The “Himala sa Buhangin Arts and Music Festival” is set to light up the Paoay Sand Dunes on December 5 and 6, 2025, with chart-topping acts Ben&Ben and Maki leading the lineup. Now on its 12th staging, the country’s only sand dunes party continues to blend art, music, and community in a spectacle that is uniquely Ilokano.
Ben&Ben, one of the Philippines’ most celebrated bands, will headline the opening night, while rising star Maki will take the stage on the second day, joined by rapper Hev Abi.
Filipino bands Indio I and Brownman Revival will also perform, alongside Ilokano groups Lvndrs, Magrus, Vintage Core, and Tape Monkeys. After-parties will keep the dunes alive until dawn, with Ilokano DJs Gunna Lex, Nasty, Eric Manalo, and MC Travis.
Beyond the music, “Himala” remains a showcase of Ilokano creativity. This year’s arts installations will highlight everyday life in Ilocos Norte, featuring bamboo structures inspired by the shape of bawang, a crop widely-grown in the province, and elements of the sea. Among the centerpiece works is the alat, a traditional fishing instrument, symbolizing the resilience and livelihood of fisherfolk.
This year’s festival highlights include obstacle courses, 4×4 test drives and races, cultural dance showcases, and fire and belly dancing. A sunset film screening of “The Fisher” will add a cinematic touch to the second day’s program, further enriching the festival’s blend of tradition and modern entertainment.
The festival traces its roots to then Governor Imee Marcos, who first envisioned “Himala sa Buhangin” as a way to celebrate Ilocos Norte’s cultural identity while promoting the Paoay Sand Dunes as a tourism landmark. Since its launch, the event has grown into a national attraction, drawing tens of thousands of visitors annually. In 2024, attendance surpassed 50,000, underscoring its place as one of the country’s most distinctive arts and music festivals.
The Paoay Sand Dunes, immortalized in Filipino film classics such as “Himala” and “Ang Panday,” remain the festival’s iconic backdrop. Organizers expect this year’s edition to surpass previous records, with its fusion of artistry, heritage, and modern entertainment.
The “Himala sa Buhangin Arts and Music Festival” is set to light up the Paoay Sand Dunes on December 5 and 6, 2025, with chart-topping acts Ben&Ben and Maki leading the lineup. Now on its 12th staging, the country’s only sand dunes party continues to blend art, music, and community in a spectacle that is uniquely Ilokano.
Ben&Ben, one of the Philippines’ most celebrated bands, will headline the opening night, while rising star Maki will take the stage on the second day, joined by rapper Hev Abi.
Filipino bands Indio I and Brownman Revival will also perform, alongside Ilokano groups Lvndrs, Magrus, Vintage Core, and Tape Monkeys. After-parties will keep the dunes alive until dawn, with Ilokano DJs Gunna Lex, Nasty, Eric Manalo, and MC Travis.
Beyond the music, “Himala” remains a showcase of Ilokano creativity. This year’s arts installations will highlight everyday life in Ilocos Norte, featuring bamboo structures inspired by the shape of bawang, a crop widely-grown in the province, and elements of the sea. Among the centerpiece works is the alat, a traditional fishing instrument, symbolizing the resilience and livelihood of fisherfolk.
This year’s festival highlights include obstacle courses, 4×4 test drives and races, cultural dance showcases, and fire and belly dancing. A sunset film screening of “The Fisher” will add a cinematic touch to the second day’s program, further enriching the festival’s blend of tradition and modern entertainment.
The festival traces its roots to then Governor Imee Marcos, who first envisioned “Himala sa Buhangin” as a way to celebrate Ilocos Norte’s cultural identity while promoting the Paoay Sand Dunes as a tourism landmark. Since its launch, the event has grown into a national attraction, drawing tens of thousands of visitors annually. In 2024, attendance surpassed 50,000, underscoring its place as one of the country’s most distinctive arts and music festivals.
The Paoay Sand Dunes, immortalized in Filipino film classics such as “Himala” and “Ang Panday,” remain the festival’s iconic backdrop. Organizers expect this year’s edition to surpass previous records, with its fusion of artistry, heritage, and modern entertainment.
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