Christal is a young multidisciplinary artist based in Manila. On the occasion of her new mix (player above) and the Star wax Manila special PDF English edition, here is the full interview.

Welcome, a glass of? 

Coconut water

What was your first experience to Djing?

My first dj gig was at a night that my friends and i organized with the collective “dreams made true” at Dirty Kitchen in Quezon City. This was back in late 2022. i did a b2b set with my friend Wilson Ang. it was an intimate and fun night with friends and DJs that i love and respect. 

Mountain or sea?

Sea! 

What are your top 3 favorite venues in PH?

It’s hard to think of top venues in the PH because underground parties here don’t have permanent venues - they usually take place in different locations each time. but i guess the venues that could fit these underground parties are Hoesik, Dirty kitchen, and Mono by phono. 

If I tell you painting?

Painting is my first love. I am ready to lose myself in my art because it is my number one outlet for release and catharsis. I started as early as i can remember, and i will never stop doing it. i am so thankful for ‘Kalawakan Space Time’ - a community-centric and artist-owned gallery. They are my home and family when it comes to art. 

What is your favorite dish?

Kimbap and haemul pajeon for korean food, laing and bangus bistek for filipino food :)

The Dj that puts you crazy systematically?

The resident DJs of the ‘Elephant Party’ collective

When you dress up, which pair of shoes would you prefere?

I always want heels or platforms

Where is your favorite sound system in MNL?

Mono by phono, and OTO.

If I tell you deconstruction?

My art is a spontaneous exploration of emotions and experiences. i deconstruct and combine painting & mixed media to create abstract works that evoke feelings rather than precise images. my pieces blend materials and textures in a chaotic yet balanced way, so i can provide viewers a space of comfort within ambiguity.

CDJ or controller?

I used to practice on a Ddj400 at home. then i learned Xdj, and Cdj because of gigs.

If I tell you zen?

I imagine myself sitting by the beach under the shade of a tree with no noise except the sound of the ocean and air. i could be alone or with my loved ones, but zen to me is peace and quiet by the beach. 

Your favorite website, then appli?

I love mubi and YouTube (laught)

If I tell you vinyl?

I've never tried mixing with vinyl, but I’d like to learn. I collect vinyl records from bands I love.

Your top 3 favorite restaurant in MNL?

Omakase, Mesa, Kaya

What job would you like to do if you weren’t a Dj? 

DJing is not my fulltime job. I am an artist first and that’s what i am going to pursue. 

What is your favorite Tagalog adage, then please translate it into English?

I cant really think of any, but according to my friends i always say “hayaan mo na” which translates to “dont bother/ let them be”, i think i say that cos i dont really care about stupid bullshit around the community (laught).

What do you dream of tomorrow?

My dream is to be able to get to a place where i can fully pursue and create art freely with no anxieties about finances, and to have my works exhibited internationally. i also want to create a space where i can collaborate, and give a platform to my fellow artists and give back to the community. 

 What are your top 5 new releases? 

- Fiddlehead "The Death Life"

- Badwave "Concrete Surfer"

- Gel "Bitchmade"

- Yung Lean "Ghosts"

- Nathan Micay "Ecstacy is on Maple Mountain"

What are your top 5 oldies?

- Sleater Kinney "Dig me out" 

- Bikini Kill "Rebel Girl"

- Babes in Toyland "Sweet ‘69"

- Hole "Teenage Whore"

- Kittie "Spit"

Interview by Supa Cosh… / Photo by Sof Hurtado & styled by Seine Ventura