It’s hard to believe it has already been 10 years since visionary DJ Tuck “TC” Cheah dreamed up the club brand that was to become the biggest dance outfit in the Philippines. Bigfish started with only a handful of people, but what they lacked in numbers they made up for in passion. Bigfish revolutionized 1999’s burgeoning club movement without looking back, and for the country’s partyphiles, clubbing would never be the same again.
Bigfish celebrates a decade of being the leading dance production company in the Philippines with the Innovation White Party featuring Ministry of Sound, happening on Friday, June 26, at A-Venue in Makati Ave. Bigfish brings in two of the hottest icons in the worldwide dance community, Jon O’Bir and Christopher Lawrence, to stir up what promises to be a phenomenal party.
Trance prodigy Jon O’Bir got his life-changing break when he won a DJ competition held by Passion and M8 magazine, beating out 300 hopefuls for the top spot. He has earned the admiration of critics and fans for his trance sets, which are a captivating mix of striking melody and ruthless energy. On top of these accolades, Jon also runs Conspiracy Recordings and hosts a monthly radio show called “Ways & Means.” Jon O’Bir is no stranger to Philippine shores, having headlined last year’s Innovation White Party, which was a success that brought thousands of white-garbed revelers to A-Venue. His album “From Within” sold thousands of copies worldwide, and if you haven’t gotten yours yet head to any music store.
Christopher Lawrence is another world-renowned trance talent who has had his turn spinning for the Manila club crowd. The American DJ/producer reached No. 4 in DJ mag’s Top 100 DJ Poll in 2006, putting him in the big leagues with Paul van Dyk, Armin van Buuren and Tiesto. He was named Best American DJ at the International Dance Music Awards and Best DJ at the Dancestar US Awards as well as the Los Angeles Music Awards. Needless to say, this American export has carved a niche for himself in a world dominated by European and British stars. Described as “A Highly Respected Producer” by Mixmag, Christopher won a preliminary Grammy nomination in 2002. With a discography of groundbreaking tracks, Christopher’s notable releases Attention, Scorcher, Shredder, Renegade, Rush Hour, Cruise Control, October’s Child and bootleg remixes such as Batman Begins have been hammered by DJs from Paul van Dyk and Tiesto to Paul Oakenfold.
Our very own DJ Johnboy Lee witnessed the long journey since the very first gig, being the man behind the wheel of steel for Bigfish radio. John earned the respect of other clubs, promoters and partygoers in the Philippines and the international club scene. The producer, composer and DJ has his musical career right on track. Space Malaysia recently invited him for a weekly residency starting in May 2009.
The Chill Out Master himself, Anton Ramos, the main man behind the series of CD compilations that sold thousands of copies in local record stores will also be there in the DJ booth, giving a unique performance with his spin on the hottest tracks.
Be part of this momentous point in Bigfish history as we celebrate the milestones of the past10 years and look forward to a decade more of sheer enjoyment of dance.
On June 26, come in your stark white threads and let us all “unite in white.”
For tickets and reservations, call 632-7762 or 634-8238 or log on to www.bigfishmanila.com.
Work hard! Party harder!
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For comments and suggestion feel free to e-mail me at rickydaker@gmail.com.