Raving, clubs, and parties were hot in 2025, when Manila’s post-pandemic renaissance reached new heights: 2,000-cap ragers, sweaty mansion parties, and politically-charged stage concepts. It didn’t take long before capitalism sank its teeth into a supposedly underground subculture of loud dance music and illegal drugs. In 2025, the once subversive meaning of “rave” was even called into question, with the dubious addition of a new substance in its namesake: “coffee raves.” Such widespread accessibility begs the question for whom this subculture still serves. Is it still a subculture at this point?
One thing remains certain: raving, dance music, and club culture are not getting any less popular in 2026, which means another crop of rookies bumping shoulders with seasoned veterans. Substack author and gonzo nightlife journalist Michelle Lhooq of Rave New World reports that we’re in the midst of a “vibes drought.” She writes, “The warmth of true feeling — that pulsing life force that pre-dated this drought and dictated the realest expression of raving — is being sucked dry by a scourge of cellphone-wielding content-chasers, gundled gay zombies, and performative party parasites.”
What went wrong? Who do we blame? Whatever happened to the culture’s core principles of “Peace, Love, Unity, and Respect”? Underground nightlife emerged as a release for the most vulnerable sectors of society: often queer, working-class people of color. Now we live in a world where one of the biggest brands in underground music, Boiler Room, has come under fire among artist communities such as Ravers for Palestine for corporate ties that link it to settler colonialism.
In 2025, the brand was acquired by Superstruct Entertainment, which is backed by investment firm KKR, who are a known stakeholder in companies like Guestly, a property management app that peddles Israeli-owned land on the occupied West Bank. This bleak new reality has bled into the experience of our daily lives: Dance music is becoming less about community and more about commerce and clout. Digital virality is filling up dance floors with people carrying all the wrong intentions.
But not all hope is lost. In my eight years of experience as a DJ, nightlife organizer, and dance floor enjoyer, I’ve found that what separates good parties from great ones is the accumulation of small-but-meaningful actions to keep things safe and protect the sanctity of the vibes.
Everything starts with a habit. So I’d like to offer key reminders on how to keep it chic, cute, and smexy at the dance this 2026.
Be a giver, not just a taker
What are you looking for from a night out? Some of us go out for music, for chaos, or for sex. All might be valid answers — but a better question I’d like to ask is: What are you willing to bring to the table? You come to the party as a guest, not just a consumer, so bring some good energy to the room. (And yes, bringing good energy also means making sure you smell good.) Get loose and dance; lend your lighters, tip the staff. What goes around comes around right back to you.
The booth is a temple, not an amusement park
Streaming channels and social media have turned the space behind the DJ into prime real estate. But speaking from experience, it doesn’t feel nice to have a stranger cozy up to you for an unsolicited photo op when you’re, very literally, on the job.
It’s best to treat the booth as an extension of the DJ’s body. Imagine trying to interrupt Chef Gordon Ramsay while he was finishing off his signature beef wellington. Yeah, you wouldn’t want to interrupt a DJ in the middle of a blend either.
Similarly, don’t use the decks as a phone stand for your TikToks, pretend to play with the mixer, or fist pump six inches away from the DJ’s face. Yes, all based on true stories.
Treat fellow dancers with care
Respect for boundaries extends to both DJs and dancers. Dancing in public, while possibly intoxicated, is an act of vulnerability. The dance floor is a place for discovery, intimacy, and total abandon. There’s no place for pushing people around, and especially not for breaches of trust. A simple “sorry” or “excuse me” while you’re moving within the crowd goes a long way. Refrain from taking photos on the dance floor, especially with flash. And heavy touching is a big, big no-no unless there is enthusiastic consent.
Don’t get messy
Not every party is an invitation to get totally slack-jawed and zooted, though that can be fun sometimes. There’s no shame in a healthy amount of inebriation, but when it starts becoming everyone’s problem, it stops being cute. Don’t be that person at the function who’s trampling on everyone’s feet, wiping your sweat-beaded torso onto someone’s back, or picking a fight with the bouncer. Parties can be a place to disappear for a night, but it’s still a public space. Choose your battles wisely.
Keep each other safe
“How are you feeling tonight?” “You good?” or even just a small thumbs up can make a complete stranger’s night. If you see someone struggling, offer a helping hand. If they, or you, have bitten off more than what can be chewed, make sure you know where the closest water source is for safe drinking.
You may notice that most raves are queer spaces, and those often enforce a strict policy against bigotry, harassment, and hate speech. This idea should spill over to all parties. Protecting the most vulnerable sectors of society makes everyone safer overall.
Pay the door charge, if you can afford it
Being on the guest list rules; it makes us feel Cool and Important™ while helping us save money. But it must be emphasized that cover charges and ticket sales help determine whether a club night, DIY party, or rave can sustain itself. It’s easy to forget that it’s not only DJs who get paid, but also production designers, bar staff, audio technicians, bouncers, and janitors, among many others.
Even if you’re well-connected in the party community, it’s a lovely gesture to come to the function as a paying customer. Your generosity will be met with gratitude.
If you like the song, ask for an ID (politely)
Track IDs are the backbone of the dance music economy. Don’t be shy to shoot that DM to the DJ if something’s been stuck in your head (unless they’re gatekeepers — in that case, ew.) Chances are, they’ll be flattered! Just don’t keep hovering around the CDJs to try to get a peek at the screen. That’s kinda rude.
Minimize phone use
There’s nothing worse than someone IG Story-ing at the function like their life depends on it. Taking footage, Shazam-ing tracks, idly checking social media — these are things you’d want to do as discreetly as possible. Why? The presence of screens throws off the experience. The dance floor isn’t for making content; it’s for dancing. It is a time to be present in our bodies.
Be a traveller, not a tourist
When was the last time you made a new and lasting friend? Embrace the unknown: new people and new music are rewards that await at the end of your comfort zone. You don’t know where you’re going, but you’re going with love.
Rolling Stone Philippines November 2025 Issue, Now Available at SariSari Shopping
