INSIDE A NEW RAVE IN MANILA - SADOMASODISCO IS A SPACE FOR EVERYONE TO BE THEMSELVES
Manila nightlife districts are tainted with stories of people being denied entry from establishments for not wearing traditionally gender-conforming fits, or gay couples being asked to stop making out while straight couples are left to do the same. Many DJs feel the need to conform to the venues’ sound as opposed to playing what they think is good music. Bars and clubs stick to their tired themes and aesthetics, leaving little room for creativity and new experiences, let alone new crowds. Even the way many places are set up—with tables and chairs instead of an open dance floor—just doesn’t make for a truly communal night out. Sado’s events, by contrast, are characterized by a “gritty glamor” that’s born out of an eclectic mix in its music, attendees, and even art style, said Karlo Vicente, also a DJ and co-founder of SADOMASODISCO.
Among Sado’s attendees are people from different crowds, all ages, and even different parts of the country.
“We want it to be as fun as possible. We don’t want to cheap out on the sound system. We don’t want to price [tickets] super high,” said Lim. “As long as people keep coming and people have fun, we’re OK.”
