Radioactive Sago Project

The foundations of the Metro Rail Transit running along EDSA shook Sunday afternoon as hundreds of local bands made thunderous noise to highlight issues of poverty, gender equality, environment, education, among others.

Dubbed “Rock The Riles,” the event, organized by RockEd Philippines, was held at a number of MRT stations from Taft to North Avenue and featured a variety of music ranging from Jazz, rock, hip-hop to blues.

Among those who performed include bands as diverse as Juan Pablo Dream, Mayonnaise, The Ambassadors, Radioactive Sago Project, Imago, Camerawalls, and Badburn.

According to RockEd Philippines, this year’s event is also a shout of defiance for the 57 victims of the Maguindanao massacre.

As successful as the event was, its main impetus seem lost on some of the commuters.

“Ang ingay…lalong sumikip ang stations…wala man lang pasabi ang [MRT] management,” says one lady seemingly in a hurry.

“Ano ba ito?” blurts another.

That said, quite a good number thought it a good idea.

“Hope we’d have more of this. I like this,” says Ian Apostol, 22, a student who lingered in Cubao station together with a couple of his friends.

“Mabuti na ito kesa mag-rally tayo…enjoy pa,” says another in black.

Some of the performers felt good to have been of help, too.

"Ang sarap talaga. Sana mas maraming ganito,” quips the Badburn drummer. “Cool siyempre pag ganito. Lalo na for a cause.”

Aside from music, there was also a film screening held in honor of murdered music critic Alexis Tioseco dubbed CinemAlexis.

There was also photography and visual arts exhibit at the North Avenue Station.