Held since 2001, the annual event has grown from a one-night party in a disused theme park in Singapore to an international multi-day festival of gay and lesbian pride attracting thousands from all around the world.
From the top: Madrid-based DJs Chus (left) & Ceballos, Argentina-born LA-based De Len and host hotel, Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort and Spa, the largest hotel in Phuket.
The dynamic duo - comprising Chus L. Esteban and Pablo Ceballos - has been a driving force on the house front, captivating dance floors throughout the world through a rather impressive and lengthy list of remixes and original productions. Their recent releases include "Wrong About Me" by Chus & Ceballos featuring Derrick Conter and a remix of Deep Dish's "Say Hello." In 2001, they set up record label Stereo Sound - a recording studio cum management & DJ agency. Chus and Ceballos describe their unique style as "a very groovy sound, very rhythmic and percussive, that is always looking at the dance floor."
The Military Ball party on Oct 20 features Argentina-born LA-based De Len who is emerging as one of the most talented Tribal House DJ's on the US west coast. His residencies at Lattitude and Reflex afterhours (Factory/West Hollywood) while routinely spinning every major venue and event in Los Angeles including The Henry Fonda, The White Party in Palm Springs, Winter Party and White Party at Space in Miami, among others-his trademark progressive house & tribal experience is standing ears on end and winning fans across the country.
Also an accomplished filmmaker, his films have toured top festivals around the globe in more than 10 countries, causing a sensation everywhere from the prestigious Sundance Film Festival and LA's OUTFEST to London's famed International Film Festival.
Hot faves DJs David S (Taiwan), Victor Cheng (Taiwan) and Kate Monroe (Australia) who played at Nation last year, will be back by popular demand, at the closing party on Oct 22.
The tourism authority welcomes Nation back on its shores this year. The three-day event in Phuket last year, which had the support of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Governor of Phuket, the Kata-Karon Municipal Council and local businesses, attracted 2,000 revellers.
"We saw a marked increase in the number of international visitors who arrived in Phuket over the Nation V weekend last November. The event generated a notable increase in tourist revenue and we look forward to the upcoming Nation VI in October." Said Suwalai Pinpradab, Regional Director of TAT.
The host hotel for Nation.06 is the luxurious Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort and Spa, the largest hotel in Phuket, surrounded by lush green mountains and the emerald Andaman Sea. A variety of rooms in the Andaman and Saitong Wing G are available for booking by Fridae guests exclusively from May 12.
For the first time, Fridae in conjunction with Jetstar Asia will offer Nation partygoers an option to fly with other partygoers from Singapore to Phuket on Friday, Oct 20 and returning to Singapore on Tuesday, Oct 24. The exclusive flights will be open for booking exclusively through Fridae from May 12.
Also being offered the first time are private excursions where Nation partygoers - who want to take in the local sights on the resort island renown for its warm blue sea, stunning tropical sunsets and eco-adventures with other partygoers - can join day tours such as snorkeling/diving trips, island hops, spa experiences and bar trawls.
Log onto fridae.asia/nation for regular updates, and links to purchasing tickets and making hotel reservations. Earlybird tickets are on sale now until May 31, 2006.