Rock and rumble at Rainbow Fest 2025

Was it a one-time mishap or a sign of deeper issues in council-led events?

What was meant to be a vibrant celebration and protest turned into a nightmare for three band performers at the PUP Rainbow Fest 2025.

Six Degrees, Iskolarium, and Antipara were invited by the PUP Sentral na Konseho ng Mag-aaral (SKM) to perform alongside other artists, including drag performers, in celebration of Pride Month.

Collaborating with various local student councils, student formations, and the University’s Gender Equality, Diversity, and Social Inclusion Office (GEDSIO), the event aimed to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community and to advocate for equality, diversity, and social justice.

The same values that these three bands stood for when they agreed to perform for free, offering their time, effort, and art—unaware that the cost would be something else: their respect and dignity.

“We agreed because we support the protest, we believe in the cause, and we love performing,” wrote Antipara.

What Went Wrong

In their statements, the three bands laid out their experiences of delayed responses, last-minute changes, and a general lack of coordination from the event organizers.

Originally scheduled for June 19, Rainbow Fest was later rescheduled for June 23, a change that occurred after the bands had already confirmed their availability and begun preparations.

“Some of my bandmates cleared their schedules and cancelled plans for the said event only to find out that the event was moved,” wrote Iskolarium on their Facebook page.

Beyond scheduling issues, one of the most significant blows came on June 20, just three days before the event: The organizing committee admitted they could no longer provide the necessary band equipment.

This unprecedented circumstance came despite previous checking of the bands and was compounded by the fact that rented equipment could not be brought in due to documentation and clearance issues with the PUP administration. 

Faced with the sudden dilemma, the three bands called for an emergency meeting with the organizing committee. They proposed multiple resolutions: bands could bring their gear, or the committee would attempt to secure equipment last-minute.

Still, no concrete solutions emerged that night.

A Show With No Spotlight

On June 21, the bands began requesting updates, but responses were delayed. They were told to wait for one of the organizers to provide further information.

Just a day before the event, June 22, they were finally informed that band equipment had been procured. Still, the bands still had no assurance if they could use it due to the permission and documentation issues raised earlier.

According to Antipara, the organizers said they would provide an update the next day on whether the bands could perform at the event.

“Sabi nila magbibigay sila ng updates on D-Day as early as 8 AM kung tuloy ba performances ng band at isesend ’yong final program flow,” they shared.

June 23, the day of Rainbow Fest, was supposed to be their moment on stage. 

Antipara followed up on whether they could use the procured equipment until 10 AM but still hadn’t received any response until Six Degrees band member Noriko Wade Alsisto told them they had been given the go signal to play.

On the other hand, the promised program flow never arrived.

Reassured by this last-minute fix, the performers pushed through with their plans. They arrived hours early at the PUP Gymnasium to rehearse and set up their gear.

But then, the schedule shifted once again. From a noon slot, their performance was moved to a 4 PM onwards window due to on-the-spot program adjustments.

Organizers pointed to several causes for the delay: the event’s late start, technical issues, understaffing, missing permits, and the absence of a full pre-event briefing. 

A source said that the delay began long before the bands took the stage. The program, set for a 10 AM start, was pushed back an hour because the gymnasium opened late.

Moreover, the University imposed power restrictions, allowing band equipment use only once electricity from sponsor booths had decreased. This led to a compromise to reschedule the bands at the program’s end. 

This, combined with the late arrival of some performers likely due to rain and on-site tech adjustments, disrupted the flow further.

Even when the program seemed to slow down, the equipment still couldn’t be used. To keep things moving, the committee filled time with “palaro” segments. 

A source revealed that the real reason behind the restriction was the lack of proper documentation. The organizers had failed to process the necessary papers, even up to the day of the event.

The source also recalls an instance of “high tension” as SKM President Tiffany Brillante allegedly reproached RF 2025 Overall Head Gean Matthew Rebulado over the lapse in processing the papers.

But by the time full clearance was given, there was barely any time left.

Still, the bands waited patiently.

Even though no attention was given, no water or food was offered. No point-person was assigned. Nothing at all. The organizers already left them—even before they knew it. 

“Noong past events, mayroon silang dini-designate eh [point person], particularly noong Balik Sinta,” Antipara shared in an interview with The Communicator. “Sa case namin, wala. Like wala silang binigay na ‘Ito po ‘yong contact-in niyo.’”

Originally, the lineup was meant to go: Six Degrees, followed by Iskolarium, and lastly with Antipara. But as the event progressed, delays and surprises piled up.

Set times were cut first from 15 minutes to 10, and eventually to only five minutes, including sound check, to reach the 5 PM cut-off on the rented sound system and electricity. 

