[Pink Scene] High Voltage Poi Spinners Duo at O Bar

Since mid-2011, O Bar Ortigas started to include live poi performances alongside their shirtless ledge dancers as an additional amenity of sorts at the bar. What started as an experiment on peak nights like Fridays and Saturdays has turned into a regular part of the O Bar line-up from Thursday nights to Sunday nights. And it has been interesting to note the progression of this particular aspect of the bar over the course of the past few months to the point that it's hard to imagine O Bar Ortigas without them.

Prince and Bench

"Them" in this case refers to the High Voltage Poi Spinners Duo, which consists of Benjamin "HunkPoi" Tinao and Prince "Poi" Angeles (Disclosure: If you didn't already know, I am proud to state that Prince is also my boyfriend along with Tobie). The two decided to become partners in the art of poi and have performed in various establishments, company events and are mainstays at O Bar. They typically perform at O Bar Ortigas but have been known to perform at O Bar Malate during special events such as the annual Pride March in December.

So what exactly do they do, you ask?

First, some definitions of what exactly poi is - and for this we trust Wikipedia more than anything else (har har).

Poi refers to both a style of performance art and the equipment used for engaging in poi performance. As a performance art, poi involves swinging tethered weights through a variety of rhythmical and geometric patterns. Poi artists may also sing or dance while swinging their poi. Poi can be made from various materials with different handles, weights, and effects (such as fire).

Locally, poi started to gain popularity in major beach locations like Boracay some years ago primarily in terms of fire poi - and those who have been there would have witnessed such a show at one point in time or another. Similarly, High Voltage also tested their performance mettle with fire poi at Puerto Galera, where they continue to perform regularly.

Fire Poi at O Bar Malate

But beyond the seemingly dangerous art of fire poi performances, the High Voltage Poi Spinners Duo have made a home at O Bar where they perform regularly and which provides a unique opportunity for their fans to come up close and personal. Mind you, this is not an invitation to cop a feel as they perform (Prince is our boyfriend after all), but you can try acting like a decent human being and actually strike up a conversation with them when their set is done. Believe me, it'll be worth the effort.

And yes, tips are welcome.

Ice and Fire

Now they can't manipulate fire poi inside the confines of the bar, so instead the break the darkness with LED-power glow poi ranging from flow lights to more complex and dynamic ninja poi. And their unique performances have certainly helped change the atmosphere at the bar to bring the energy level and the overall sense of the party culture to new heights.

Plus the lights are really pretty.

Hot Hot Summer!

And it's not just about their skills with manipulating poi that makes their performances so unique. They also bring a certain degree of showmanship that certainly adds color and character to their routines. They take the effort to dress up a bit and play around with their look including Chippendale-style bow ties, hard hats, summer shorts and a bunch of other outfits. Needless to say you can always expect the pair to put on an impressive show while you dance along with the music and have fun with your friends while at the bar.

Outside of O Bar, High Voltage also performs at company events like Christmas parties, out-of-town team-building events and so on and so forth. If there's a need to bring on the FIRE or to FREE THE FLOW, the the High Voltage Poi Spinners Duo are bound to be a great addition to your special event.




For now, you can catch them at O Bar Ortigas from Thursdays to Sundays outside of special events. For more direct contact information, you can check out their Facebook page.