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At GQ Philippines’ Launch Party on September 11, local disc architects DJ Roy de Borja and DJ Cupcakes turned The Night Club at Okada into pure electric vibes and hype through Pinoy turntable excellence, leaving guests with a sonically unforgettable evening for the books.
DJ Roy de Borja and his iconic shades set the evening’s mood leading up to the countdown by grooving energetic bodies and elevating the drinking-and-chatting scenes of host Billy Crawford, actors Rayver Cruz and Bailey May, models La Aguinaldo and Suraj Aku, and P-pop groups ALAMAT and BGYO, among countless more at the star-studded bar. “I came into the event knowing that it’s a social event first,” de Borja told GQ Philippines.
Opening with fierce hip-hop beats that radiate the GQ vibe, de Borja’s open format and battle DJ style of scratching and clever song-mixing came through, alongside his trademark choice of incorporating House, Disco and Afrobeats instrumentals, proving to everyone why he’s internationally acclaimed and the prime choice for celebrating the arrival of the FilipinoFilipinoThe national language of the Philippines, widely used for communication, education, media, and culture.Go to Filipino Glossary GQ Man.
“A FilipinoFilipinoThe national language of the Philippines, widely used for communication, education, media, and culture.Go to Filipino Glossary GQ man for me is someone who’s naturally charismatic, someone who’s not loud but presents himself just with him being him,” said de Borja. “I always view it that personality and charm is what brings the most out of the man more than fashion and natural good looks.”
Highlights of his performance were club classics such as Love Sex Magic by Ciara ft. Justin Timberlake that transitioned into Testify by Kanye West, Paint the Town Red by Doja Cat, and a bass remix of Daft Punk’s One More Time later on.
After the midnight countdown’s euphoric confetti and clinks of glasses, DJ Cupcakes took over the deck, delivering ear-to-ear smiles to the audience and maintaining the ecstatic atmosphere all the way ‘til the wee hours of the night. Keeping with the Noir Soirée theme, he mentioned that fellow artist and Vogue Philippines’ own Myc Priestley helped assemble his attire, with a notable piece being his sleek Prada re-nylon necktie.
The viral mashup master played well-known bangers alongside his own single, PICK IT UP, all coalescing into a setlist that effortlessly pulled in the life of the party even closer to the stage. “ I’ve done a lot of these types of launches before,” DJ Cupcakes told GQ Philippines. “Yeah [the nerves are] there, but when I get on stage, I forget about everything and just have fun.”
Despite advice to keep it serious, he couldn’t help but bring out his signature internet culture and humor to the launch party, with his key takeaway being that the Filipino GQ Man should possess one unique trait that transcends every kind of countryman: playfulness.
“Girls can be playful too, and [GQ is] a guy brand, but there’s no harm in borrowing and being more in touch with your kid self,” he said.
In just a few more hours, GQ Philippines will finally launch its website and fully unveil the first maiden issue at the MGBx Convention Center at The Marriott Grand Ballroom, showcasing the very best of modern Filipino men to the forefront and leading the charge beyond for years to come – complete with its own set of notable personalities and incredible tunes sure to make that night as special, if not more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Roy de Borja and DJ Cupcakes, who split the night before and after the midnight countdown.
Hip-hop, battle DJ-style scratching, and Miami bass instrumentals, including tracks by Ciara, Kanye West, and Daft Punk.
He said playfulness is a trait that transcends other qualities, encouraging men to stay in touch with their “kid self.”
Just a few hours later at the MGBx Convention Center at The Marriott Grand Ballroom
Local DJs like Roy de Borja and DJ Cupcakes anchor a launch night’s atmosphere and credibility within Manila’s nightlife scene, translating Filipino turntable talent into the same energy GQ brings globally. Their sets signaled that GQ Philippines’ local edition is rooted in homegrown creative and music culture.
