Know as Marga on the mic, the first famous female Mc in the Pilipinas, Marga Bermudez is a entertainment director and Manila night life activist also know as Dj Margáchi. On the occasion of the Star wax Manila special PDF English edition Marga answers our best of questions.

Welcome, a glass of?

Honey, rose-infused gin & tea! But for more most days, since I live in the Philippines, I’ll hand you a cold glass of water! 

What was your first experience with DJing?

It was back in 2009 when I first laid my hands on a pair of Numark Axis 9 CDJ Player. I first learned beatmatching with CDS! 

What was your first experience in the nightlife?

My first experience in the nightlife really started off as a DJ, but i didn’t really take it seriously at that time. And then eventually, I became an MC for about 11 years! It all started with me and my friends just messing with the mic everytime we hosted parties, and it stuck! Soon after, I became the only female hype MC in the country. It was definitely an experience - a long one at that - and it was what catapulted me into the nightlife scene. Then the pandemic happened and it reunited me with my roots as a DJ. And now here we are!

Mountain or Sea?

Sea! I actually love the overall vibe of the islands. I even lived in Siargao Island for a year. Now that I’m based in Manila, I do come up to the mountains from time to time especially during the ‘ber’-months. 

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

Depends on the occasion, but for casual days, I wear my Mihara Yasuhiro a lot. 

Mcing or Djing?

Djing for sure! I’ve Mc-ed much longer in terms of career but Djing has always been my first love. Before, I loved Mcing for the crowd and getting them on a level and just focusing on that, but now as a DJ, I get to play my own music, hear the music I like and make people dance through it. I like that much better.

What is your favorite record store?

There are a few cool spots worth to check out in Manila if you’re into vinyl. Top of mind, there are some vintage shops in Cubao Expo that sell records, but before, there was this shop that I liked the most! It was owned by my friend Erick Ong and it was called Goldigger! Another friend of mine, Jason Soong, along with Manolet Dario, owns a shop in Poblacion called PRS (Play Record Stop) too. And If you pay a visit to Makati Cinema Square in Makati City, you’ll find some there too. There’s also This is Pop in Legazpi Village, Grey Market Records in White Plains, Backspacer Records in Brixton Street in Pasig to name a few.

What comes to your mind if I say Apotheka?

I’d say it’s a platform for different aspects of entertainment. We give home to so many different communities & I think that’s what makes us stand out. I’d say it’s a different world once you step in.

Name your favorite bars/clubs in Manila

All without bias: For a good night of dancing, great music, sense of community & culture in Manila, it would be : Apotheka, Futurist, Nokal. And of course, if you’re looking for something slow-paced, I’d say: Cheshire, OTO, The Curator, Bar Good Times.

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

If I weren’t a DJ or having nothing to do with the nightlife scene, I think I’d actually dabble into the world of photography. Definitely still in the creative field. Or maybe I’d be a race car driver, but that would probably give my family and girlfriend a heart attack everytime I’d go at it (laughs).

What is your favorite website and app?

I’d probably be lying If I said I didn’t use Instagram the most. It’s really just the most accessible app in terms of fast information about what’s happening in the world. My social apps for work and communication are used a lot as well! I’m also lowkey on X a lot nowadays. Music-wise, my go to would be Soulseek. 

What comes to you mind if I say vinyl?

History. And the true survivor of the digital age! 

What are your top 3 favorite restaurants in MNL?

Oh Wow. How not to be biased? I’m not the biggest foodie & I don’t always go for fine dinging but my go-to’s would be 12/10 or Toyo Eatery. If I wanted to treat myself or go on a casual date, of course the food in one of the concepts I co-own: Ugly Duck! Can’t go wrong with the Oyster Sisig Aburi with Duck Fat Rice. And of course the cure to my hangover, Chicken House in Makati - its the closest you’ll get to Bacolod Chicken Inasal. Aida’s in Bacolod if you know, you know!

What do you dream of tomorrow?

I always dream of good days. There are so many things I dream of 24/7, but I live it simple, I don’t ask for much. Before I go to bed, I always pray for a good day the day after.

What comes to your mind if I say Zen?

Trees, island, slow pace, meditation and a slow beating heart. 

What are your Top 5 playlist?

- Tokimonsta "The World is Ours"

- Cajmere Feat. Dajae "Brighter Days" (Marco Lys remix)

- Ultra Naté "Free" (Ramon Tapia, Kabale & Liebe remix)

- Armand Van Velden Feat. Duane Harden "U Don’t Know Me"

- "Music Sounds Better With You" Radio Edit by Stardust, Benjamin Diamond, Alan Braxe, Thomas Bangatler

- New Order "Blue Monday" (2011 Total Version).

What’s next for Margáchi? 

Together with my partners, another venture arises, and it’s called Open House World. As of Margáchi, more music, more collaborations with different individuals and groups from the Philippines & the world, and a solo Asia/ Euro…

Interviewed by Invisibl Journalist