Food Court to Breeding Ground

Dim the lights, move the tables, turn up the volume. Food court for hungry Ateneans by day and a breeding ground for new music at night, this is Kafe Katipunan. Wht opens its door to hungry stufents, faculty and passers by while the sun is up transforms into a haven for indie and established musical performers at sundown. You would never imagine the head-banging and havoc that occurs in this venue if you happen to chance upon it during the day. The long, hall-like room houses concessionaires serving food ranging from Japanese delights to Mexican treats. Those who have seen the transformation that takes place can’t help but marvel at how different the aura of a place can be with a few changes in lighting and furniture arrangements.

Kafe has become known over the years as a melting pot of fresh musical ideas and sounds, similar to that of Freedom Bar in Quezon City and Meyrics in España. It does not only give rise to up and coming musicians but to aspiring producers as well. In fact, a number of productions housed by Kafe are conceptualized and executed by independent groups, some of which are students. Among the more popular productions are the death metal gig, SikFest, which is produced by the rising band, Mortal Grudge, and Musicrakan, which is produced by Monica Dacuan, a student at the College of St. Benilde. This place is also responsible for the fame of many of our countries rising musical acts today. Bands such as Happy Meals, Sandwich, Dicta License and Sugarfree had their first few gigs in Kafe. With the number of acts that have been discovered and musical talent that has been harnessed in this venue, it is not surprising why many aspiring bands decide to pitch their tents in Kafe and call it home. Among the acts that frequent here are the De La Salle University based band, The Drive Record, as well as the College of St. Benildes’s Severo. The music performed here is not limited to one genre either. There has been a diverse mix of beats bouncing off the walls of Kafe from indie rock to death metal, and world beats to acoustic jams. You are sure to have a fresh, new experience with each visit to Kafe, which is part of the appeal that it has.

Aside from bringing fame to aspiring producers and acts, Kafe is also making a name for itself as a venue for great music. It was featured as one of VJ Ala Paredes’ hang outs on her profile in Myx, and has also been featured in Pulp magazine. Its popularity is also a result largely of the bands that play there. People from all over Metro Manila come to Kafe to see these new bands and hear their contribution to the world of Philippine music, and to see their friends perform on stage. In fact, an Atenean commented in one of the gigs, “My, my, it seems like La Salle has invaded Ateneo territory.”

Music enthusiast as well as aspiring performers are welcome to visit Kafe and see for themselves what this place has to offer. One and all are welcome here, whether it be to enjoy a hearty meal in the day or bob your head with the rest of the crowd at night. Who knows, you just might be the next big act to come out of Kafe, or the next producer for that matter. For the rest of us, to be able to see friends perform on stage and be a groupie for a night is enough.