MANILA, Philippines — Everyone who says Halloween is just for kids clearly hasn’t been to a Hoodwink party. It’s legendary for the sweet treats (GCs, anyone?), crazy decor, and even crazier costumes all tied together by a killer theme. Last year, we traveled to the Upside Down for a Stranger Things-themed rager and a mad scientist’s lab (complete with brain cake, btw) the year before. But as Hoodwink celebrates its fourth anniversary, it’s all about being badass and going back to #Hoodville.
Last Oct. 27, all our fave villains turned up in Hoodwink in SM Aura for their annual Halloween party. The entire store was decked out with graffiti, red cups and random trinkets like grenade pens, water guns and yellow duck flashlights because, of course. (According to Google, yellow ducks are symbols of protest now.) The booze and customized snack bags were deadly, as per usual, and we were all mad for DJ Surgeon, Liquid Software and Karlo V’s killer mixes. And yes, intoxicated dance-offs were expected, but so were the crazy #forthegram moments. (Our fave sighting was of Rick Rasos and Pat Bondoc in their extra~ costumes taking advantage of the empty escalators after mall hours.)
But the real scene stealer was the newly-restored vintage arcade game which they unveiled at the party. The fight for the top score might’ve caused some new rifts but it’s all in good fun, of course. Competition is a good thing though, so lucky for us, the machine with 100-plus classic games will stay in the Hoodwink store and it’s free for us to play at every visit.
We partied with everyone from The Twins (from The Matrix) to Pablo Escobar to Lucius Malfoy. And what would a villain-themed party be without our one true kween Regina George? Disney’s Cruella de Vil, Maleficent, The Evil Queen and Ursula also slayed the dress-up game with their extra~ props, wigs and on fleek couture. But it was Leo Katigbak and his gladiator outfit that bagged the prize for best costume.
It was another night of crazy fun and badassery that Hoodwink never fails to deliver. Spook y’all again next year?
Photos by ALY MANANQUIL