Red Rocket Production Journey to the Edge of Space with CHRIS CANTADA, STELA MARIZ, STRANGER DANGER, STEREODEAL, and MELO BALUYOT
by: Pam Pastor, Phil. Daily Inquirer MANILA, Philippines -- Monica Barretto, Allan Madrilejos, Geth Savellano and Eric Enriquez used to hang out at a place called Border Grill after work and after badminton sessions. They spent so much time there that when the owner was leaving for the United States, he offered to sell the place to them. “We joked about buying the place because we loved it so much. But we weren’t really ready then,” says Barretto. Border Grill soon became Inihaw Republic under a new owner, and Monica and her friends remained regulars there. But the owner of Inihaw Republic soon became busy with his catering business and decided to sell the bar too, asking the group if they wanted to take over. “This time, we said yes. Buying the bar was like a full circle moment for us. We hung out there all the time, that was where our friendship grew. We witnessed the bar’s transition. We saw it change and now we own it,” Barretto says. Inihaw Republic is now known to people as Route 196. Although its official relaunch took place just last month, Barretto and her friends have actually been running the bar since October last year. More than a bar People troop to Route 196 to watch the many bands that play there, but Barretto is quick to stress that they’re not just about music. Route 196 is a bar and restaurant that pushes music and art. “We promote all kinds of good music, not just rock and roll. We believe in Filipino musicians and that over- and under-the-radar bands deserve an audience. We’re not a hardcore gallery but we will definitely put more art in the bar. We will be having exhibits. We have the Lomolounge, a room with walls that are covered with lomographs by LomoManila.” Route 196 doesn’t run out of bands and musical acts that keep people coming back. “Every other Monday, we have Juan Pablo Dream’s Mod Day Mondays. Other acts that regularly play include guitar duo Cacoy and Johnnoy; Pinoy rock legends The Jerks; and a super galing band from Baguio called The Spaceflower Show. We also have productions like Sweetspot Night, Ninja Kiss, Revolver, Cubism, Last Full Show and soon Terno Nights that will feature really talented indie bands. Route 196 is the only place where you’ll catch Hannah of SessionRoad doing a solo acoustic set.” The owners get a kick out of letting different bands build rapport with other bands and with the Route 196 audience. “It’s a great mix of bands of diverse influences and it’s always thrilling seeing them sharing views, supporting each other. May community,” adds Barretto. Route 196 also has iPod night. “You can bring your iPod and play your playlist—around six to seven songs.” Although there is a lot of focus on entertainment, food did not take a backseat in the owners’ list of priorities. “We all decided on what type of food we will be serving but the actual recipes were developed by co-owner and chef Geth Savellano. We’re constantly coming up with new dishes,” says Barretto. Bestsellers include the pizzas, the spicy wings, salpicao, chicken fingers, fish and chips, pork sisig, nachos and tuna sisig. Barretto recommends that first-timers try the Noypi Pizza (kesong puti and tinapa); Tinapa Roll; Chili Cheese Sticks (“We use flautas instead of lumpia wrapper”); Herb Chicken; Tofu BBQ; and Pepper-seared Tuna. “Right now we also have a promo for beers—they’re three for P100,” she adds. Busy owners Although they all have other things that keep them busy—Barretto is a freelance photographer, Madrilejos is a magazine editor, Savellano is a chef, and Enriquez is in sales and marketing—they all love being bar owners. “We all love meeting people, we treat the customers like friends. We love seeing the crowd dancing and enjoying the bands. We love regulars who keep coming back. We love being fans of the bands we adore. We love photographers and artists who share with us their passion and art. We love it that we learn to deal with the business side of things,” says Barretto. “As Eric would say: ‘Bahay ninyo ’to.’ It’s a cozy hole-in the-wall place where you can just kick back, relax, listen to good music, beer in hand and enjoy yummy food. This sounds cliché, but it’s a place where you can be yourself, everyone is friendly, no judgments. It’s your home away from home. It’s a real good-vibes place. Parang ‘Cheers’ where everyone knows your name.” Visit Route 196 at 196-A Katipunan Ave., Blue Ridge A., QC. Call 4391972 or visit http://coolestbar.multiply.com. The bar is open from 6 p.m.-2 a.m. NOW ACCEPTING RESERVATIONS FOR CHRISTMAS PARTIES and CORPORATE EVENTS.
 The Killers Live @ Glastonbury (Enterlude + When You Were Young)Taken sometime 2007.Catch Killing THE KILLERS (A Route 196 Tribute) this Feb. 25, 2009, Wed., 10pm. With live performances from LAMPARA The LOWTECHS MENAYA FUN CITY BOYS The HOOLIGANS See you @ Route 196!
Four The Road: The Route 196 4th Year Anniv Bash! [Oct. 18, 2010, Mon.,] Route 196 celebrates four fantastic years of live music with an all-night party! Four The Road! The Route 196 4th Year Anniversary Bash! with live performances from (according to playing sequence) The VULTURE CLUB BRIGADA RADIOACTIVE SAGO... more
Route 196's 2nd Yr. Anniv Party Radio Plug @ NU107Thanks to NU107 for being our official media partner!See you on October 17 and 18. Special thanks to Russ, Glenn, and Belle!
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 Route 196 Group on FacebookHey friends! If you have a facebook account, do add up Route 196! Just search us. Type "Route 196" and we should appear there.It's a great way to get gig updates! ALL ROADS lead to ROUTE 196! See you there :D
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