Ravers welcoming other ravers at an “opposite sex” party, where men dressed up as women and women dressed up as men. Photo: Eddie Boy Escudero
Party organizers flew in house and techno DJs to set the pace of the raves. Photo: Eddie Boy Escudero
According to Escudero, techno was new at the time and everyone fell in love with its beats. Young and unknown fashion designers became rockstars at these parties. Bars opened and groups flew international DJs in to play. Even the bars’ parking lots would be full of sweat-drenched dancing ravers gripping water bottles. That’s the one thing Escudero said defined Manila nightlife in that era—“we danced.”“The ravers were just a minority in Philippine society, and despite the difficult times many of them may have experienced, they sure felt really free and happy during a rave.”
“We danced.” Photo: Eddie Boy Escudero
Raves had bouncers like these guys making sure everyone was safe. Photo: Eddie Boy Escudero
Models waiting their turn at a fashion show in a popular bar. Photo: Eddie Boy Escudero
A pre-smartphone selfie amidst a dancing crowd. Photo: Eddie Boy Escudero
Fashion was another way people expressed themselves at raves. Photo: Eddie Boy Escudero
Tattoos, cigarettes, and water bottles were staples. Photo: Eddie Boy Escudero
Some raves even had tattoo corners. Photo: Eddie Boy Escudero.
Sometimes, partygoers brought their pets. Photo: Eddie Boy Escudero
People from different parts of society all came together to party. Photo: Eddie Boy Escudero
This photo was taken at a Halloween party but other costume parties happened all year round. Photo: Eddie Boy Escudero
A couple sharing a moment of intimacy amidst a rave. Photo: Eddie Boy Escudero
