Last week, 88rising’s Head In The Clouds made its international debut in Jakarta, Indonesia. A good time was had by all, so the people want more. This weekend, 88rising and the crew are headed to the capital city of the Philippines, Manila, to give the people what they want. It’s stacked with artists from their roster and more, for two days of absolute musical carnage.

Just like Jakarta, Manila has its fair share of spots to get the party started before the festivities commence, or to keep it going on. Whether it’s clubbing, crate-digging, or retail therapy you’re seeking, LiFTED has got you covered.

The entertainment industry took a big hit when the pandemic came, and many nightclubs from all over the world bore the full brunt of it. With social distancing regulations being enforced, the dancefloor was a place one could only imagine being at. Thankfully, the world is moving past that, and life is slowly returning to normalcy. What better way to get the party started than to hit the club?

Imagine being on the beach, but you’re not sweating. Impossible? Nope. Enter: Cove Manila. The 9,000-square-meter indoor space hosts an eclectic mix of parties, both day and night – as well as day-to-night ones. Regarded as one of Southeast Asia’s largest entertainment spaces, the indoor beach club transforms into a laser-filled nightclub once the sun sets. If you’re chasing a grand experience, Cove Manila is the perfect destination for you and your crew.

Address: Okada Manila, New Seaside Drive, Entertainment City, Parañaque, 1701 Metro Manila, Philippines

Maybe you’re looking for a more traditional clubbing experience, we get that. Located at the very heart of Manila is Club ZZYZX. Think mezzanines, strobe lights, a packed dancefloor, and lounges areas – this is what Club ZZYZX offers. The best part? The party doesn’t cut early, it stretches till dawn, running from 10 PM till 6 AM. Might just be the perfect afterparty spot post-festival.

Address: 1851 Jorge Bocobo St, Malate, Manila, 1004 Metro Manila, Philippines

There’s nothing quite like supporting local brands – you know who’s making the product, and you know exactly whose pockets your money is going into. So, why not deck yourself out in some of Manila’s finest streetwear products for the HITC weekend? These pieces would also give you a reason to flaunt them to all of your homies since they can’t get them unless they were there with you.

Team Manila is not only a streetwear brand but also a graphic design studio. If that doesn’t indicate how serious they are with their design, we don’t know what will. Their clothing line consists of jerseys, tie-dye T-shirts, shorts, bags, accessories, and anything else that you could virtually think of. Team Manila also has a collab with the famed local rock band IV of Spades which is absolutely dope.

Address: 350 Pedro Gil St, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila, Philippines

Don’t Blame The Kids [DBTK] was started by two brothers, Emil and Vince Javier. The lifestyle and clothing brand DBTK stands for exactly what its name states – don’t blame the kids for expressing themselves. Their lines include hoodies, T-shirts, caps, varsity jackets, and so much more. Head down to their flagship store and look through their immense collection. Then, dress yourself in and represent Manila wherever you are with DBTK imprinted on your drip.

Address: 40 Shorthorn St. Project, 8 Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines

The thing about going to a record store in a new country is that you never know what you are going to get. For certain people, crate-digging is nearly a religious experience if the spots and the prices are right. Going digging in the morning may make some people miss the first few acts at HITC.

Noisy Neighbor Records is every crate-digger’s heaven. It’s stacked with rare local and international classics. These are records that you don’t easily find in the crates of your average record store, which are already such a hard thing to come by these days. Not only can you leave the store with some rare finds, but you’d also be educated about some actual musical heritage with all that they have in their inventory. And once you’re back home with your new purchases, embody the store’s name and become that noisy neighbor by playing them out loud. Music is for sharing with your neighbors at the end of the day, right?

Address: 2nd Street, Mendiola St, Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines

House stompers, soulful Reggae, and anything that fuels the funk – Play Record Stop has it all. Forget all the cuts that are easily found and available online and plunge into the eclectic collection from this Manila record store; you wouldn’t regret it. While you’re at it, cop some of their T-shirts that ode to the glory of House music that everyone knows and loves.

Address: 4963 Guerrero, Makati, 1210 Metro Manila, Philippines