Indie Manila is turning four this year and they've definitely come a long way. From documenting local bar gigs, Indie Manila has now grown into a well-loved curator of music events and a full-fledged media outlet. The website has covered the likes of Clockenflap Festival in Hong Kong, Manila's Wanderland Festival, and are heading to Singapore next week to follow The Ransom Collective in their journey to Laneway Festival. 

Indie Manila has also launched a brand new app, for finding gigs, earning rewards while you're at it, and exclusive content. 

Founder Bel Certeza tells Bandwagon, "In the coming days, we will be launching exclusive content and announce the Band of the Month." A one-woman-team since Indie Manila started, Certeza shares that it took her almost a year to develop the app. "It was my first time [to develop an app] and I learned [by watching on] YouTube."

Upcoming Gigs

The app's homepage shows a list of music events happening in the next several weeks. Under the heading Gigs, you can filter this listing per venue. Currently, the gig list stretches up to events happening at the end of February, though they are not arranged in chronological order. You can add each event to your phone calendar by clicking on the icon at the upper right corner of the listing.    

News Feed

In the Scene section is a rundown of the latest news and gig reports brought to you by Indie Manila's contributors.   

Gig Venues

One of the needs that Certeza sought to address with this app is how to get people to go to gig venues, especially if it's their first time. According to her, "Kasi lagi ako nakaka tanggap ng message sa Indie Manila with commute questions so sabi ko pag nagka app lalagay ko. (I always receive messages about commuting instructions on Indie Manila, so I said I'll include it when I finally have an app.)"

Currently featuring four of the most popular gig venues in Metro Manila, Where To Find Live Music features a list view and a map view for app users to find out more about each. Click on a venue to find out about their operating hours, and how to get there by driving or via public transportation.  

Rewards 

A rewards system will also soon be in place in the app. This will enable users to earn points each time they attend a gig. The accumulated points may be traded in for free gig entrance, a free drink, or an item from future sponsors.

Push notifications

Users can opt for to receive alerts about their favorite band's new gigs and get dibs on exclusive announcements from Indie Manila. Certeza adds that, "The app is very personal. Isipin mo yung push notifications may 'Beshie'".

The Indie Manila app is available on the Google Play store. Get it here.

The Indie Manila app will be officially launched on February 16 at By Request 003 in Upperhouse, 2/F The Brewery.