OPM icon Ely Buendia
Immediately after Christmas, the month of January is most-awaited in Isabela for its province-wide Bambanti Festival.
And why not? The Isabeleños look forward to musical extravaganza and events that could rival concerts in Manila. This is so because the provincial government makes sure to make its people truly happy for a week of the non-religious feast highlighting the province’s bountiful harvests, its hard-working farmers and their allies in the fields – the bambantis of the scarecrows.
For the Bambanti Festival 2025, Isabela made sure that the big names in the OPM industry were there to entertain and serenade the Isabeleños who came from all over the province’s 34 municipalities and three cities and join the fun in the City of Ilagan.
Actress Bea Alonzo
Nightly, from January 20-25, the festival held shows at the Queen Isabela Park for its music festival component that included "Acoustic Night," featuring the bands Over October and ShortNoticed Unplugged, and DJ Dom; "Rap Night," featuring upcoming rappers kiddotin, Robledo Timido, Dyco and the group Halfway Velocity; "Battle of the Bands," participated by Midnight Cravings – Farah, Rivals Of Tomorrow, Bandila, 5id, Myx-Ture, Reverie, Kahidlaw- Maria, And Banyuhay; "Acoustic Night 2," featuring MYMP and Marya Klara; and “Ginuman Night,” featuring Nik Makino, Shao Lin, and the bands Hale and Cosmic Superstition.
The finale night witnessed an electrifying performance by Maki, known for his viral songs "Saan?" and "Bakit?" The crowd roared with excitement as the talented artist took the stage, captivating everyone with his strong charisma and undeniable charm. His hit song, “Dilaw,” became an anthem of the night, with the audience enthusiastically singing along to every word. DJ Mayel and the Pulse Melody band provided support to Maki.
Two major musical events were also held at the Isabela Sports Complex in the last days of the festival. First was the "Bambanti Festival 2025: Ang Piyesta ng Bagong Pilipinas!" featuring Lara Maigue, Gian Magdangal, and local talents led by Ralph Angelo Babaran (grand champion of Isabela Got Talent 2025), together with the Whiplash Dance Company.
Finally, the highly-anticipated Isabela Grand Concert Party featured Moonstar88, Bea Alonzo, and OPM icon Ely Buendia.
Moonstar88
Moonstar88, currently led by its newest main vocalist Maysh Baay, sang “Pag-ibig Kong Ito” "Migraine", "Torete", "Panalangin,” and other hit songs.
Meanwhile, versatile actress Alonzo mesmerized Isabela with her exuberance and beauty. The featured guest artist for the festival finale and grand concert, she sang “Flowers" by Miley Cyrus and Sitti’s “Para sa Akin.” She also sang Popoy and Basha theme song, "I'll Never Go," that made the audience swoon.
OPM singer Maki
The magical night lingered on as Buendia appeared on the stage. He wowed every Isabeleño, both young and old, singing the artist's songs to heart like a prayer. Fresh from his November 2024 concert at The Capital Arena, Buendia serenaded Isabela anew with phenomenal hit songs: “Pare Ko,” “Tamang Hinala,” “Spolarium,” “Maling Akala,” “Ligaya,” “Alapaap,” “With a Smile,” and saving the best for last, “Ang Huling El Bimbo,” before calling it a night.
The night is capped with the grandest of them all -- the fireworks display that could rival exhibits in international competitions!