Scene Report: 𝑮𝑰𝑹𝑳𝑯𝑶𝑶𝑫 𝑰𝑺 𝑨 𝑺𝑷𝑬𝑪𝑻𝑹𝑼𝑴

𝑮𝑰𝑹𝑳𝑯𝑶𝑶𝑫 𝑰𝑺 𝑨 𝑺𝑷𝑬𝑪𝑻𝑹𝑼𝑴 is a womxn’s month celebration, brought to you by the joint efforts of womxn-led groups PAWN, Ahka Sari-Sari Space, Blaxkbox6000 Production, and Lila Events on March 15th, 2025 at From Here.

We arrived at the venue at 5:30PM without expecting much action yet.  However, we were surprised to see that a crowd was already lingering around the entrance, wanting to purchase not just tickets but also the custom Bea Dolloso-designed poster and shirts.  While PAWN was busy (wo)manning the gates, collaborators Ahka Sari-Sari Space, Blaxkbox6000 Production, and Lila Events were also busy setting up the promised art exhibit, pop-up markets, and speedfriending.  For an event that wanted to highlight the spectrum of girlhood, we welcomed a diverse and inclusive audience (girls, womxn, gender-expansive people, supportive men).

(click photos to enlarge)

Doors opened to an art exhibit featuring the works of local womxn artists–Belle Maurice, Inday Noa, Lvna Elna, Meream Pacayra, MicaMakes, Paulette Neri, Termaitz, Tin, and Ysa–surveying their individual interpretation of “𝑮𝑰𝑹𝑳𝑯𝑶𝑶𝑫 𝑰𝑺 𝑨 𝑺𝑷𝑬𝑪𝑻𝑹𝑼𝑴” and the breadth and weight that comes with gender-based identities and inequities.  Art prints and merchandise were also made available for purchase.  A curated pop-up market of local womxn-owned businesses–Alex Eturma, Auntie’s Cafe, Daze Knots, Dried Flowers PH, Jazz’s Crochet, Kim Deals, and Radical Wear–specializing in handmade artisanal products to pre-loved finds (clothing, books, vinyl records, etc.) also greeted our attendees. Nourishment and hydration were provided by our friends at Ahka Sari-Sari Space, Backyard Project Studios and Cafe, Funky Monkey Dough, and Emiko’s Takoyaki.

Festivities started with a one-of-a-kind speedfriending session.  Led by Harri and Mia (Lila Events), registered participants were treated to a fun and interactive 1:1 group activity, focused on forming girl friendships through get-to-know discussions, fostering intersectional feminism and the coming together of different scenes. Prizes were also given out to those voted for their congeniality and being the best match!

Providing soundtrack to the night were local womxn-fronted acts, serving pop to indie rock to hardcore.  Maeg started off with her own mix of melodic and industrial techno.  Our second act, with their debut as a complete trio, were the much-anticipated indie supergroup ruby apartments; followed by another supergroup of its own and Cebu indie scene’s undoubtedly best-kept secret hazy daisy.  As part of their EP tour, Bacolod-based And showcased their unmistakable take on dreampop and shoegaze.  Now, what would a womxn’s month celebration be if pop princess IIICCCYYY isn’t there?  With her infectious musicality, she educated us all on what pop music is and could be!  As the night went on, we started delving on the opposite end of the spectrum with the holy and enigmatic Nikkie.  The volume (both in sound and capacity) continued to rise up with Dog Euthanasia‘s primal screeches.  To close the night, the unapologetic stab moved bodies from wall-to-wall with Irish’s ever-present power.  Truly, what a night for womxn in music.

This meaningful night was amplified by the kindness of our attendees.  For the benefit of My Bonita Home for Young Girls, we received a donation of clothes, toiletries, and sanitary products to ensure the girls have access to essential supplies for their daily lives.  Additionally, Auntie’s Cafe and Dried Flowers PH generously contributed a portion of their sales to the cause, and this amount was matched by PAWN Records. Few attendees also signed up to volunteer in assisting with various activities at the center that bring joy and empowerment to the girls.

 
Dropping off donations for My Bonita Home for Young Girls

To relive this memorable night, check out photos from Bordz Patak, Cyril Villarante, Dexter Duran, and Neo Vignette Digizine and videos from INTO.