Bring on the Kandi

Looks like 2009 is off to a terrific start! The new year has scarcely begun and already Bigfish has back-to-back treats planned for house music fans in the metro and beyond. Together with world leader in mobile communications Nokia, Bigfish presents Hed Kandi 2009, all set to thrill club kids not only in Metro Manila, but also in Cebu.

Hed Kandi brings its wickedly sexy beats to the Philippines, and it’s got an all-star lineup with British house sensation DJ Andy Daniels, Pinoy pros DJ Anton Ramos and DJ Johnboy Lee, and TV-personality-cum-house-vocalist Peyton all making an appearance.

Andy Daniels has become a household name among clubbers, and for good reason. His feel-good blend of electro, disco, soul, funk and groove tickles house lovers’ ears and makes him an instant hit wherever he performs, be it in Manchester’s hip clubs or in metropolitan locales abroad.

Many people know Peyton as the food and drink expert on Queer Eye for the Straight Guy UK, but he is also a notable fixture on the UK dance scene. His breakout hit A Higher Place is a clubworthy Hed Kandi release, and he has worked in the studio with none other than legendary house producer Eric Kupper.

Johnboy Lee and Anton Ramos are two of the most visible acts in the local club circuit. Anton Ramos is the godfather of chillout in this country, having hosted the now-defunct The Chillout Project radio program on 99.5 RT and having released the highly successful “Chillout Project” compilations. Aside from opening for some of the biggest dance acts to grace Philippine soil, Anton is a resident DJ at the Embassy Superclub.

Meanwhile, Johnboy Lee’s claim to fame is as Bigfish’s resident DJ and mighty host of Bigfish Radio, which airs every Saturday from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Magic 89.9 in Metro Manila and on Killer Bee stations elsewhere in the Philippines. Johnboy is also highly sought-after elsewhere around the globe as a DJ/remixer/producer.

 Also starring in the Hed Kandi double bash is the latest gem from Nokia: the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic. This sleek touch-screen offering comes with an advanced multi-format player, stereo surround sound, crystal clear hi-fi, and a whopping 8GB memory — every music lover’s dream. Witness this marvelous fusion of cutting-edge audio and advanced phone technology, debuting at both Hed Kandi parties.

The Hed Kandi entourage first heads to the Cebu International Convention Center today. The event marks a highlight in Bigfish history as Bigfish holds its first-ever bash in the Queen City of the South. Andy Daniels, Anton Ramos, Johnboy Lee and Peyton make their way to Cebu to show some Kandi love to south-based Kandi fans. Even clubbers from nearby cities in Visayas and Mindanao are welcome to join in on the fun! Tickets are a steal at only P500, and the first 100 Nokia phone users get in for free. For inquiries, contact Bigfish at 0921-8380133.

Then the Hed Kandi troupe takes the party to A-Venue in Makati Avenue on Jan. 23. Andy Daniels, Anton Ramos and Johnboy Lee are joined by MC Lavoce to give Manila’s clubbers a rip-roaring good time. A special surprise live performance awaits guests, so be sure not to miss it! Tickets go for only P600, pre-sold at Folded & Hung, Music One and Odyssey branches. The door charge is P800 inclusive of one free drink. To reserve VIP tables, contact Bigfish at 0921-838-0133, 634-8238, or 632-7762. For more details on the back-to-back bash, check out www.bigfishmanila.com.

Let’s all show up in deliciously stylish garb and make this double dance fest all the more awesome. As we at Bigfish always say, work hard, party harder!