MANILA — The ASEAN-Korea Music Festival 2026, widely known as the ROUND Festival, drew a packed crowd to the Smart Araneta Coliseum over the weekend, turning the venue into a shared stage for Southeast Asian and Korean acts.
Mounted as part of the Philippines’ role as ASEAN Chair for 2026, the festival gathered artists from across the region in a lineup that moved between styles and languages with ease. Filipino performers, including Ben&Ben, TJ Monterde, Cup of Joe, HORI7ON, and KAIA, delivered as expected and drew strong responses from the home crowd. Alongside them were international acts such as MeloMance, Pamungkas, and Tilly Birds, with Malaysia’s MIMIFLY bringing a distinct energy that stood out during the set. Co-hosts 10CM and Gabbi Garcia kept the pace steady across both evenings.
Outside the main venue, activity carried over to the ROUND Village at Quantum Skyview in Gateway Mall 2, where booths representing participating countries and partner organizations lined the space. Traditional textiles, displays, and brand activations sat side by side, turning the area into a walkable extension of the festival.
Among the mix, Mang Inasal was the only Filipino restaurant brand present. Its activation focused on a free halo-halo giveaway, which drew steady lines throughout the festival period.
As crowds moved between exhibits and waited for the evening program, the cold dessert offered a brief respite from the heat. For some, it was a first stop. For others, it was a return visit before heading back inside.
The ROUND Festival, launched in 2020 by KBS, has positioned itself as a platform for contemporary music across ASEAN and South Korea. Manila’s turn as host brought in a wide audience, with free admission widening access.
By the end of the weekend, the experience had moved beyond the stage. Performances carried the program, while the spaces around it filled in the rest. At the ROUND Village, the lines told their own story, with fans gathering around a simple cup of halo-halo, a familiar mix in the middle of a largely international setting. Much like the languages heard onstage, it did not require translation to be appreciated.