I've been to UP Fair four times now but I've had the most fun with this one.

I went to both UP Fair Friday: Cosmos and UP Fair Saturday: Roots. I used to only want to attend because it was hyped so much. I also wanted to make the most out of my experience as a UP(IS) student by going. Before, I knew the names of the performers but didn't know any of their songs, and when I knew the chorus, that was the only time I sang along. This year, I really did go for the bands.

I've been listening to a lot of indie OPM lately. I even wrote an article about it for Ang Aninag Online, not just because it was required but because I really did want to get into the local indie music scene. Because of that, I started listening to the bands and artists I recommended and branched out from there. A lot of people may say that OPM is dead but I don't think so. There are so many good names and songs in the area that keep it alive.

Anyway, seeing the lineup for UP Fair got me excited to go since these bands and artists I've come to love are performing. My friends got excited as well and we agreed to go together. I only rode two rides because I really wanted to watch the artists and bands perform. I wasn't able to get to experience some booths and games but I don't really mind. I was in the crowd instead, singing along with the performers.

So many of the songs were those I just sang in the shower or in karaoke. Hearing them live, and singing them with the actual band was a whole different experience, honestly. One of my favourite songs to sing in karaoke is Beer by Itchyworms and to be able to jam to Itchyworms live was indescribable. There's nothing like it.

Aside from some acts I already know, I was introduced to bands and artists like FRANCO, Wish Sticks, tide\edit, Lola Amour, Autotelic, and more. I knew some of these names already but I never listened to them until Cosmos and Roots. Like many attendees, I was waiting for IV of Spades and Ben&Ben to perform live. They sang songs I really liked listening to. I cried when I listened to Kathang-Isip for the first time, and I felt my heart flutter when Mundo blessed my ears. I've mentioned this before but there really is nothing like listening to them live. When you're in the crowd and you're listening to them perform, your heart sings along. You're hearing the artists play their instruments and their vocals live instead of a recording. It's a much better version of Spotify Premium.

My friends and I made it to the barrier and the closer you are to the stage, the closer you are to the speakers. The closer you are to the speakers, the higher the chances of deafness after the show. No regrets, still, because we were able to get a picture with Zild Benitez from IV of Spades!



There were roughly around 14,000 people during both Cosmos and Roots. I can say that OPM is not dead. People were screaming and standing for hours just to see their favourites play live. I even recall some people liking OPM because of UP Fair.

With this, I want to thank my friends for coming with me, the bands that were amazing live, the organizers, and of course, UP. Cosmos and Roots were definitely nights to remember.