Entering the Kaleidoscope with Spanish techno and Italian Neoclassical music

As the scent of sandalwood and lavender from a lit candle perfumed the room, I dared to tread a realm of music way outside my comfort zone. With a video playlist totalling almost three hours, I stepped into the world of electronic music courtesy of Spanish DJ Pablo Bolivar and the fusion of neoclassical piano with electronic by Italian DJs Lorenzo Travaglini and Davide Sammarchi of the Bosco Studio collective to immerse myself in the kaleidoscopic experience that is Medium Rare.

Medium Rare is a multi-sensory cultural event of music, gastronomy and art that will hold its latest edition, billed as Kaleidoscope, this May 9, 2026 at the Salon de Ning at The Peninsula Manila.

DJ Chele

Medium Rare, now on its seventh edition, is spearheaded Chele Gonzalez, a fixture in Manila's culinary and creative scene and developed with Samantha Nicole, a prominent figure in the underground music community.

Samantha Nicole

From 7:00 PM until 4:00 AM, the three international artists headline along with a diverse lineup of local DJs transforming Salon de Ning into a space filled with live music, culinary creativity and artistic expression simultaneously. Or simply put, a one-of-a-kind kaleidoscopic experience.

Salon de Ning

Now on to the international guest musicians.

Pablo Bolivar

Hailing from Spain, Pablo Bolivar is internationally known for his deep and atmospheric blending of techno and ambient music. With more than two decades in the underground electronic scene, Bolívar has developed a distinctive sound balancing hypnotic rhythms with emotional melodic structures. He is also the founder of influential labels Seven Villas Music and Avantroots Records, which have played a role in shaping the deeper side of contemporary electronic music.

Bolivar's first professional visit in the country is supported by the Embassy of Spain in the Philippines.

Lorenzo Travaglini

Italian composers and pianists Lorenzo Travaglini and Davide Sammarchi, from the Bosco Studio collective add to the kaledoiscopic experience of Medium Rare with their brand of music exploring the intersection of neoclassical composition and cinematic sound.

Travaglini, founder of Bosco Studio, focuses on emotionally driven piano works that blend classical tradition with modern sonic landscapes.

Davide Sammarchi

Sammarchi complements this approach through atmospheric textures and expressive minimalist structures. Together their performances create immersive musical narratives that move between classical sensitivity and contemporary sound design.

Bosco Studio's first ever Asian visit is supported by the Philippine–Italian Association.

Medium Rare Kaleidoscope edition happens on May 9, 2026, 7:00 PM until 4:00 AM at the Salon de Ning, The Peninsula Manila.