Veintidos RestoBarekan & Music Hub

Veintidos RestoBarekan & Music Hub
Only Caviteños could understand each other whenever blues and rock tunes are brought up.  A new hub and watering hole in the heart of the province of Cavite just took it a notch higher.

The proprietor of this establishment, Katherine Vinson explained that, the idea was borne out of her being a one-time benefactor of the band Groundstage PH. “The area where this is located is actually a rehearsal studio for the band’, explains Katherine. Things did not pan out with the band and she is stuck with the place full of musical instruments. Then, her business and life partner, Jad Alipar, spark plugged the idea and one thing led to another.

Katherine, a known philantropist and humanitarian in Cavite, admits that she is not a Caviteña by birth. "My hometown is actually in Bacolod...but i also lived in Taysan, Batangas...and also ILO-ILO. The resiliency and upfront attitude of a Caviteña has grown into me and has adopted it ever since I moved here a decade ago”, says Katherine. The place, located at the 2nd floor 9083B, Gen. Tirona Highway, Dulong Bayan, Bacoor, Cavite, will open its door on Dec.18, 2019. With no less than ‘Grin Department’ to spearhead the opening of the said place. To join the fray are Anthony Romasanta with his band Trankill, Katoliko Band, Kid, Papel, Kyah, Dwayne PH, Kemisthree. The event will be the hosted by YouTube phenomenon ‘Batanguena’, Kimberly Dianne Vinson Ilag, which happens to be Katherine’s daughter.

Of the countless number of bars and music hubs in and around Cavite, what makes her place different? “First is the ambiance. Veintidos, will serve homecooked meals and then a few of my own recipes which my family has been savoring as a matriarch. Second is the hospitality, I can actually call it a ‘community bar’ due to its coziness and accessibility to nearby villages within the area”, musters Katherine. The 150 plus-seater establishment boasts of its top of the line sound system and mini stage for the guest performers. “It’s all systems go now! I have been through much more difficult situations in my life before and having jitters in this new venture of mine is nothing compared where I have been through”, opined Katherine. And the name Veintidos (22) has signifcant meaning in her personal life. 'Barek' in Batangas lingo means to drink.

“We are inviting everyone from all walks of life to experience the Caviteña hospitality and the Batangueña charm in me. And we will make sure the music will sooth and ease your mind with the right kind of Rock and Blues. We will play host to up and coming bands in this part of Cavite. Ala Eh Mag Barekan Na Tayo Dineh!” finishes Katherine.

Cavite Rock Mob

Cavite Rock Mob of  2019

At the turn of the millennium, a number of milestones have churned the Pinoys with many first. On Dec.29, 2019, another Rock Mob aptly called “Cavite Rock Mob” will grace the presence of Imuseno. “Rock mob was spearheaded in Moscow in Russia, a few years back, when a group of musicians, gathered and play a popular rock tune. Then China followed suit and holds the record for the most participants at 950”, explains Anthony Romasanta, the Cavite Rock Mob head honcho. The term might have been adopted from the term ‘Flash Mob’, a popular dance routine that would converged on a particular place or establishment and is participated by more than an adequate number of designated dancers.

“The Calamba Laguna Rock Mob inspired me to assimilate this event, big thanks sa Laguna Rock Mob for starting this”, admits Anthony. Last Nov.30, 2019 the Philippines witnessed the very first Rock Mob in Calamba, Laguna. “The musicians numbered to 165”, attested Paulina Calimbayan - one of the musicians who participated in Calamba. That event was organized by Liz Duque and Ren Cana of Musika Laguna Production.

Early information revealed that 800 participants have expressed interests plus a number of volunteers have offered to assists in this non-profit event. A number of Pinoy Rock luminaries have been invited in this event. Anthony’s aim is to unite all musicians, with a band or doing solo, young old, professional or amateur. “Making them feel important and at perform at the same time in the name of music”, musters Anthony. The Cavite Rock Mob, might consider a foreign song to entice international participation. The suggested set list of songs is: Laki Sa Layaw by Mike Hanopol, Beep Beep by Juan Dela Cruz, Nosi Ba Lasi by Sampaguita and Laklak by Teeth. “We wanted to promote camaraderie in music and at the same time, help timid musicians, band or solo, to be exposed thru this event”, admits Anthony, who happens to be a member of a Rock band Trankill. The Cavite Rock Mob will take place inside the Polytechnic Institute Of Imus n Cavite.

Are only musicians allowed to participate? “Not exactly, non-musicians are welcome to be part of the event. They can assist us technically and logistically. As for food, we are beseeching kind-hearted fans and followers of Pinoy rock to pitch in any food or beverage for the musicians. Since this will be an all-day event, it is imperative that sustenance for our musicians are looked after”, says Anthony. There is an online registration on FB. A group was created for this event alone: Cavite Rock Mob Musicians Unite.

“The online registration was created to monitor the number of musicians and plan ahead for the layout of the area and to determine the capacity of the electricity to be used”, Kevin Regalado-one of the organizers, explains. No less than the mayor of Imus Cavite Hon. Emmanuel Maliksi endorsed this event for camaraderie and unity among musicians. The ONGS Productions of Anthony, MIM STUDIOS of Jovie Garcia plays sponsors this event. Arvin Kadiboy will direct this event and allan Trece will do the hosting chores.

“We wish to surpass the 950 plus participants set by China, but no pressure. Siguro bonus na lang yun. Hopefully The Guiness Book of World Record recognizes our effort. Should this succeed without a hitch, we want more and for sure mag-grow pa to sana nationwide naman”, finished Anthony.

On photo: Kevin Regalado, Mayor Maliksi's staff, Honorable Mayor Emmanuel Maliksi and Anthony Romasanta. (Anthony Romasanta-photo owner)