A music festival that promotes community wellness
In the wellness space, we spend a lot of time talking about reps, sets and what’s on our plates. But true health isn’t just built in the gym; it’s rooted in the environment we live in and the vitality of our communities
Jireh Bringas is someone who truly understands this dynamic. An entrepreneur, public servant, and the driving force behind TakeOver Music Festival, Jireh is proving that you can throw an incredible event and heal the planet at the same time. It’s exactly the kind of active, on-the-ground leadership needed today, brought to life through music and environmental action.
Can a music festival actually heal a coastline? For Jireh, the answer is a resounding yes. With the TakeOver Music Festival hitting Poro Point, La Union, again this November after a very successful run last January, he is promising another round of top-tier entertainment backed by tangible action for the Baroro River in La Union. I caught up with Jireh to talk about cutting through the red tape of public service, turning concert-goers into eco-warriors, and building a legacy that outlasts the music.
PHILIPPINE STAR: Let’s take it back to the beginning. What was the spark that started the TakeOver Music Festival, and what is your ultimate vision for it?
JIREH BRINGAS: The spark came during the pandemic, when I saw artists and people in the live entertainment industry lose their livelihoods. As a music lover, I realized that if I had a platform, I could help create opportunities for them to perform again.
In March 2022, I was given the opportunity to lease the former Game Over Bar and Restaurant. Driven purely by passion, despite having no prior experience in the F&B industry, I accepted the opportunity. A month later, on April 1, 2022, TakeOver Lounge was born.
As TakeOver grew, I realized it could become more than a venue. Through our festivals in La Union and Boracay, we generated economic opportunities for local communities while advancing our environmental advocacies. Together with local volunteers, partner organizations, and artists such as Gloc-9 and Apl.de.Ap of the Black Eyed Peas, we planted 500 mangroves in La Union and another 500 in Boracay.
Today, my vision is to build the Philippines’ premier advocacy-driven festival, where music, tourism, environmental sustainability, and community development come together. We hope to bring this model to communities across the Philippines and, eventually, showcase it on the international stage as a Filipino movement that creates meaningful and lasting impact.
We always say a healthy environment breeds healthy people. How do your livelihood programs for local farmers and fishermen tie into this broader goal of community wellness?
A healthy community isn’t built by environmental programs alone. It also requires education, economic opportunity and sustainable livelihoods.
That’s why this year’s TakeOver Fest La Union 2026, in partnership with the Department of Tourism Region 1 and Poro Point Management Corporation, creates opportunities for local farmers, fishermen, food entrepreneurs, artisans, tourism operators and small businesses to participate, learn and earn. By prioritizing local participation, we help ensure that the economic benefits remain within the community.
When families have access to sustainable livelihoods and are educated, they become responsible stewards of the environment, knowing the importance of protecting and preserving it for future generations. For us, community wellness means creating communities that are economically resilient, environmentally responsible, and able to thrive for generations to come.
As someone deeply involved in youth leadership, how do you mobilize the next generation to get off the sidelines and become authentic environmental advocates?
We believe the most powerful way to mobilize and ignite lasting change in the next generation is through immersive, hands-on experiences that allow them to participate and be part of something enjoyable and meaningful.
TakeOver champions three core advocacies: environmental sustainability awareness, promoting local art, culture and tourism, and supporting Original Pilipino Music (OPM). We use music and entertainment as a platform to inspire young people and connect them with causes that create real positive impact.
That’s why we also provide plantable wristbands made from seed paper, allowing attendees to literally take home the advocacy and continue planting a positive impact long after the festival ends. If even a small percentage of our attendees leave inspired to serve their communities and care for the environment long after the music fades, then we’ve achieved something far greater than hosting a successful event.
Between organizing massive festivals, driving environmental campaigns, and championing good governance, the physical and mental toll must be heavy. What is your personal routine for staying fit, focused and energized?
I believe it’s difficult to lead others if you don’t first take care of yourself. Organizing festivals, leading advocacy campaigns and managing different responsibilities require physical endurance, mental resilience and a clear sense of purpose.
I make time for regular exercise, especially boxing and strength training, because they help me stay disciplined, manage stress, and keep my energy levels high. I also prioritize spending time with my family, which reminds me why I do all of this in the first place.
Most importantly, I stay grounded by remembering our core advocacies. When your work is connected to something bigger than yourself, it becomes easier to stay motivated even during difficult days
What fresh concepts or enhancements can festival-goers look forward to this November at Poro Point?
This year’s TakeOver Fest at Poro Point is our biggest and most ambitious edition yet.
Beyond an incredible lineup of artists, we’re expanding the experience with a larger tourism expo, a curated food park, interactive partner zones, environmental activities, community showcases and lifestyle experiences that celebrate the very best of Region 1. We’re also working closely with government agencies, tourism stakeholders and local organizations to ensure that the festival generates meaningful economic opportunities for local communities.
More importantly, our goal is to show that Filipinos can produce a world-class music festival comparable to internationally renowned events like Woodstock, Coachella and Glastonbury while remaining deeply rooted in purpose and community impact. We want to prove that entertainment and nation-building can go hand in hand.
At TakeOver Fest, we’re more than just a music festival. We’re a party with a purpose.
My challenge to everyone is simple: Don’t let the TakeOver Fest end with the final song. Let it be the beginning of your next good deed.
Because when we plant good deeds today, we create a better Philippines tomorrow.
