The inaugural AndFriends Festival, organized by Clout Kitchen, took place last weekend at the luxurious Okada Manila hotel, located in Parañaque City, Philippines. Over the course of two days, the festival showcased more than 60 music and content creators, transforming the venue into a vibrant hub for diverse talent and entertainment. Celebrating a wide range of interests, from electronic dance music (EDM) lovers to fans of Original Pilipino Music (OPM), the AndFriends Festival 2025 offered an exhilarating experience for attendees, making it a unique playground for creativity and fun.
Set against the lively backdrop of Manila’s dynamic atmosphere, the AndFriends Festival is a multifaceted event that offers daytime interactive panels and activities, transitioning into an electrifying evening rave featuring iconic EDM tracks that have defined a generation. The music lineup was impressive, featuring renowned artists such as Zedd, ILLENIUM, and bbno$, among others. The Cove, the festival’s main stage, was alive with pulsating laser lights and an exuberant crowd, delivering the EDM festival experience that Manila has long awaited.
The expo at the Crystal Pavilion was another noteworthy aspect of the festival, providing a distinct and memorable experience for attendees. The event space was filled with a variety of creators and their unique offerings, turning the expo into a celebration of creativity and innovation.
A Festive Celebration of Pop Culture and Creativity
Upon entering the expo, visitors were immediately immersed in an atmosphere teeming with excitement, thanks to the lively music, dazzling lights, and engaging booths that adorned the venue. The ambiance was bright and inviting, thanks to the Crystal Pavilion’s stunning glass ceilings, which let in natural light, creating the perfect setting for memorable photos and a fresh vibe. The venue operated from noon until 11 PM, a schedule that many found to be casual and enjoyable. The opulent surroundings combined with attendees’ fashionable outfits and striking makeup added to the overall charm of the festival. Plus, the air conditioning provided a welcome respite from the heat.
Navigating through the expansive venue was a breeze, with a wide pathway guiding visitors through the various attractions. The artist alley was strategically placed throughout the space, alongside two DJ stages that kept the energy high. Notable booths included Red Monster’s Gashapons, Gank’s Photobooths, Tito Steef’s Arcade—which featured the ever-popular Just Dance game—Chips’ Delight with their entertaining human crane games, and Havaianas with a humorous take on the traditional Tumbang Preso game. Other highlights included Dong Feng’s stylish car exhibit, Aezer’s Hoyoverse merchandise, and an engaging MPL S15 Watch Party. The Creator Stage, where many exciting panels were held, was adorned with eye-catching TTRacing Gaming Chairs.
Interestingly, some of my favorite moments at the AndFriends expo came from booths that seemed a bit disconnected from the festival’s main focus but were incredibly appealing to introverted foodies and book enthusiasts like myself. Bookhive, a bookstore featuring manila paper-wrapped books—encouraging readers to look beyond covers—was a standout. Additionally, Extra Butter PH offered delectable cookies that felt like a slice of heaven. Other intriguing booths included Books & Records from the Streets, offering a mix of new and vintage vinyl records, and Hapi Manga Store, a cozy corner dedicated to manga, anime, and art books.
One of the festival’s highlights was the depth of interactions available at the expo. Attendees could engage in casual conversations, reconnect with old friends, and even forge new connections while discovering fresh inspirations.
As a platform celebrating content creators, many of whom I am fortunate to call friends, the AndFriends Festival 2025 proved to be a must-attend event. Each area of the venue showcased talented individuals excelling in their fields, including gaming personalities, comic artists, illustrators, cosplayers, and TikTok stars. These creators play a pivotal role in fostering community ties throughout the Philippines, making the festival feel like an intimate gathering of like-minded individuals.
The sense of camaraderie and community was palpable throughout the event. Witnessing these personalities mingle freely among attendees highlighted the festival’s welcoming nature. It’s safe to say that AndFriends Festival 2025 succeeded in its mission of bringing together people and fostering connections within the community.
Captivating Moments at the AndFriends Festival 2025
Unlike typical venues characterized by eccentric lighting and chaotic layouts, the architectural elegance of Okada Manila and the Crystal Pavilion’s transparent walls and ceilings created a uniquely uplifting atmosphere. The festival offered a perfect backdrop for capturing unforgettable moments.
Throughout the event, I took numerous photographs of the incredible individuals I encountered, capturing the essence of the AndFriends Festival 2025. The vibrant energy of the festival was evident in every snapshot, showcasing the diverse range of attendees and creators.
In summary, the AndFriends Festival 2025 at Okada Manila was a remarkable celebration of creativity, community, and pop culture. With its exciting lineup of music, engaging activities, and a plethora of talented creators, the festival lived up to its reputation as a premier event for fans and creators alike.
For those looking to stay updated on future events, be sure to follow the official social media channels of the AndFriends Festival on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly known as Twitter). Special thanks to everyone involved in making AndFriends Festival 2025 a memorable experience, particularly the team at &FRIENDS and Clout Kitchen for their hard work in organizing such an incredible event.
