No one goes to clubs anymore these days. Not among my friends at least. It's all chill gatherings now because somehow we've grown out of strobe-lights and loud parties.
Accustomed to this new pace in my social life, I was expecting the same easy night in for my friend's birthday. We stayed in a cozy apartment in a peaceful residential area at the heart of Capitolyo. With a small group of friends and some casual chitchat, it was turning out to be another typical Saturday night. Then, perhaps in a bid to liven up the party, someone requested a light show.
It wasn't my first time witnessing a light show. I was already familiar with the plain white gloves dotted with neon lights at the fingertips. The idea was for the performer to move their hands around in sweeping and skillful gestures to produce a stylish effect with the lights. It usually comes with music, as the pace of the song guides the motions of the performer.
EDM was the chosen playlist for that evening's show as the frantic sounds and heavy beats bounced off the living room. We were seated in leather couches as shots of Cuervo were being passed around, another departure from the typical parties (ice cold beer is usually the drink of choice in these events).
The first performer chose his main audience: an young and eager couple. The barrage of beats at the start of one song, necessitated short, rapid jerks on his part. In no time, the couple was left in a stupor-like state. The performer's forceful movements jackhammered their dilated pupils, exaggerated gestures producing the desired dramatic effect.
For the build up, his entire body slashed side to side then lunged forward at the explosive drops. It felt like an MTV video on steroids.
The visual assault didn't let up. At one point, the performer pulled back both hands to the side of his hip only to thrust them forward a second later, firing away an imitation kamehame wave. It was almost comical if not for its powerful impact -- the couple actually recoiled from the move.
There was not much time to rest after that performance. Next came the birthday girl. She discarded the glowing gloves in favor of two lit phones she would alternately flash with easy flicks. The whole thing was carried out with more finesse. Less bold strokes and more sleight of hand. With the sensual sway of the hips and the softness of each motion, her fluidity was more hypnotizing, The smooth flow of the arms created elegant sweeps as the light caressed our faces. Soon after, however, the song's quickening pace led to a flurry of whisks blinding our eyes. The swiftness of it mesmerizing.
Everyone seemed to be in a daze. The seizure-inducing speed was overwhelming to say the least. Three big guys were already slumped together in the sofa fascinated by the exhibition. As I tried to take photos of the whole thing, I caught a girl turn her whole face and body away to get a break from the lights. But the colors continued to blur in turbo mode, merging and parting seamlessly as our eyes were treated to the spectacle.
When the light show finished, we went back to the usual happenings: joke-filled exchanges and crazy shenanigans filled the rest of the night. At a certain point my bored friends decided to rattle a neighbor's punching bag and plot the dismantling of the village gazebo -- the entire damn structure.
My thoughts kept coming back to the light show, however. To be honest, clubbing isn't exactly something I miss. I was never one for dancing and the effort needed to dress up for a night out was exhausting. Plus I've grown to prefer the uninhibited conversations among friends and strangers a couple rounds of beer brings out. But I guess, even just once in a while, it's nice to pump things up, to engage and flood our senses with heightened experiences. If not through clubs, then through fantastic light shows.
Things have mellowed down through the years. Our youthful energy isn't as Red Bull revved up as it used to be. We no longer crash and burn; we just gas out. Maybe it's because of the tiring demands of the real world or the pressure to "act more our age." Whatever it is, shots-filled shindigs have now given way to low-key house parties and chill drinking at laid-back bars. After that night, however, it's nice to know we're not yet too old for those party lights.