RISING SUBURBIA
by Louie P. Oviedo

When a Filipino restaurant known for its cultural shows' lease for this place expired, Suburbia rose in its place instead. It was the time when Makati has been saturated with restaurants and bars. A time when on July of 1999, Suburbia was the only establishment lighting the streets of Adriatico with its sign that offers live bands for entertainment. It was also the same time that Malate was slowly regaining its seat in the land as being one of the "in" places to visit when in the Philippines.

With its industrial concept of beams, metals and concrete used as design for the building's facade and interiors, it soon started to draw crowds. Why not, with Bert de Leon doing concept shows for the place and Side A as part-owners and regular performers, I think it's a little hard to miss.

And speaking of Side A, I managed to talk to them a few minutes before they were due to perform. I asked them, "Aside from Suburbia, where else would they rather hangout in Malate?"

"We've been to Marlon's Billiards, Cajun Street Cafe, Hap Chan, Matina, Sala, Batavia...basta food places! Pero, for live bands and entertainment siyempre Suburbia," they answered in unison.

Ever since its opening, Side A's Christmas Album and Pinay's album have been launched here. Concept shows for Joey radio have been thought of by its President, Bert de Leon and were also held here. One of these shows have been that of Suburbia's Star Power, it showcased all the best leads and rhythm sections of all the best bands in the country and then brought together to perform in one show. Some of the talents who were tapped for this show were Myrel Saison, Chedi Vergara, Ira Cruz (Passage), and Rommel dela Cruz (Barbie's Cradle).

Neo Colours also staged their reunion here. Starting March this year concept shows for Pulp Magazine has been brewing up. They got Ella May Saison and Toy Symphony, Viktoria and Parliament Syndicate to play for the show.

Sometimes, they get surprise "extemporaneous" shows from people (who happen to be famous personalities within the local industry) who just happened to pass by and for no special reason wanted to watch the bands perform. Jaya, Martin Nievera, Rosanna Roces, Ella May Saison, Marco Sison, and Nonoy Zuniga were some of the personalities who jammed with Suburbia's bands during their unexpected visits.

I checked out their comfort room, not only was it clean but it had somebody on standby inside the room to make sure it will remain clean. And no donation box exists to keep the room clean, at least, I did not see one.

During the performance of Side A, my friends and I got the chance to watch them right infront of the stage, with our table fronting one of the large speakers. It was a vantage point to smile and make eye contact with Joey Benin but, man, the speakers were too close to our ears that by the time I got out of Suburbia, my ears felt numb.

I guess if one of these days you decide to pass by Suburbia, you could still sit down a little farther from the stage or probably opt to sit on the second floor. The second floor would do just fine since you still get to see the top view of the performers---you can still watch the show below from the tables surround the railing. Also, what's good about the place, all tables and chairs have been strategically placed to give you the pleasure of watching and hearing whoever and whatever's onstage from any place you're sitting or standing, even if you're already near its front door.