“Kami Naman” is an exclusive industry event for the nightlife scene in the Philippines, a passion project of MC Paolo Avila and Jacob Casile, also known as JaCas Photography, a nightlife and tour photographer.
The nightlife scene is a collective effort by so many talented individuals, and the concept of “Kami Naman” is to bring together all these individuals in an exclusive after-party. The idea started during the Sinulog Festival as shared by MC Paolo Avila during his interview with Midnight Rebels. “Kami Naman” is attended mostly by DJs and MCs, but is open to all nightlife personalities, and it has now become an avenue to showcase the talents of many artists that are not even usually seen on mainstream stages.
One of the best things that I love about “Kami Naman” is how it carries a sense of community and belonging. It’s nice that it celebrates the hard work that goes into making these massive events happen.
As someone who was part of the hustle during Sinulog Festival 2025, “Kami Naman” is such a fresh approach to unwinding after a weeklong of gigs. For me, it’s a wonderful gathering of people in the same industry who understand the exhaustion and the high that comes with performing, and you know, I love being surrounded by like-minded people who share the same passion as I do. From people you’ve only seen on social media to actually seeing them during the after-party—it’s such a heartwarming experience.
While I was there, it just makes me realize that no matter how big or small you feel in the industry, we’re all just people who love what we do. That’s “Kami Naman”.
Now my deeper take on “Kami Naman” as a new DJ is that it will either break or make you. Break in the sense that being there, seeing your co-artists perform (and hearing how good they are), might hit you with a wave of self-realization that makes you rethink your purpose—why you started wanting to become a DJ in the first place.
But mostly, it will make you—if you don’t let negativity win over you. Hear me out, this is the part where I tell you why it’s a must-attended industry event. “Kami Naman” will push you to be better and to find yourself as an artist.
It has shaken me in the best way possible as a new artist who is part of this growing community. It has deepen my understanding of the industry. It brought so much inspiration that made me want to realign my vision of the DJ I aspire to become. It introduced me to different sounds and styles. Each sets during the party gives me different unexplainable feeling — I felt it, I learned from it, and I got inspired all over again. I heared experimental mixes, underground gems, and genre-bending sets that makes me want to push my boundaries.
If you’re into music beyond the mainstream, “Kami Naman” After Party is where you need to be.
“Kami Naman” is also the best venue to network with other artists.
But when you decide to attend in the next Kami Naman After Party, bring ONLY the best of you—good attitude, professionalism, respect, and pakikisama. Personally, I wanted to say hi to everyone there (but im so shy 😂) because I knew a few people and saw so many familiar faces, but I didn’t want to act weird and fangirling around them. So, I just chilled and enjoyed the night while listening to the sets of so many talented DJs that I probably wouldn’t even hear again ALL IN ONE NIGHT. Imagine how crazy and lucky that was for a new DJ like me.
The entire experience for me was more of a privilege. It wasn’t just a simple after-party. Well, because IT REALLY IS A PRIVILEGE TO BE THERE! Stressing that line because not all nightlife people are lucky enough to fly out and experience “Kami Naman.” That’s why if it happens to be within your reach, don’t ever miss it.
There are only a handful of events that give you this much inspiration in just one night, and “Kami Naman” is one of them. So, if you ever get the opportunity to attend, don’t hesitate because this industry event is a celebration of the evolving nightlife culture in the Philippines.
You can follow their ganaps on their Instagram page, and be the first dibs to RSVP on the next “Kami Naman” After Party.
