Derek da Rocha Hoo is one of the founding members of Macau Dance Music Association (MDMA), a graphic designer, and a DJ in electronic music. Born and raised in Macau, he grew up in between the Chinese and Portuguese communities. At the age of 18 he decided to leave Macau and went to live in the UK for several years. While studying Art and Photography in England, he had the opportunity to see, attend and experience many live music acts with artists such as 808 Estate, Moby and Orbital, and went to “Rave” parties and legendary clubs such as Club UK, Ministry of Sound and Heaven to name a few. It was through these amazing events / moments that he found his love and passion for connecting with people through music. In July 1999, Derek created his first ever dance party in Macau with a good friend, and 20 years later, they are still going strong.
What’s your idea of a perfect day?
Sleeping for a full 8 hours which is not so easy nowadays, makes the start of my day perfect… And for a “bonus”, if I am travelling, waking up in a foreign country and getting ready to explore…
-If you could go back in time to any event in history, what would it be?
I would like to go back to the 1940s and meet a man called J. Robert Oppenheimer and kick his butt!
What’s your favorite book?
Mind of Clear Light: Advice on Living Well and Dying Consciously.
And your favorite singer/ band?
There are way too many singers and bands that I love… But to really choose one as my all time favourite, then it has to be Pink Floyd.
Who is your hero?
My Grandpa.
What can always cheer you up when you are having a bad day?
Being with my daughters, my wife, my dog, my family.
What’s your worst habit?
I bite my finger nails.
If you could only have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
My Grandma’s Minchi.
If you could retire tomorrow, what would you do?
Fly away…
What’s your favourite season or festival?
Spring, as it gives you the feeling of new life beginning
What’s your favourite place in Macau?
Too many… but to choose one, at the end of the day it has to be HOME.