MANILA, Philippines - What is Meiday and why is it taking over the indie scene? To answer that, we have to go two years back, when Mei Bastes, an event host and freelance stylist, was looking for something to take her mind off a failed relationship. Having friends in the UP Underground scene, she single-handedly organized a concert at the Purple Haze in Tomas Morato. The door charge was a P100 for the show and a beer. At the end of the night, she collected around P13,000. Needless to say, it was successful.
Fast forward to today, October 30 —the date which marks Meiday number 25. In a span of two years, what was once a paid event spurred by heartbreak has now fully evolved into a free-for-all party which celebrates some of the best local music by both established and up-and-coming bands. It was this unique fusion of well-known acts (e.g. Sandwich, Up Dharma Down, and Pedicab) and then-obscure bands (e.g. Arigato Hato, Ang Bandang Shirley, and Halik ni Gringo) that cemented Meiday’s reputation as a must-see event for music lovers and partygoers.
With the buzz surrounding Meiday making its rounds, it’s only a matter of time before it permanently etches itself into mainstream consciousness. For the uninitiated who are curious enough to dive in with its sea of habitués, here are 10 tips to keep in mind to survive your first Meiday:
1. Be on time.
You can forget about being fashionably late. If you come to Meiday at around 11p.m., expect to see a closed gate and a very, very long line of people waiting to get in. Always check the schedules and announcements, and try to be there 10 minutes earlier. Unlike many concerts, Meiday always starts on time, so being the early bird pays, especially if you want to hear the fresh new bands.
2. Come with a friend.
If you don’t want to wake up in a random motel with no idea how you got there, make sure to bring a very good friend with you so you can check up on each other. Those who’ve been attending Meiday since its humble beginnings have formed quite a tight group, so it might feel a bit awkward for a newbie. But if you’re set on braving it alone, being sociable helps.
3. Tone it down, and keep it casual.
Think first before you slip on those six-inch stilettos or zip up that ultra-thick jacket of yours. It’s nice to dress up for events, but maneuvering through a thick crowd of people will definitely be hell on your feet and body. Wear something simple that you can move comfortably in. It’s also advisable to bring extra clothes if you’re the type of person who sweats a lot.
4. Pack light, really light.
Treat the Meiday entrance like the airport security checkpoint. You’ll have to surrender all arms, pointed objects, water bottles, perfume containers, lighters, and any suspicious matter you’re carrying, so don’t even bother bringing them. This is to keep the event safe from threats or accidents. It’s also best to leave your big DSLRs at home. Unless you’re with the bands, you won’t get past the gate. If you try to sneak them in, don’t blame anyone if they get damaged or stolen. Skateboards are also prohibited, for the obvious reason that Meiday’s a concert, not a skate park.
5. Learn the art of slip and squeeze.
If you’re really dying to be at the very front of the crowd to catch your favorite band perform, then you should probably start easing your way through the crowd three to four acts before they play. This is why it’s best to take note of the gig schedule early on.
6. Behave… or else!
Always remember that the Meiday bouncers are your friends. They were hired to break up possible fights, prevent people from hijacking the stage, and protect you from semi-naked men rubbing lotion all over their bodies. Don’t laugh; those incidents have happened before. Although Meiday’s all about having fun and letting loose, you have to keep yourself in check because if you don’t, the friendly Meiday bouncers will be there to politely escort you out of the venue whether you like it or not.
Unless you have the stamina of the Energizer bunny, it’d be smart to reserve a spot where you and your friends can sit down and have a drink or two. There are several shops and restaurants you can hang out in. Mogwai and Future are crowd favorites, so you have to claim a table early on. Just make sure you buy food and drinks. There’s nothing more irritating to business owners than space eaters who don’t pay. If you’re fine without seats, chilling on the sidewalk’s always a good alternative.
8. Keep a wallet full of change.
Make sure to bring cash in small denominations. You’ll never know when it’s going to come in handy. There are several food places and specialized stores for everyone in Cubao X, so buying stuff is almost always inevitable. Also make sure to hold on to those P5 coins. Those become really important once you feel the urge to run to the nearest restroom.
9. Support the cause.
Meiday’s for free. If you want to keep it that way, show your support by buying a token or two from Mei. You can also buy drink stubs from her for a taste of some cocktails native to Cubao X. But if you’re as stingy as heck, just enjoy the festivities and don’t cause any havoc. If you also happen to catch Mei free from her event-hosting duties, don’t be too shy to say hi and thank you.
10. Have fun!
Always remember that Meiday’s a party. The bands are there to entertain you, so don’t be ashamed to bust a move or join the “hipster mosh” in front of the stage. (A hipster mosh is a mellow version of a moshpit where people sway and gyrate freely.) Since a lot of the performers are new, try checking out their music beforehand so you can sing along with the crowd and show them some love. Band members usually join the crowd before and after their sets, so go ahead and approach them. Meet new people and treat yourself to drinks, but never let yourself get carried away.
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Meiday Mayhem, the Halloween Costume Party, happens tonight, 5p.m. at Cubao X. Be in costume, and enjoy the music from Sugarfree, Pedicab, Ciudad, Outerhope, Us-2 Evil-0, and many more.
Meiday stats
Meiday count: 25
Current home: Cubao X (formerly Markina Shoe Expo, Cubao)
Past venues: Purple Haze, Tomas Morato; Big Sky Mind, E. Rodriguez; Route 196, Katipunan Extension; Mag:net High Street; Club Dredd, Eastwood
For Meiday info and updates, check www.facebook.com/meidaymeiday.