Started off the event with a lovely performance of Cosmic Clash’s winner, the Hawaiian Combo Meal, followed by the sibling duo Ysanygo, then shortly after the crowd was serenaded by Paulo Sandejas, and was enraptured by the Carousel Casualties, a fun game was also initiated to keep the tone at its place.
The said music event surely got back shortly with performances from KIYO, Jason Dhakal, Hey June, and an appearance from TikTok’s famous LGBT influencers, JunJun Salazar or most known as Ramburat and a video message from our one and only “mhiema”, Sassa Gurl, who also made inspiring messages for those who are struggling to express themselves amidst the constant judgment towards the LGBTQIA community.
Furthermore, serving us drag extravaganza performances from Drag Queens, Lady Gagita and Viñas Deluxe who also gave a moving discourse for the Pinoy Queer community that everyone should not be deprived of equal rights and protection regardless of gender with an impactful reminder that Drag is not just a form of entertainment; rather, a powerful tool to protest.
But music surely didn’t stop there, as it was approaching midnight, artists still gave the crowd the vibe that they came for with incredible performances from WAIIAN, Oh, Flamingo!, Kiss N Tell, Soap Dish, Moonstar88, Autotelic, BINI, SOS, international singer RUEL also made an appearance and gave a phenomenal performance at the COSMOS stage, right after The Itchyworms placed the crowd in a wave of nostalgia with their promising performance.
The crowd surely has much more energy than anticipated at 3am with a feel-good performance of a much-awaited band, Ben&Ben, for the people to vibe with, followed by a killer performance by singer-rapper Al James who set the stage on fire pulling off all his all-time hits. And finally, putting the crowd in a state of serenity, a lovely performance by MuniMuni was the perfect way to close off the cosmic concert.
UP Fair once again did not disappoint, with COSMOS 2023 taking off. It was certainly a place of entertainment and an eye opener brought by compelling messages about its advocacies. People definitely left the event grounds with smiles on their faces and a message on their heads that there won’t be people in comfortable places if it weren’t for those who live their lives skating on thin ice to voice out and fight for the rights of not only themselves but of every Filipino.
More photos here.