Another day, another DJ

MANILA, Philippines – Call it Seasonal Outgoing Syndrome (SOS) that afflicts many a night crawler in this city. “I don’t go out anymore,” you may have heard carriers of the condition mutter with a groan (or from your own yapper, for that matter), followed by “It’s the same old thing, anyway.” But then it doesn’t take much to prod these people to party — so long as they’re administered the right amount of hype and in some cases, the promise of an open bar. And, well, last but not the least, “enough prodding from friends who actually give a shit,” according to another party pundit.

Right before the June rains set in, Manila’s nocturnal circles were in for another hailstorm of hype care of the DJ diplomats — Aoki, A-Trak, and SamRo — making calls on our clubs. Pseudo-apathetic partiers that we are, we emitted a sigh — and then slipped our trample-ready shoes on, lined up where all the kids were, and put our clubbing connoisseur caps on. Okay, fine, we just wanted to waste our time and get wasted — but god, what else is there to do, anyway?

DJ A-Trak

Where and when it went down: May 18, Embassy Superclub

Hype highlight: He’s Kanye West’s official tour DJ, apparently. In the first place, few knew he’d be dropping by Manila for his “Taste of Asia Tour.” 

Pre-event sentiment: Well, a handful of people knew that he was from Canada, that he was the youngest dude ever to bag himself a DMCs World DJ Championship, or that the guy was actually here.

Climactic cuts: 1st-degree electro murder on the dance floor with a bloody awesome opening (Mars by Fake Blood) — and rousing resuscitation with some Tribe Called Quest thrown in.

Audience rapport: The Happy Mondays-frequenting people were happy, at least. 

Post-event reaction: “Manila was fun, but I couldn’t twitter half the time! Best quote, getting a massage, “Sir, is OK massage your buttock?” — A-Trak, through Twitter.

DJ Samantha Ronson

Where and when it went down: May 22, Club L.A.X

Hype highlight: Lindsay Lohan’s ex-lover diddling the decks at new Manila club (and supposed franchise of the Vegas hotspot with an outpost in LA), L.A.X.

Pre-event sentiment: SamRo Myspace page perusal proved that she would indeed dyke up Manila by spinning at LAX, which would finally open since its novelty had worn out quite a while back. And, oh my God, do you really think her “plus one” is Lindsay? 

Climactic cuts: A shift from Just Dance to Poker Face proved to be gaga-inducing. 

Audience rapport: Sam was a real grrrl as soon as she swaggered onto the booth, a glare locked upon her laptop screen with occasional confused glances at her crowd; although she did give the bouncers the go-signal for photo ops — and some sneaker signing, to boot.  

Post-event reaction: “She was like the promise of an epic fart that you feel building up in your colon and you think this will be good — only to pass this pathetic whistle excuse for a fart. She didn’t even play one of Lindsay’s songs. Had more fun at the Hooters next door.” — Raquel, 24, lipstick lesbian 

Steve Aoki and pals- DimMak Manila

Where and when it went down: May 27, Embassy Superclub

Hype highlight: The man who caused the hipster gospel to spread rapidly over here comes to open a boutique with the people behind skurban outfitter Greyone Social. And he was never the type to turn down an opportunity to promote his label DimMak, he’s bringing quite the entourage for one night of mayhem as well: New York’s “obnoxious dance music” maestro DJ Stretch Armstrong, Pase Rock with the rap ‘n’ track attack, and sly snapper of socials, The Cobrasnake.  

Pre-event sentiment: Once, twice, three times Aoki — what could possibly be different? And you thought everyone had stashed the plaid, ironic specs, and day-glo colors for good. Also, curiosity with whether Steve’s changed his shirt since he was last here.  

Climactic cuts: Aoki definitely “A-OK!” upon whipping out some Crookers and Cansei Der Sexy. 

Audience rapport: Signature crowd surfing — and a lengthy ride at that — meant that whoever was there would raise their palms for him anytime.

“All the people who rode on the hipster wagon just because — they’re out, thank God. So there weren’t as many people as before, but Aoki’s always been reliable for new music…always progressive and always crazy!” — Leo, 22, bandana-wearer