If your April calendar was looking a little quiet, consider this your official wake-up call. The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), in a high-voltage partnership with KBS WORLD TV, has officially confirmed that Manila will play host to the largest edition of the ROUND Festival yet. On April 18 and 19, the Big Dome is transforming into a global stage for ASEAN artists.

KBS World TV’s Lee Hansol revealed that the festival was originally slated for a Manila debut back in 2020. After six years of COVID-19-induced delays, the return feels like a cultural homecoming.

The local lineup is a curated dream for any OPM enthusiasts as global P-pop 7-member icons Hori7on, multi-awarded indie-pop darlings Cup of Joe,alongside folk-pop band Ben&Ben, and legendary singer-songwriter TJ Monterde. Whether you’re there for the heartbreak anthems or the synchronized choreography, the Philippine contingent is bringing the heavy hitters.

The “ROUND” in the title refers to the literal and figurative bridging of Korea and the ASEAN member states. Hosted by the legendary Korean singer-songwriter 10CM, the stage will also feature:

• MeloMance of Korea,
• Chillies of Vietnam,
• Regina Song of Singapore,
• Tilly Birds of Thailand,
• Pamungkas of Indonesia,
• JoJo Miracle of Laos; and
• Mimi Fly of Malaysia

The best part? The festival remains a free-admission event. NCCA Chairman Eric Zerrudo emphasized that this is a celebration of regional cultural leadership, making the music accessible to the fans who have been anticipating and excited for this moment. 

Online reservations are set to open this February, with ticket claims scheduled for March.

PHOTO from ROUNDFESTIVAL (via Instagram)