A technical supplier crew allegedly told them: “Kung ano na 'yong nakasalpak na instruments, 'wag niyo nang tatanggalin. Pagsalang sa stage, mag-start na 'yong 5 minutes niyo.”

The bands raised concern over being asked to use another group’s instruments despite bringing their gear specifically prepared for their genre and style.

It was 4:30 PM when Six Degrees began their performance, and yet another artist was unexpectedly inserted in the lineup, delaying the bands further. 

By this time, Antipara had already lost hope of performing, disheartened by what they described as “continued disrespect” from the organizers. They chose to walk away—not out of anger, but because the organizers had pushed them to that point.

“Grabe ‘yong inconvenience, ‘yong stress, ‘yong efforts, resources na binigay ng bawat members just to receive the disrespect and inconvenience from them,” Antipara shared. 

Their frustration went beyond logistics, rooted in the feeling that their time, effort, and dedication were disregarded. What should have been a proud moment became a breaking point.

“Hindi kasi biro lahat ng pinagdadaanan ng bawat performers or band members. So, parang hindi nila tini-take into account or hindi nila kino-consider.”

By the time the Iskolarium took the stage, it was already 4:59 PM. They stood in position. Tuned. Ready. But then the worst happened.

The microphones were off. Amplifiers muted.

No explanation. No cue.

Acknowledged—But Not Addressed

For over 25 minutes, the Iskolarium remained on stage, waiting. Hoping. No one from the organizing committee approached them. No SKM officer. No volunteers. Just silence.

Their stage time, their voice was taken away without warning.

It wasn’t until the band leaders of the three bands began expressing their frustrations in the group chat that the organizers began responding.

Eventually, Brillante, along with co-organizers Michael Dave Bolima and Axcel Bacunawa, approached the band to apologize and acknowledge their failure. 

But for them, the apology came too late.

“We find it unacceptable and frankly embarrassing that the organizers who invited us failed to uphold the basic standards of professionalism,” wrote Six Degrees on their Facebook page.

This incident was one of the key reasons Alsisto initially resigned as an SKM councilor—a decision she later retracted. 

She cited a call for justice for artists affected by the Rainbow Fest controversy and a strong commitment to representing the Iskolar-Atletas.

Adding to the performers’ frustration was what one of the bands witnessed behind the scenes: some organizing members pointing fingers at each other and appearing confused about what was happening.

RF 2025 organizers said that they attempted to negotiate with the Facility Management Office (FAMO) to extend the program until 5:30 PM, which is their “original understanding” based on approved letters. But the FAMO pushed through their ultimatum—electricity shutdown by 5 PM.

A source present in the event clarified that this incident was not merely caused by a power interruption. The rented sound system and tech service was also programmed to shut off precisely at 5 PM under the program provided by the organizers.

Because of this setup, the sound system operator imposed an additional fee of ₱21,000 to extend their service and allow the remaining performers to play.

Reconciliation and Resolutions

Following tons of criticisms, the SKM and the organizing committee held a clarificatory and reconciliation meeting on June 29 with representatives from Six Degrees, Antipara, and Iskolarium.

During the dialogue, organizers presented the findings of their assessment into the event’s delays and technical lapses. 

The bands, in turn, voiced their concerns, raised clarifications, and offered constructive feedback on how student-led events can be better handled moving forward.

The parties agreed on several initial resolutions: transportation reimbursements are set to be completed before the end of July; further discussions on additional compensation, including rehearsal expenses, are to follow; and a potential make-up performance at an SKM event in September was raised, pending the bands’ decision. 

A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) has also been created to formalize the terms. As of writing, the agreement is still ongoing, and no breaches have been made. 

While the meeting did not erase the frustrations, it signaled the start of possible reform and ongoing coordination between the organizers and the affected artists.

A Pattern Repeats

While the Rainbow Fest organizers eventually posted a public apology after pressure from the bands and the PUP community, many believe it barely scratches the surface of the problem. 

For Six Degrees, Iskolarium, and Antipara, this wasn’t just a gig gone wrong; it was a moment that exposed how the organizers treat their artists. 

Despite everything, the bands remain firm in their advocacy. They did not perform for clout or exposure—they performed for Pride, for community, and art.

They just asked for something in return: respect.

Because no performer should be muted. No band should be disrespected.

“If we were a well-known and established band, would things have gone differently?” wrote Antipara. 

The PUP Rainbow Fest 2025 mishap is not an isolated case. Several past events organized under the same council such as PUP Balik Sinta 2024, have also been criticized for event handling blunders.

This pattern points to a systemic issue, not just individual errors. 

And with Tanglaw Fest 2025 approaching, all eyes are on the council—whether there will be fruition to the rectifications or will it become just another tale of miscommunication.

Article: Brylle Varela

Graphics: Kent Bicol