Just when we haven’t moved on from all the places we lost this pandemic, we have to bid another goodbye. Today, hole-in-the-wall bar XX XX penned their farewell letter to everyone who kept the place alive.
“This time has come for us as well. After 4+ years, for all the obvious reasons, we are forced to close down our doors,” XX XX wrote on an Instagram post, coupled with a video that says, “Thank you for dancing with us.”
In the message, they thanked a long list of people, including everyone in the back-office, the bartenders, servers, technicians and security. “To our brand partners, who supported our vision and helped us make it a reality. To all the promoters, DJs, dancers, musicians, performers, artists, photographers, videographers and pop-ups that took part in our events,” they continued.
Lastly, they thanked their guests “who walked through [their] doors week in and week out.” The speakeasy-slash-late night haunt in Chino Roces, Makati was home to lots of gigs, parties, workshops and even film screenings. It brought together friends and strangers in music, forming a community on the dancefloor. We owe our cathartic Friday nights to this place, along with the other spots we lost during this time.
“We hope that sooner rather than later things will return to normal, or perhaps even better. Goodbye for now,” XX XX ends their letter.
Photo by Jack Marion
Photo by Brendan Goco
Photo by Brendan Goco
Read more:
A eulogy for Route 196 (and other gig haunts we lost)
After 12 years, LGBTQ+ safe space Today x Future is closing down
Header photos from Paolo Abad
Art by Jan Cardasto