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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN News/Kumu) |
Now in its fourth year, social entertainment app Kumu marked the occasion with a bang last September 7, 2022 at the Samsung Hall in SM Aura Premier in partnership with Globe and Sunsilk with media partners Spot.ph, Candy Magazine, Pep.ph, One Music PH, When in Manila, and Geektalk PH and wardrobe sponsors Dave Ocampo, Designers Circle Philippines, and Mabuhay PH. Kumu gathered roughly 1,000 guests, comprising the biggest streamers, the most active users, and a huge roster of the talents that had their dreams of stardom — however unorthodox — through the app.
Seasoned host and television personality KC Montero — also Kumu’s VP of Content — opened the show with the official Kumu story, reflecting on how far the app has come since 2018. Alongside him were co-hosted Samantha Bernardo, Kelly Canoza, Kimpoy Feliciano, Aldwin Steven, and Prince — all of whom have been power users and supporters of Kumu throughout the last few years. They later welcomed two of the Kumu is 4 U campaign winners, Andrea Roxas and Princess Jeal, as co-hosts for some segments throughout the evening. Super groups BINI, BGYO, VXON, KAIA, CALISTA, G22, and Press Hit Play are just some of the names attendees who later graced the stage, as well as solo acts like Anton Diva, Vinz Tiu, and JM Bales — just to name a few. There was also a special performance from the winners of Top Class, the recently concluded reality competition hosted by Catriona Gray.
As the night progressed, it became clear that the Philippines’ local music industry has only just begun to thrive. With the rise of P-Pop also comes a resurgence of OPM, thanks to new drops and covers alike. This was highlighted by a solo performance by certified hitmaker and proud Kumunizen, Adie, along with some more campaign winners — Shone Ejusa, Eunice Janine, Jhiefel Naguit, Maica Bermejo, Pauline Denum, and Mitzi Faye Borja — whose prize was the chance to perform onstage with Sofronio Vazquez, FANA, and Sing Pilipinas grand champion Chloe Redondo. The voice of Kuya from Pinoy Big Brother also made itself known, introducing the current lineup of PBB Housemates — Kobie, Andrea, Ralph, Gail, Jordan, Karen, Rob, Maxine, Laziz, Isabel, Zach, Seham, and Benedix — before their group song and dance number.
“This Kumu concert is a celebration of not only our Kumunity, but also everything we went through the past four years as a company. We’ve had highs and lows, successes and challenges… this concert shows the very heart of Kumu — our passion, our relationships, and being there for each other in this journey, even in the years to come. And there will be more,” says Kumu Co-Founder and Chief of Staff James Rumohr. To cap off the evening, Montero introduced the founders and current chiefs of Kumu, showcasing the company’s fast-paced growth over just four short years. And, of course, it wouldn’t be a celebration without wishing Karlito — the Kumu tarsier mascot — a proper happy birthday. As for what’s next for Kumu? It seems only time will tell. “The way we’ve grown is crazy, but it seems we’re just getting started. It started out as this humble goal of connecting Filipinos around the world, but now it’s about making new friends, finding new talent, exploring new possibilities — from everywhere,” shares Kumu Chief of Growth Alex Tshering.
