Barbie Almalbis, Clara Benin, Janine Berdin, syd hartha, and more to headline GNN’s Lilet Fair this March 2026

 Despite women’s significant contributions to the entertainment industry, they continue to face significant challenges throughout history, from being at the receiving end of discrimination and harmful stereotypes to being overlooked for production roles or leadership positions. Apart from the lack of opportunities, they often experience pay inequity, harassment, and underrepresentation in major industry spaces, overlooking the power they hold as creative forces and culture shifters.

syd hartha photo courtesy of Sony Music Entertainment; Janine Berdin’s photo care of Universal Music Group

For the upcoming Women’s History Month, GNN celebrates women who have been at the forefront of community building and creative expression, opening new spaces, building opportunities for others, and using their platform to rally for meaningful changes within and outside the system.

“The number of women behind the scenes remains relatively low,” shares Marie Lara Pauline Bobier, GNN’s events director. “While the music community is generally welcoming and respectful toward women, there are still instances in which they are made to feel that they must continually prove their credibility and competence in the field. This celebration is not only about championing female practitioners in music and entertainment, but also about recognizing the female fans and pro-women advocates who actively support the local music scene.”

Enter Lilet Fair, a multi-format festival that features the outstanding and emerging talents in music, art, comedy, improvisation, and drag. The event’s name is derived from the iconic Lilith Fair, an all-female music festival organized by Sarah McLachlan in the ‘90s.

“Lilet Fair is a women-centered music and creative space that amplifies not just performers, but the women working behind the scenes who power the industry,” says Milley Habito, the production head of GNN. “By creating intentional platforms like this, we foster representation, mentorship, and real opportunities, proving that when women are centered, the entire music community thrives.”

Headlining Lilet Fair are some of the most prominent artists in the local music scene, including pop-rock powerhouse Barbie Almalbis, whose introspective songwriting and intricate guitar work influenced generations of Filipino singer-songwriters and bands. Also joining the bill are Clara Benin, syd hartha, Janine Berdin, August Wahh, Coeli, and Shanne Dandan.

Other artists in different disciplines are set to take the center stage, including A II Z, a comedy duo formed through their mutual love for improv comedy and music, and Lady Boses (Jeannie Lacay, Di Aaron and Khaye Asco), a group of all-female stand-up comedians who advocate for women to take up space in comedy, in the workplace, and in everything in general. M1SS Jade So and Inah Demons are set to complete the incredible roster of performers, representing drag.

Apart from show-stopping performances, the event is also packed with activities and booths run by women themselves: Drafts Gift Shop (flowers), FiliFerniana (live art photobooth), Maan Simbajon (tattoo), Putik Friends (ceramics), and more!

For its pre-event programming, GNN will host a panel discussion featuring women who are making significant contributions to the independent music scene behind the scenes: Alex Majam, co-owner of Jess & Pat's; Bel Certeza, label head at EMI Records Philippines; Katrina Romero, manager of Over October; Kris Rocha, founder and music photographer at Neon Oven; and Ziera De Veyra, head of Funky Beat Entertainment. The discussion is titled She Means Business: Women Paving The Way.

Lilet Fair will take place at 123 Block in Mandaluyong City, on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 3:00 PM onwards. Tickets are available online at PHP 800 for Early Bird and PHP 900 for Regular Admissions. Get your Early Bird tickets via https://liletfair2026.helixpay.ph/.