Higher Than Sky: CULTURE IN MOTION
The underground doesn’t sleep. It evolves.
From Manila’s streets to international decks, Sky Dominique has carved out his place in the underground with precision and skill. A student of the culture, Sky’s sound is a blend of movement, memory, and rebellion, one that echoes the soul of the city and the tempo of our community.
IMAGE: @LESTERSHOOTS
Known for his razor-sharp sets and instinctive curation, Sky is one of the few pushing boundaries in the Philippines’ music and urban nightlife scene.
Beyond just playing records, he’s built platforms like PºLANET WORKSHOP, his sonic playground and experimental project that became a hub for left-field selectors, rave kids, and artists alike. What started as a DIY orbit has since pulled in Manila’s most forward-thinking acts, bridging music, fashion, and the art of nightlife.
In June 2025, he proved it on the biggest stage yet—winning the Jordan Manila DJ Battle at “The One”, where the city’s finest DJs went head-to-head in an elimination-style throwdown. As reported by Manila Standard, Sky stole the show with a genre-defying final set, flipping a kundiman sample into Jersey Club, and walking away with a unanimous win from all three judges.
IMAGE: @LESTERSHOOTS
Now, he’s set to fly to New York this August to represent the Philippines on a global platform. This win means more to Sky. It's proof that the underground still feeds the future.
IMAGE: @JUMPMAN23 & @AWAKENEWYORKCLOTHING
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Q & A:
TW: What made you start PºLANET WORKSHOP, and what space were you trying to fill?
Sky: I wasn’t really trying to fill a gap. I just saw something already alive and rich with creativity and thought maybe I could help shine a light on it. There’s a scene here with so much potential, and I believed in my core values as a creative, enough to build something that could highlight that.
On a bigger scale, I wanted to evolve from building “collectives” into shaping a lifestyle brand people could actually resonate with. Right now, that lifestyle revolves around creating club experiences. But to me, it’s more than the party. It’s the process—from the idea, to the artwork, the strategy, the collaborations. That entire creative journey is what I wanted to give value to. The event is the celebration. But the real story is everything that leads up to it.
TW: How would you describe Manila’s underground scene to someone who's never lived it?
Sky: The scene is rich. There’s a healthy mix of mainstream and alternative, and enough spaces to grow. Small ideas can build into bigger venues if the vision and execution are right. You’ll find people experimenting, building, and pushing things forward in their own ways.
It’s not always polished. But that’s what makes it honest. There’s a raw energy and a deep hunger to create and connect, even when resources are limited. And because Filipinos are naturally welcoming, it’s easy to feel at home. If you show up with genuine energy, the scene will meet you halfway.
Manila’s nightlife scene is more than just music. It’s a culture shaped by creativity, collaboration, and community.
IMAGE: @INAHRRI
TW: How does it feel to carry the flag in NYC this year?
Sky: It's overwhelming in the best way. I know not everyone gets this kind of opportunity, so I see the pressure as a privilege. I won’t take it for granted.
Carrying my city on a global stage is something I don’t take lightly. When I toured in Europe and Australia, I made sure to bring pieces of Manila with me. I’d play tracks from local acts like Rjay Ty, Loner, Junoy Manalo and Schumi. I’m proud to carry that sound—it feels like home.
Now heading into New York, I’m just doing what I’ve always done. Staying rooted and showing up.
TW: How important is community—like Third World or PºLANET, in shaping your voice as a DJ?Sky: Community shaped everything. Third World and PºLANET gave me space to experiment, connect, and grow. It’s more than just DJing. It’s sharing moments with people who move the same way.
IMAGE: @INAHRRI
TW: What would you tell your younger self, mixing for the first time?
Sky: Imagining my 16-year-old self learning how to mix from a third-person view is wild. But honestly, I wouldn’t tell him anything. I wouldn’t spoil the fun. The challenges, the wins, all of it.
He had a whole life ahead of him, and he knew what he was doing. He surrounded himself with the right mentors. Living life. Focused on silver linings. Seeing the best in people. Confident, real, and always hungry to grow.
IMAGE: @INAHRRI