Anti-Pax Silica Concert Brings Filipino Musicians Together Ahead of Trump’s PH Visit

Local artists, cultural workers, and organizations will hold a solidarity concert on November 12 titled TRUMP OUT! at Vinzons Courtyard, UP Diliman, ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to the Philippines on November 16. The organizers say the event is part of a campaign against Pax Silica, U.S. imperialist interests, and the continued genocide in Palestine.

The lineup includes musicians Bita and The Botflies, rappers Jose at Melodiya, hardcore band Vaital Point, rapper Baby Freeze, rap-rockRockA guitar-driven genre that grew from rhythm and blues in the 1950s and splintered into countless styles, from punk and metal to alternative. With a long history of rebellion andGo to Rock Glossary outfit Dayaspora, indie rock outfit Asian Panganay, and more acts to be announced. The program also features advocates, a protest action, a fingerboard jam, and merchants.

Led by the U.S. Department of State under Jacob Helberg last December 2025, the Philippines joined the Pax Silica initiative in April. Both governments are developing a 4,000-acre AI industrial hub in New Clark City. Lawmakers like the Makabayan Bloc and groups like GABRIELA Party-list have raised concerns about its effects on Indigenous and farming communities and women workers. 

Trump is attending the 49th ASEAN Summit at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City from November 16 to 18. Both sides are targeting a signing before the end of the year.

Elijah Pareño

Music Writer

Elijah Pareño is the Music Writer of Rolling Stone Philippines. He writes daily music news, features, reviews, and radar stories of the website.

In addition to music writing, Pareño has written about the behind-the-scenes writers and producers from the P-pop scene, interviewed hip-hop artists like Shanti Dope and Zae, and featured up-and-coming artists for the Music Forecast 2026. Aside from music, Pareño has written about the state of affairs that affects pop culture. He wrote a movie review for 'Mortal Kombat II' and reported and interviewed photojournalists at the September 21, 2025 protests in Luneta and Mendiola.

Prior to working in Rolling Stone Philippines, Pareño was a freelance writer for 3 years and independent live music promoter

See more stories by Elijah Pareño

• In This Article:
• Donald Trump
• Pax Silica