Unleashing the DIY Culture – Paniki Collective’s gRave Shatters Rave Stereotypes

The vibrant and eclectic music scene in the Philippines is an ever-evolving landscape, with new movements and sounds emerging on a regular basis. However, there is often a glaring issue that plagues these events – the high cost of admission that renders them inaccessible to many. But on April 7, 2023, a collective known as Paniki set out to challenge this norm by hosting their first-ever event, gRave, at the Paper Lantern in QC.

Paniki’s mission is simple yet profound – to create an affordable and accessible avenue for the arts and music that promotes a DIY culture within a tightly-knit, all-inclusive community. Their goal is to cut through the frequencies of the established rave culture in the Philippines, which has become known for its steep admission fees, and offer events and shows that are open to all, regardless of their economic background.

At the heart of Paniki’s philosophy is the belief that music and art should be accessible to everyone, without exception. They recognize that the traditional rave culture in the Philippines has become prohibitively expensive for many, and they sought to create an event that was both affordable and of the highest quality. The gRave served as a beacon of hope for those who have been priced out of the music scene, providing an opportunity to experience the energy and excitement of a live show without breaking the bank.

The event boasted a stellar lineup of artists, including Amat Jamal, k1ko, Teya Logos, fr:(wn, ///slitwrist, and Chain Messages, who brought their unique sounds and styles to the stage, captivating the audience and creating an unforgettable atmosphere. The target demographic for the event was a diverse mix of millennial titos and titas, all types of internet personalities, and new scene kids – a testament to the inclusive nature of Paniki’s vision.

Looking to the future, Paniki hopes to inspire a growing community of artists and music enthusiasts to create their own DIY scenes, regardless of their backgrounds. They envision a future where their events and shows serve as platforms for the country’s vibrant DIY scene, bringing together interesting people from all walks of life and advancing the art and music scene in the Philippines.

The gRave was an impressive and inspirational event that challenged the status quo of the Philippine rave culture. Paniki’s mission to create an accessible and inclusive platform for the arts and music is one that is sorely needed in the industry, and their success at the gRave serves as a beacon of hope for all those who have been priced out of the music scene. We can only hope that their vision for a more inclusive and vibrant music culture in the Philippines continues to thrive in the years to come.

Photos: Henrico Drueco Samuel Samuel Riesolai
Co – Writter: Tish Nava