By Danielle Gabriel
THE party culture between the Philippines and Israel might as well be long-lost sisters, as the Israeli embassy brought the best of the Tel Aviv vibe to Manila—pumping feel-good house and electronic dance music tracks to soothe Friday-night animals.
The Tel Aviv Party Weekend at the Palace Pool Club in Makati had both local and foreign partygoers for a night of dancing and drinks that lasted until the early hours of the following day.
Tel Aviv Manila featured performances from renowned Israeli DJs Daniel Mariuma and Moti Saadia, along with party host Kay Long.
Alongside with blasts of different styles of electronic music mixing songs from past decades and pop music of today, the two DJs talked behind the scenes about how they started out in the music industry; their advice to budding disc jockeys; personal styles and influences; LGBT rights, and relationship between their country and the Philippines.
Sporting black ensembles and sleek hair with drink in hand, Daniel and Moti shared their amazement upon setting foot in the country for the first time.
“Well, we noticed the traffic,” Mariuma laughed. “But the city is amazing. You can really see the evolution.”
Saadia said they were not able to plan any itinerary and welcomed suggestions on the best sites to visit in the country, adding that he and Mariuma are “game for anything,” whether it is trekking in nearby provinces or trying out exotic Filipino food.
As daring as their drive for adventure at a foreign country, the two artists also shared their advocacy not just for LGBT rights but for all kinds of people, saying that it is an honor to be able to represent a wide variety of people and entertain them through their music.
“Music is an international language. It does not matter if gay people hear it or a straight guy hear it, or any other gender hear it. We play everything, oriental on one side and something more down to earth on the other. We are proud to say we are part of the LGBT organization. We do support it. We do want more rights for them all over the world but it is not the main agenda,” Mariuma said.
Sure enough, people from all walks of life came to spend the night in musical ecstasy.
Palace Pool Club regulars Jenny and her American boyfriend Tony said they came for the party scene à la Tel Aviv Israel.
“We just want to have a good time. Filipinos always love a good time,” Jenny said.
College BFFs also took some time off worrying about academics and project deadlines to listen to the bass and beats at the Party Weekend wearing their fittest and shortest outfits.
A photo booth was set up for those wanting to capture the festive vibe with their friends, family or officemates. Selfies here and there were the norm, with everyone donning killer dresses, debonair casuals and a little bit of bare skin.
Mariuma hit the stage and played nostalgic ’90s songs fused with house and electro music. Some Hebrew songs were also present in the track. Saadia, on the other hand, stirred the crowd into more subtle oldies vibe and incorporated current hits from artists like Sam Smith and Rihanna. At one point, a Michael Jackson song rose from the dead and got the audience waving their beers in the air.
People began to pour in around close to midnight, and one can tell that was when Tel Aviv had, indeed, invaded Manila. Bursts of purple, blue and green lights flashed with the beat.
Mark Ramos, an IT associate, had his office attire a little bit disheveled from dancing around the table with a few of his officemates. All of them singing along to an upbeat version of Whitney Houston’s “It’s Not Right But It’s Okay.”
Mariuma and Saadia, who commented on the ongoing strengthening of ties between Israel and the Philippines, said they are proud to share their music and be a part of a cultural exchange that would bring the two countries closer.
The Israeli DJs also shared their advice to young artists who want to venture into the industry.
“Listen to what the crowd wants but be unique in your style,” said Saadia, who was wearing a shirt with a print of his musical influence, David Bowie.
“David Bowie said always it is okay to be different. Do not pay attention when people talk about you if you are different,” Saadia explained. The two acts of Tel Aviv Manila agreed culture has something to do with the way music is done and produced.
“We have listened to the Filipino music in malls, and it’s pretty much the same with Israel. It is all fun and happy vibe. Both people want to party, that is our connection,” Saadia said.