Remembering DJ Joey Menia: A Legacy of Friendship, Music, and Selflessness

The Filipino DJ community has bid farewell to a brilliant star, and those who were fortunate enough to know him carry heavy hearts. DJ Joey Menia, a name that epitomized talent, kindness, and humility, may have left us, but his legacy will eternally echo in our hearts. I’m DJ Drey, and I had the privilege of working with DJ Joey Menia at various gigs. I also had the honor of sharing his story and gathering heartfelt messages from those who cherished him dearly.

“Anong klaseng kaibigan si kuya Joey?” or “What kind of friend was Joey?” These questions evoke heartfelt memories from those whose lives were touched by his presence. Chester Tan, co-owner of Fat Bar, shares his emotions, “I wouldn’t say na malalim ang friendship namin (that our friendship was deep), but through the short time na nagkakilala kami (that we knew each other), he has been nothing but genuine to me and my partners. Sobrang sincere and thoughtful na tao (He was an incredibly sincere and thoughtful person). You know sometimes when you meet a person and you just instantly know that he’s a really good person. I’m sure that was Joey is. Given more opportunity to bond together, I’m sure we will vibe. Not because we’re the same, it’s just that Joey is the kind of person na kayang makisama to different types of people and be very genuine sa pakikisama (who can get along with different types of people and be very genuine in doing so). All walks of life.”

Joey Menia possessed a unique gift of connecting with people from all walks of life. His genuine and down-to-earth nature endeared him to everyone he met. As Chester Tan affirms, “He can really vibe with different kinds of people. Sobrang galing makasama and very genuine. He is very down to earth and very insightful. Hindi sya madamot (He wasn’t selfish), and I can attest to that. Giving us all the advice and inputs and also hearing all the stories from different DJs and artists na natulungan nya (whom he helped). Parang mas iniisip pa nya ang ibang tao more than himself (It’s like he cared more about others than himself).

But DJ Joey Menia’s legacy extended beyond his warm and genuine personality. He was an accomplished DJ in his own right. “Is he a good DJ?” The answer to this question is a resounding “yes,” according to those who knew him. Chester Tan proudly states, “Yes definitely, I’d even say underrated. Kung skills and knowledge lang ang pag-uusapan he’s top of the line (If we talk about skills and knowledge, he was top of the line).”

Joey’s technical prowess as a DJ was undeniable, and his ability to read the crowd and select the right music for the moment was unparalleled. Chester Tan continues, “Sobrang dami natulungan ng taong ito as a DJ specially here in the north (This person helped so many as a DJ, especially here in the north). And as a DJ wala akong masabi (I can’t say anything negative), he can really read the crowd, knows his music, when to play the right music. I’m not a DJ, but I’m confident to say that he’s one of the best.”

In a world where self-promotion often overshadows genuine talent, Joey Menia’s humility and dedication were his trademarks. He was not just a DJ; he was a mentor and a source of inspiration for many aspiring DJs who looked up to him. Chester Tan reflects on the legacy that Joey leaves behind, saying, “Maybe the eagerness to learn more. From the times that we talked, kahit sobrang tagal na nya sa industry (even though he had been in the industry for a long time). I’d hear that he never stops practicing and be prepared for his gigs/sets. Also not to be selfish. He had countless students and DJs na naturuan nya (whom he taught). Also his work ethic, very hardworking and always ready to work even at times of trials.”

Joey Menia’s impact on the DJ community was profound, and his memory will forever serve as a reminder of the power of music to bring people together and the importance of kindness, humility, and passion in all that we do.

In the words of Chester Tan, “We’ll definitely miss the master DJ Joey Menia.”

In the midst of our grief, we are reminded that Joey Menia’s legacy lives on, not just in the music he shared but in the lives he enriched and the friendships he cultivated. His memory will continue to inspire the new generation of DJs entering the industry, serving as a beacon of kindness, humility, and dedication.

In the words of DJ Teejay Subahri, “Hindi ko naman sya nakilala ng matagal— pero nung unang punta ko jan sa urdaneta sya nag asikaso and all ket before nagkita na kami sa guilly’s kilala nya agad ako ket di ko pa sya kilala non tas naalala ko nung time na yon thumbs up sya saken ng nakangiti tas sabi nya saken non “okay naman pala tugtugan mo ah bat ka nila inaano” hahaha ket saglit lang pinagsamahan namen di sya nakalimot di ko makalimutan yung patulog na ko bigla syang napatawag para kamustahin ako”

Joey Menia’s impact went beyond the DJ community. He touched the lives of many, including Bodega 22 club in Dagupan City, a place where Joey’s talent and generosity shone brightly. The venue recalls, *”Si Kuya Joey first tugtog niya sa amin December 29, 2022. At that time dahil bago palang kami sa bar scene, wala kaming idea sino ang beterano, sino mga OG (Kuya Joey played for us for the first time on December 29, 2022. At that time, since we were new in the bar scene, we didn’t know who the veterans were, who the OGs were). Before siya tumugtog, nagpunta siya Bodega to support mga kagrupo niya (Before he played, he went to Bodega to support his fellow DJs). Nakangiti siyang lumapit, nakipagkilala (He approached us with a smile and introduced himself). Never lumabas sa bibig niya na beterano siya, ako nagtuto kay ganito ganyan (He never boasted about being a veteran DJ or teaching someone). Basta friendly lang talaga (He was just really friendly). Kaya siguro UrFriendlyDJ ang marketing niya dati (Maybe that’s why he used ‘UrFriendlyDJ’ as his marketing). Una niyang katandem si Jan At Jang dito sa bodega 22 (He first teamed up with Jan and Jang here at Bodega 22). As time passes dun lang namin nalaman na beterans na pala (As time passed, we only found out later that he was a veteran). Pero ibang tao ang nagsasabi hindi siya (But it was others who said he was). Di rin siya madamot sa bar owners na magshare ng advice paano mapapalakas ang operations, anong pwede gawin etc. (He wasn’t selfish with bar owners, sharing advice on how to strengthen operations, what could be done, etc.). Tapos ang isa sa mga pinaka tumatak sa akin na ginawa niya is yung timre na nanghina bodega, nung tinamaan dahil sa issue (One thing that really stuck with me is when he voluntarily decided not to play when our bar was struggling due to an issue). Siya nakaset mag prime. Ang pag DJ is not just passion pero profession, way to earn a living, you work you get paid. Naka set ka, di ka cinancel, you get paid (DJing is not just a passion but a profession, a way to earn a living; you work, you get paid. If you’re scheduled and you don’t cancel, you get paid). Dahil nakita niyang wala masyado customer, siya na mismo nagkusa na nagsabing wag na siya magset (Because he saw that there weren’t many customers, he himself decided not to play). Kasi hindi kakayanin ng sales for that day. Inisip niya yung bar. He could have played that night, kahit mag early out He’d still get paid the full amount Pero siya na mismo nagsabi na boss hindi na ako tutugtog ha. Wala kasi tao sayang lang ibabayad niyo sa akin. Baka mahirapan bawiin sa benta, lugi pa kayo (Because there weren’t many people, he thought about the bar. He could have played that night, even if he left early, he’d still get paid the full amount. But he himself said, ‘Boss, I won’t play tonight. There aren’t enough people; it would be a waste of your payment. You might have a hard time recovering the expenses, and you’ll incur a loss’).”*

Joey Menia’s impact on the DJ community was profound, and his memory will forever serve as a reminder of the power of music to bring people together and the importance of kindness, humility, and passion in all that we do.

Rest in peace, DJ Joey Menia. Your music will continue to play in our hearts, and your legacy will forever inspire us. – DJ Drey