Party Hearty Peeps
After the sun is
far below the horizon and the moon hangs high above the sky, you’ll be able to
immerse yourself in Davao City’s nightlife. Although Davao still has a sleepy
nightlife compared to other cities like Manila, it is a guarantee that you’ll
meet the different “creatures of the night”. No, we aren’t talking about
sparkling vampires or teen werewolves. What we mean are the six types of
partygoers that emerge during the night time. Pick any club, pub, or bar you
want and you are sure to find them all. So, let’s begin our journey into the
night.
EXCLUSIVITES
If you find yourself staring at a club,
probably a high-end one like Starr Club, with a sign saying ‘EXCLUSIVE’ hanging
by the door, you can bet your hot salad that the place has been rented out by
the “Exclusivites”. They are the top of the hierarchy. The Exclusivites are
seen as very well-dressed, having healthy features, and characteristics that
make them stand out from the crowd. They are already adults, and they usually
have families of their own. When it comes to their attitudes and behavior, they
generally act liberated and somehow adapt foreign cultures and their behavior.
They are the so called “party professionals” because they know everything about
partying. They can be quite elite, and have soirees with people of the same
status. They usually do whatever they want, spend as much as they can, and be
as carefree as possible, all throughout the party. During parties, they usually
act as if they’ve got no problems at all and just chat up a storm with old and
new acquaintances. Perhaps it’s because they have no problems at all, or maybe
they’ve got so many that they thought of spending their money through partying
hard as an escape. It’s best to move to another club and leave the elites in
their element.
CHILDREN OF EXCLUSIVITES
The next type of Davaoeño partygoers
is the “Children of Exclusivites”. If it were not for the glaring lights, the
ear shattering club music, and the nauseating combination of smoke, alcohol,
and sweat, you’d probably be able to spot them easily in the crowd. They have
that certain air of coming from rich families; evidence of being well fed by
proper nutrition, and good genes such as flawless skin. Of course, they’ll
never wear cheap and unbranded clothes. Don’t think that they’re afraid of
going out after dark to clubs and pubs. They’re the Children of Socialites;
they feel comfortable in this throng of sweat and alcohol. A notable thing
about these kids is that they will always avoid going to clubs where their
parents might be, so they will probably go to a club like Hyrid where the
majority are the youthful bunch. They’re not afraid of mingling with strangers
in this dark place because they are confident in their element. They speak in
English with eloquence, a trademark of a good education. They might buy you a
drink if you appeal to them, but you’re in a night club; you probably won’t be
able to talk to them, much less notice anything as you struggle to even
communicate with the gyrating sea of people around you.
MILK SIPPERS
If you happen to notice those
teenagers who keep looking over their shoulder, searching for someone in the
crowd, they might be the “Milk Sipper”. In the hazy room of strobe lights and drunken
whispers, they are the ones with slightly longer dress lengths or looser dress
shirts. What’s noticeable about them is that their actions constantly seem
restrained. They rarely scream over the loud, thumping music. They don’t put
their hands up in the air any longer than ten seconds. Most of all, they stop
drinking when they start feeling that familiar fire in their tummies; that is,
if they ever dare to drink at all. The reason why they can’t lose themselves
like other partygoer is because their parents are lurking somewhere by the club
bar. Milk Sippers go to the club with their parents and make arrangements on
where they will be and what time they will leave. Their parents will usually
sit at the bar, and the Milk Sippers stays with his friends and makes sure that
they are out of sight because they don’t want to be embarrassed. The Milk Sippers’
favorite place to be is on the dance floor, where they become invisible by
blending in with the dancing crowd. Due to their controlled demeanor and
constant glances behind the shoulder, Milk Sippers practically scream ‘I party,
but I still need my mama’s milk’. They want to experience the nightlife, but
their parents still don’t think that they are ready to party on their own just
yet. Who knows when these kids will finally be able to swap milk for alcohol?
SOCIAL CLIMBERS
As you party in the club, you’re
bound to notice those smug-looking people who are unnecessarily louder than
normal. They wear imitation designer clothes, gaudy accessories, and loud
colors. No need to wonder who they are, they’re the “Social Climbers”. These are
the people who befriend the Socialites and afterwards thinks of themselves as Socialites
too, when in fact they’re far from being one. Mostly, Social Climbers boast
more often and act grander than those people who really have something to
boast. In parties, these Social Climbers are one day millionaires. They make
people believe that they can afford the kind of living that Socialites have.
They most likely do not mingle with the lower class because their identity as a
Social Climber depends on the people they are with. So if they go with the
swarm of the lower class, they aren’t able to climb the steps on the hierarchy.
That’s why they’re called Social Climbers, they look at the status of people as
if they are steps in a ladder—the higher the status, the higher the climb is. It might be advisable to avoid
them if you don’t want to get caught in an ego contest.
OCCASIONAL PARTYGOERS
Don’t think Davaoeño partygoers are
a chaotic bunch though. You’ll find these typically normal people in the club
too. They are the “Occasional partygoers”. These are the people who rarely
“paint the town red”. Usually, they are the adults and young-adults. They are the
ones who are mature enough and responsible enough to know when to put room for
entertainment. Very rarely are they seen in clubs, bars, and other places where
people usually hang out, chill, and party. They are not the typical ones who
initiate and organize a party; they just go and attend occasions where there is
really something to celebrate. Just like birthdays, anniversaries, New Year and
other parties. Normally, they are the people who sit there and enjoy the moment
while it lasts. They tend to just “go with the flow”. They are also the ones
who are perceived as the easily-drunken buddies because they are not that used
to drinking and partying. These people are often seen in just casual clothes, such
as jeans or shorts, and blouses or shirts.
PARTY VIRGINS
Finally, we reach the bottom of the
hierarchy, in terms of partying experience. There is a type of partygoers
humorously tagged as “Party Virgins”. It’s amusing how you could really notice
them at first glance. You can spot them by their attire, because they are
usually overdressed. Watch for articles of clothing such as jackets or
cardigans. Their favorite spot is usually in the corner where it’s safe and
sound. If not, they’ll be sitting with the friends who dragged them to the club
in the first place. More often than not, Party Virgins smile awkwardly at everyone they have eye contact with. They are seen
observing the environment that they are suddenly plunged into, and try to get
along with the people around them. The common initial thought that passes through
a Party Virgin’s mind is usually: ‘Did I make the right choice in coming here?’
Those are the different types of
Davaoeño partygoers in a nutshell. From them you can see that even though
Davao’s nightlife isn’t as intense as Manila, Boracay, or other nightlife
hotbeds, Davaoeños still know a thing or two about having fun. These creatures
of the night might not be as overwhelming as vampires, ghosts, and ghouls, but
they certainly are very interesting. So next time you go to a club down Torres
Street, why not try to look for them? And whatever type of partygoer you may be, always remember to party
hearty!
