Hundreds of electronic dance music (EDM) fans made their way to the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City last September 17 to attend the second edition of Road to Ultra: Philippines.
Filipino partyphiles and music fans from neighboring Asian countries—including Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, Thailand, among others—witnessed the 10-hour spectacle headlined by EDM heavyweights Dutch DJ/record producer Tiesto and Swedish DJ/musician Alesso.
Dutch DJ Hardwell was also scheduled to perform at RTU: PH 2016 but he had to withdraw at the last minute because his flight to Manila got cancelled due to bad weather.
The 28-year-old music producer made the announcement on his Facebook acount and wrote: "I'm really sorry to let you all know I won't be playing my show at Ultra Philippines today. Due to a typhoon my flights were cancelled and although we tried there is just no way I'll make it in time for the show. Once again I'm really sorry but I hope I can make it up to you soon!"
Completing this year's line-up of DJs are Fedde Le Grand, Moti, Raiden, Jessica Milner and Pinoy actor-turned-DJ Tom Taus.
Check out some scenes from the concert organized by Ovation Productions and Blackwater Events:
DJ TIESTO. Tijs Michiel Verwest, popularly known by his stage name DJ Tiesto, was the last to perform at the concert-party. This is the 47-year-old Dutch DJ's second time in Manila following his October 2013 solo show at the Araneta Coliseum.
Concertgoers sang along when DJ Tiesto performed Coldplay's "Yellow." The fans also enjoyed Tiesto's remix of earlier hits including Gigi D'Agostino's "I'll Fly With You," Bryan Adams' "Heaven," and The White Stripes' "Seven Nation Army."
Some of his originals which he played at the concert include "Red Lights," "Chemicals," and "Wasted."
DJ Tiesto also remixed Zedd's "Beautiful Now" and The Chainsmokers' "Closer."
DJ ALESSO. Alesso has been to the Philippines several times to perform for his Filipino fans.
The 25-year-old Swedish DJ headlined the Closeup Forever Summer Music Festival in April 2014 and had a solo show at the Palace Pool Club in September 2015.
Alesso played some of his original songs at the music festival, including "Years," "Anthem," "Under Control," and "Hereos."
The dance party continued with Alesso's remix of One Republic's "If I Lose Myself" and Calvin Harris' "How Deep Is Your Love" and "This Is What You Came For."
While playing his mash-up of Whitney Houston's "Dance with Somebody" with his original song "Calling (Lose My Mind)," Alesso instructed to crowd to pump-up their fists and said: "Everybody, get your hands up in the air right now!"
The DJ also played his remix of David Guetta's "Titanium" and told the audience, "This remix is three years old! I made this three years ago!"
JAUZ. The 21-year-old America DJ/music producer Jauz kept the crowd going with his remixes.
Jauz, a surprise last-minute replacement to Hardwell, flew to Manila right after playing at Road to Ultra: Hong Kong.
The young DJ definitely did not disappoint during his set in the Philippine leg of the Ultra Music Festival offshoot.
During the earlier part of his set, DJ Jauz treated the fans to his remix of Route 94's "My Love" and Disclosure and Sam Smith's "Latch."
"This is my first show in the Philippines," the Los Angeles-based DJ told fans before taking several photos with them.
DJ Jauz continued his set with Sebastian Ingrosso, Tommy Trash, and John Martin's "Reload," Galantis' "No Money," and Daft Punk's "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger."
Some of the songs he played at the concert were: Twenty One Pilots' "Ride," Linkin Park's "In The End," Diplo & Sleepy Tom's "Be Right There," and DJ Snake's "Lean On."
FEDDE LE GRAND. Dutch house DJ Fedde Le Grand also returned to Manila for RTU: Philippines 2016.
The 39-year-old DJ was also included in last year's line-up headlined by American EDM DJ Skrillex. During his set, DJ Fedde played one of his newest songs titled "Cinematic."
Other songs he played and remixed at the concert include Oasis' "Wonderwall," Galantis' "Runaway (U and I)," and Calvin Harris' "Feel So Close."
Gates were opened as early as 3:30 pm and the concert-party ended around 2:30 a.m.
