The countdown to BLACKOUT 2025 began last December 15, 2024, with BLACKOUT: The Kickoff at Bridgetown Central Park, Pasig City. Combining the gaming, music, and art, this inaugural event united communities while giving fans a taste of what’s to come in next year’s much-anticipated main event.
Gaming takes center stage
Gamers were in for a treat as BLACKOUT: The Kickoff featured activations from key partners like Gamer Girls Philippines and Guhit Pinas, alongside other brands and gaming communities. Attendees were able to explore dedicated booths with live gaming sessions, challenges, and creative showcases.
In addition to hands-on gaming, the event celebrated the growing synergy between gaming and the arts, reminding fans that gaming itself is a form of interactive artistry. The vibrant booths, digital displays, and creative pop-ups are designed to spotlight the community-driven creativity that fuels the industry.
BLACKOUT: The Kickoff also tapped into the cultural energy of music and art. The night’s soundtrack featured performances from P-POP and OPM favorites, including SB19’s Josh Cullen, girl groups KAIA, YARA, and DIONE, as well as rising bands like NEW:ID and 6ENSE. Triple-threat artist Sharlene San Pedro joined the OPM lineup, alongside As Far As We Know and Daniel Paringit.
The rest of the venue was filled with live art exhibitions, tattoo pop-ups, and merchandise areas centered around Filipino creativity. Whether it’s in gaming, music, or visual expression, BLACKOUT highlights the role of art as the foundation of every industry it brings together.
The start of something bigger
As the name suggests, BLACKOUT: The Kickoff is just the beginning. It’s a prologue to BLACKOUT 2025, a much larger event aimed at redefining how gaming, music, and art can intersect to create an all-encompassing experience.
Ultimately, BLACKOUT is #NotJustAFestival—it’s a space where attendees can embrace whatever excites them most, whether it’s gaming tournaments, live performances, art installations, or all of the above. It’s a place for fans to connect, celebrate, and “blackout the world” to enjoy being their unapologetic selves.
If you’re a gamer, an artist, a music lover, or all three, BLACKOUT welcomes you to be part of the revolution.