Eduardo Daza Taylor Takes Us Back to OPM's Golden Age with ASTIG

ASTIG is a monthly party that celebrates and pays tribute to different eras and genres of OPM (Original Pilipinx Music).

The ASTIG crew: Joogmac, DJ Hella L, Lil Thow Wow, and ET.

Founded and co-curated in late 2018 by DJ ET IV and Kevin Pelgone. Resident DJs include Joogmac, DJ Hella L, and Lil Thow Wow.

Within their first year, they featured a stellar list of guest DJs and selectors; hosted ASTIG at Barkada Hollywood in Los Angeles ; released a cassette tape mix by Proof; and opened up for legendary 70s band Dakila at UNDSCVRD Sunday Streets.

Their reach as a party and music collective spanned overseas with recognition from the Philippines to the UK.

With this energy and momentum, ET’s plan to expand ASTIG into an independent record label and lifestyle brand. His inspiration behind ASTIG was to share music that had inspired me from my time living in the Philippines, as well as to help build bridges across the diaspora and beyond.

A flyer from one of ASTIG’s past events.

Time and time again, Eduardo is constantly reminded of the beauty and power in music from the homeland and diaspora - especially when people - Pinxy and non-Pinxy - approach him with so much enthusiasm, not having known that music from the Philippines like that existed.

As an independent label, ASTIG will be able to continue this work of spreading the music in a more sustainable way by dropping physical releases (e.g., vinyl, cassettes, etc.) - leaving fans and listeners something tangible to hold on to and share with their communities.

In addition to physical releases of music, ASTIG will also curate community events, produce release shows for artists, launch a radio show, and drop clothing and merchandise for fans.

In the spirit of honoring the many experiences of Filipinx diaspora, Balay Kreative believes that OPM has proved an important part of many people’s connection to the homeland. We support ET’s vision as it helps us connect to our narratives of belonging, and are excited to see ASTIG grow! Mabuhay ang OPM!
- Kim Arteche, Balay Kreative Program Manager

Written by Eduardo Daza Taylor