YStyle: What’s up at Government for this year’s anniversary celebrations?
Henry Lim: We have a two-day event: Friday’s a welcome party for VIPs and invited friends with open bar from 10 p.m. till midnight. We then open to the public after midnight. DJ Brit and Steven Love will be manning the decks and there will be surprise performances by Government VIPs.
Saturday’s our main event: The Black & White Ball with music by Bam del Valle, Brit and Tony Pavia. There will be a live special performance by the Philippine and Singapore cast of Rent.
How has Government grown up?
Club Government has evolved over the past two years as a party destination for both gay and straight people. The "straight" market accounts for a big percentage of our market share now. Our mission has always been to change the way gay bars/clubs are perceived. In Europe and in North America, gay clubs have always been the pioneers in music and the "place to be" for the trendsetters. Prior to Government, I think there was a stigma attached to a "gay" club/bar. I think we have changed that perception a bit over the past two years but we still have some way to go.
Club Government has also attracted some big DJs from all over the world including DJ Kimberly S (US), DJ John DeAgo (Amsterdam), DJ GOMI (New York City) and DJ Michael Hsu (Taiwan). NYC CLUB DIVA Kevin Aviance has also performed at Club Government.
Future plans for the club?
Our long-term plan is to bring in more foreign DJs, to solidify and expand our clientele base. We are also in the planning stages of opening up another bar and restaurant somewhere in the metropolis – this will be another concept with another name, so watch out.