Mabuhay!
Filipinos are known for working in nursing or health administration field. Chances are, majority of your family works or is working towards that field. Filipinos are known for being hospitable so that kind of job is perfect. But it’s not for everyone. For some, they would rather struggle and follow their real passions.
Let me introduce to you Ronnie DeVera, “DJ Ronnie D.”, Philadelphia’s first Filipino DJ. From the age of 13, he has been pursuing his passion for music. He sold newspaper to buy a mixer and taught himself how to blend. Now, Ronnie is known all over Philadelphia and even has residency (permanent gig on a certain day or days of the week) in various different locations. But he didn’t get to where he is now without struggling and hustling.
The DJ industry isn’t easy and it was even more difficult to make a name for yourself when Ronnie was younger. Because he’s Asian, most club wouldn’t even listen to his tapes and CDs because they just assumed he wouldn’t be good. But he didn’t give up and soon he landed his first gig at Club Egypt. From there his career just took off. The more gigs he did, the more his name became known. He received his first residency at the Five Spot which helped boost his popularity. In 2003 and 2004 he was name as one of the top three DJs in Philadelphia by Philly Style Magazine. He is now so well-known within the industry that he doesn’t even have to market himself much anymore.
There is an issue however. The Filipino nightlife community is pretty much extinct. According to Ronnie, compared to the 1990’s and 2000’s today’s Filipino nightlife is practically nonexistent. The older generation of Filipinos no longer come out and the younger generation of Filipinos know only a few other Filipinos.
“In order for the Filipino community to grow, we need to advertise community, group and function”
Ronnie is also a big supporter of younger individuals learning to DJ or getting started in the industry! He’s currently mentoring a few people so if you are interested you should reach out to him!
“You cannot expect somebody to put yourself up like that... Be creative and make yourself stand out from the rest. Be something different.”
Come out and support your fellow Filipino, or just listen to some great music!
Monday: Tango - Industry Night
Thursday: Johnnie Walker Lounge - Industry Night
Friday: Johnnie Walker Lounge
Saturday: Tango
@dj_ronnie_d
Hangaan sa muli,
Nicah
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