The Kids Turned Out Fine: How Swisha Boyz Are Keeping Manila’s Underground Nightlife Fresh
Manila’s best open secret is in its nightlife. The city has a groove that invites you and a beat that never lets you go. Over the years, Manila has undergone cycles of clubs and bars that catered to different audiences, communities, and subcultures.
The dancing stopped along with the rhythm of the world when a global pandemic shut down establishments, halted everyday activities, and turned life upside down. The hospitality industry has been particularly vulnerable to government-sanctioned community quarantines and its consequence of a slowdown in public gatherings. But yet again, Manila has reinvinted itself at night.
Picking up from where the music suddenly stopped are the new kids on the block. The phone camera lights now point to Swisha Boyz, the triptych of Niel Sembrano, and brothers Miguel and Angelo Quintos, and their inimitable Fly Shit Only parties.
If you haven’t heard about them, you’re missing out. Packed with unique Y2K visuals and vibe, Swisha Boyz create an atmosphere like no other; where its goers could simply be themselves, enjoy the company of their friends, and kick it to a set of good music. And do some fun things your parents would advise against.
Fly Shit Only’s First Anniversary at The Reserve Ortigas
It all started when the three-part group were invited by The Reserve to host its Wednesday nights in Ortigas. It didn’t take long for the city to recognize the new wave these boys brought. Fly Shit Only (referring to the party dress code) would eventually grace the halls of Eesome, Boogie, Apotheka, and other spots in the city. The boys would also throw parties in Cebu, Baguio, and more. The crew would organize, promote, and keep the weekday nights fresh and fun. They would tag different DJs along and would keep the guestlist exciting with the help of their friends. It takes a lot of hard work to party this hard, it seems.
FLY BODIES ONLY is a collaborative night by Swisha Boyz’ Fly Shit Only & Apotheka’s BODIES
It’s tempting to say that they are the spiritual successor of the energy of what Wednesdays were in Black Market, but it would be a disservice to the Swisha Boyz and this subculture. The trio of Quintos brothers and Niel Sembrano is simply moving on its own lane, at their own pace, and at their own music. Somehow this is exactly what Manila’s underground night culture needs at this very moment and is the very reason that keeps the scene interesting.
Smoove was held on Thursday nights at Eesome Manila
And not to over-intellectualize night outs and underground parties but this goes beyond getting shit-faced and hangovers. It’s a subculture of Manila’s youth daring not to be conformable to societal norms and breaking down expectations. Beyond this, it also chronicles how this subculture persists through the changing times and public attitudes. Swisha Boyz may just, on the surface, look like they’re blasting well-curated music and encouraging young women to shake ass but this might be the look of getting to move the needle forward.
We had a quick chat with the Swisha Boyz to talk about their beginnings, what the underground nightlife is like now, and where the party is going.
Q&A
Word on the streets say Fly Shit Only started as a moodboard. How did that turn into what you have right now?
Started as a moodboard, Angelo’s (Tha Dawg Fatha) sort of memory bank. Sharing photos from the golden era. We love music, clothes, jewelry, all kinds of fly shit.
What about the names Swisha Boyz and Fly Shit Only? Is there a backstory you guys can share?
We been goin out a lot during the pandemic, on some underground shit. rolling the dice. Swisha means fuck yes and that says a lot about the crew down for whatever type shit. Fly Shit Only is like our daily celebration of the lifestyle. Emphasizing everything in our lives is at the highest quality. Top Shelf. Fly Shit Only.
How did the distinct Swisha Boyz look and energy come about?
It just all natural. vegan organic way. We not tryna force ourselves to be like someone else. Fuck all that fake energy.
If there are better resources and support, how would you all improve this vibe?
We work with what we have and make the most out of it. Also not trying to force to get support from anyone. We work with what we have. We kinda just let life happen. Let them come to us. If they fuck with the vision. Let's make some plays.
How different is this new wave of underground night events from the ones you’ve been on pre-pandemic?
I think it’s still the same. Picked up really quick. We met almost all of the homies at Bad Decisions shoutout to them doe. The only hiphop function we all used to go to pre pandemic.
Not a lot of people understand how hard it is to throw a proper party. Can you share the hard work and process behind the scenes?
We keep it simple and straight forward. We roll the dice here and there. But we will never get out of our way to get the bag. Fly Shit Only.
What’s the most important aspect of a Fly Shit Only party?
That house party feel to it. We like the raw spaces. The warehouses. Fuck a club. We don’t want to throw something like that because it’ll feel forced, it wouldn't feel organic. Word to Larry June.
Smoove was held on Thursday nights at Eesome Manila
The group has hosted parties all over Manila. Is there a checklist or a bucket list where you want to turn up?
We been tryna do it in every city now. We love seeing new faces. We know everybody in Manila already. So it’s time to expand and take it to anywhere that needs this.
But out of the country is next.
In almost two years, what are some of the most unforgettable and defining moments in your parties?
Our 1st night throwing a party that shit was packed. Bad Decisions collab. One of the OG’s of this nightlife shit. Truly an honor. Shoutout Meme G and the late Ninyo Frias RIP
Fly Shit Only’s 1st Year Anniversary. 800-1000 deep. Craziest night that’s for sure.
What’s next for the Swisha Boyz?
We gon keep that on the low though.
But we got a lot of exciting shit up on the drawing board for Fly Shit Only. We just gotta make it happen. Brick by brick.