves as an avenue to start anew, marking the end of an era before stepping into the next. December Avenue is part of the early seasons of Coke Studio and one of OPM iconic bands of this generation.
Coke Studio brought music lovers together through the concert. Originating in Pakistan, it expanded to India, the Middle East, Africa, and the Philippines. Coke Studio Philippines launched in 2017 to showcase the diverse music talents of the country. They adhere to their goal of uniting artists from diverse backgrounds and genres to blend their music into fresh, unique Pinoy sounds.
Through the Coke Studio Panagbenga concert live in Baguio, tourists and locals gathered at the venue to witness the amazing performances of the local artists. “It was so much fun, kahit nasa malayo kami at hindi talaga namin makita kasi puro kamay at ulo, talagang ramdam na ramdam namin yung mga kanta. It was an experience”, said Alecs Xyriill. Another attendee, Marjorie Soposop, adds, “The joy I felt was overwhelming, and I genuinely enjoyed every moment of it. The energy, the music, and the vibe were all an unforgettable experience!”.
Coke Studio continues to bring music lovers together, proving that music has the power to unite, inspire, and celebrate Filipino artistry. By Meann Henderson
