Alexa Dignos is shaping Manila&rsquo;s underground scene by making it safer, bolder, and unapologetically queer, one beat at a time.

PHOTOGRAPHY&nbsp;Shaira Luna
STYLING&nbsp;Gian Gonzalez Latorre
CREATIVE DIRECTION&nbsp;Tin Dabbay
What is it about the nightlife that pulls you in? Few know this world better than those who set the tone for the night. Enter DJ Alexa Dignos, also known as Dignos, the mastermind behind the decks, shaping the energy of every set.
As one of the founders of Bliss and a co-organizer of Elephant, a queer techno dance party based in Manila, Dignos has long been immersed in the scene. Yet, surprisingly, DJ-ing was never part of the plan. &ldquo;It wasn&rsquo;t a dream of mine to become a DJ. But when I started going to clubs and experiencing nightlife, especially queer nightlife, I realized that I was very passionate about getting into the scene,&rdquo; she shares

Dignos acknowledges that the competition can be cutthroat, especially in a male-dominated space. Instead of seeing it as a setback, she turns to collaboration and community-building as her way forward. &ldquo;I try to look for other women who want to collaborate and inspire with me.&rdquo; This vision ultimately led to the creation of Bliss, a party-centered around FLINTA&mdash;an acronym for female, lesbian, intersex, non-binary, trans, and agender individuals. By championing these identities, Dignos ensures that her events are not just spaces for music, but also platforms for empowerment and representation.
It&rsquo;s the liberated and unapologetic spirit of the community that left a lasting mark on Dignos. &ldquo;The community inspired me first, then the music came after,&rdquo; she shares. &ldquo;I just love seeing these amazing people dress up and fully express themselves while dancing to tasteful electronic music.&rdquo;
What exactly goes into planning a night for the books? For Dignos, the approach is simple: &ldquo;To be fun, and have people experience the energy that I&rsquo;m creating on the dance floor. The key for me is to enjoy and not get too serious.&rdquo; A big part of that is making sure the music reflects her own vibe.
Apart from the music, Dignos&rsquo; impact extends to the very fabric of Manila&rsquo;s techno scene. &ldquo;My role right now as an organizer for these parties is to provide enough platform for younger DJs and see the potential of each talent, especially in the local scene, which is thriving right now,&rdquo; she explains. More than just curating sounds, she&rsquo;s helping build a safer, more inclusive space.

&ldquo;The community inspired me first, then the music came after... I just love seeing these amazing people dress up and fully express themselves while dancing to tasteful electronic music."

Beyond fostering a stronger community, Dignos is also pushing Manila&rsquo;s nightlife forward through Bliss. The event has become a hallmark of the local scene. &ldquo;I keep it fresh by making sure the lineup is good, the sound is great, the lighting matches the dance floor, and the crowd is beautiful,&rdquo; she says. &ldquo;I push the boundaries by doing it for the culture.
&rdquo;For those who are carving their path in the underground scene, Dignos keeps her advice simple: &ldquo;get to know the community, don&rsquo;t forget to have fun, just be yourself, and have the right reasons.&rdquo;
PRODUCERS Tin Dabbay, Loris Pe&ntilde;a, and Maura Rodriguez
ASSISTANT STYLIST Pao Mendoza
&nbsp;HAIR Bonita Teańo and Jan Edrosolan
MAKEUP Don de Jesus and Janica Cleto
VIDEO Kevin Redder

Alexa Dignos is Rewriting the Rules of Manila’s Nightlife

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