THE TALE OF A BIG SMOKE AND A SMALL CAFE
by Louie P. Oviedo

Ratsky, being the center of entertainment down at Malate's Bocobo Street, not only has its live bands nor its KTV lounge located within the 1,000 square meter antique house which they converted into one of Manila's major nightlife hangouts. With its nooks, crannies, and all its hideaways---let me take you on another tour of what lies ahead beyond its walls.

Aside from Earport, another hangout located at Ratsky's second floor is a room which they call as The Big Smoke.

How to get there? You go into Ratsky's, go up the stairs to the second floor, then go right---right inside the glass doors leading to a big room with a lot of sofas---turn right again and there's this little door, it's a little dark inside especially when the room's not in use. But, voila, this could be your perfect hideaway.

This room has been furnished with the most comfortable seats in the house, with antique looking cabinets adorning its corners, containing boxes of Tabacalera cigars.

Sitting inside this room reminds you of your father's den or the library where most of the men in the house would hangout after having dinner. The kind of place where you'd want to tell your stomach to "settle down" as you huff and puff and blow the house down with your favorite cigars.

The chairs are so comfortable you might not want to ever leave their armchairs so you'll end up leaving your dent in one of those chairs, making it even more comfortable for the next person who'll use it. Each person who enters it might end up staying longer and longer in the room.

With the KTV sing-along happening along Ratsky's second floor halls and a live band playing on the first floor's stage, this could be the only place for you if you want some peace and quiet---and a whole lot of smoke to go along with.

Maybe, if your dad decided to tag along while you go out on your first date, never fret and leave him here. I bet he'll enjoy it---that is, if he likes tobaccos. He might even meet the politicians and celebrities who'd usually hang out here who might engross him in a witty, intellectual banter.

Probably, it would help if you tell him Rosanna Roces sometimes hang out in here.

Another nook you should probably visit is their Café Razzo---from the Filipino word "kapiraso" which means a tiny piece. This is because Café Razzo offers bite-sized food ideal for snacks and in-between meals.

Last February, its second floor was used by some of Malate's well-known artists as a venue for their exhibit. One exhibit were sketches of Randy Santiago's and LJ Moreno's face from different angles.

Unlike The Big Smoke room, it is easier to find Café Razzo since you'll be passing by it before you enter Ratsky's. It also has a different door leading to it, totally separate from Ratsky's. And, with the bibingka and puto bumbong being cooked just outside---all year round---you'll find it hard to miss.

I was informed by Ratsky's General Manager, Ms. Vivian Te, "All the names you'll find here at Ratsky's sprouted from the creative mind of Randy (Santiago), siya iyon nakaisip pangalan ng The Big Smoke, Zarafisimo and Café Razzo. Kaya nga if ever we'll put up Café Razzo sa malls, baka nga raw lalo pang lumiit at maging Café Ranggot."

Thus, they'll be closing this place down---not for good---but for renovation. After that, they'll also be launching a café which is open for 24-hours. It will be serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and even midnight snacks.

And before it gets smaller and smaller, Café Razzo would soon be changing its name to Rat Hole.