Elias J. TV, Ben&Ben, and Skusta Clee: Powerhouse music night set to rock Bangued, Abra on Feb. 23

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Three of the country’s most popular music acts are set to serenade fans in Bangued, Abra, on February 23, 2026, as part of the town’s Washington Festival.

The performance is part of the highly anticipated Washington Artista Night, a festival highlight where residents and visitors gather for music, community fellowship, and cultural celebration at the Town Plaza.

The event is made possible through the initiative of Congressman JB Bernos, Solid North Partylist Representative Ching Bernos, Bangued Mayor Pope Cardenas, Vice Mayor Allan Seares, and members of the Sangguniang Bayan.

Featured performers

Hailing from North Cotabato, Elias J. TV, whose real name is Elias Gabonada Lintucan Jr., is known for his reggae-inspired performances and viral signature reggae groove dance—an energetic movement marked by smooth sway and expressive bounce. Before pursuing music, Elias helped support his family by assisting his father with rubber tapping, a common livelihood in his town. Among his iconic performances is his reggae rendition of Boliviaz Riddim, which helped him reach a broader audience.

Joining him is Ben&Ben, the nine-piece Filipino folk-pop band known for heartfelt lyrics, melodic harmonies, and songs that have become staples of contemporary Original Pilipino Music (OPM). Since forming in 2015, the group has produced charting hits including “Leaves,” “Pagtingin,” “Araw-Araw,” and “Sa Susunod na Habang Buhay.”

Rounding out the lineup is Daryl Jake Borja Ruiz, better known as Skusta Clee, a core member of the hip-hop collective Ex Battalion, the group behind the 2028 hit “Hayaan Mo Sila.” While rooted in rap, Skusta Clee helped mainstream “Pinoy Trap” by blending heavy trap beats with melodic R&B and emotional lyrics relatable to youth. His track “Kalimutan Ka” was the most viewed video on YouTube Philippines in 2025 and debuted on the Billboard Philippines chart the same year.

On February 23, the Bangued Town Plaza is expected to draw a massive crowd eager to witness this rare collaboration of the so-called “Reggae Sensation of the South,” “Pioneer of Pinoy Trap,” and the country’s premier folk-pop band.

In a tour announcement video, the artists expressed excitement for the upcoming show. Local officials are inviting all residents and visitors to join the celebration.