NAMING itself as a “new home” for local bands and musicians, Skippy’s Gastropub will now be making “noise”—the positive kind—in the streets of Bonifacio Global City (BGC).
Just after the “bewitching” days of Halloween, Skippy’s Rockwave spearheaded the restaurant’s initiative on November 3 to help local musicians be known more by providing them a stage to perform on.
Skippy’s effort is not only to showcase the artists’ talents, but also to provide them funds to help build their careers, as the audience’s entrance fees all go to the musicians’ pockets.
Every Saturday nights from then on in Skippy’s Gastropub will be as lively and music-filled as it can be, as different musicians hailing from various genres are tabbed to play.
Good food, good music
SKIPPY’S Gastropub is a restaurant that serves Australian-Filipino food and drinks.
Stephen Bird, the Australian owner of the restaurant, together with his Filipina wife Cristina, welcome customers who not only enjoy the greatness of their food, but also let their ears be filled by the richness in the artistry of Filipino music performed by local bands.
Even though the stage and audience area in his restaurant are not as grand and spacious like those other places, with a maximum capacity of only 70 seats, Bird assures everyone that every single performance staged there will be original.
“You don’t have to play loud to sound good in here. If you do, [you] will only make the audiences’ ears bleed,” he joked.
He indeed is right! Cramped as the place may seem, it only just [brings] the listeners and musicians closer to each other, as the former could savor the melodies while they sip the sweetness of every margarita, or rock it out with a bottle of cold beer.
Fan by heart
BIRD’S effort to help local musicians is deeply rooted in a fondness of his all-time favorite bluesman Eric Clapton and heavy-powered rockers AC/DC.
“I am a bit of an oldie. I like old music,” Bird confessed.
Although Bird doesn’t understand the lyrics behind OPM songs, the rawness of the Filipino talent is what makes him fall in love with it.
Most of his OPM favorites are the songs of Juan de la Cruz, because of his good friend Pepe Smith, who also occasionally plays in his place.
“I don’t understand the lyrics, but when they’re here and sing [a certain] song and that, I just like [them],” the owner of Skippy’s shared.
Bird is even proud to say that Filipino bands are “one of the best” in the world, after watching different live performances from many countries.
“I mean, I do think I am right when I say it. I’ve worked in 13 countries, traveled all over Asia, and that’s the one thing constant wherever you go: There are really good Filipino musicians, be it in Hong Kong, Singapore, and literally everywhere,” Bird said proudly.
A new home
IT’s a heartwarming feeling to know that Filipino musicians will now have a place to constantly share their talents with their fans: a stage to rock on, jam, and serenade.
Skippy’s Gastropub is now a dwelling place that will always welcome those who need their talents and art to be displayed.
As for those who want to enjoy good music and good food, be it an Aussie delicacy or sisig that you want to bite and crunch on while jamming, catch the acoustic serenades every Friday night, then some heavy rocking on Saturday evenings from 10 pm onward.
Skippy’s Gastropub is ready to fill your stomachs and provide weekly live band performances at The Forum, 7th Avenue corner Federacion Drive, BGC, Taguig City. Head on to their events page at https://www.skippys-bar.com/and get to know who’s playing next.
Image credits: PHOTO FROM WWW.SKIPPYS-BAR.COM, PHOTO BY JOHN AARON MARK MACARAEG, PHOTO BY JOHN ISAAC LUCINADA, PHOTO BY ALYSA SALEN, PHOTO BY ALYSA SALEN