- Library at 15
- (Article written in 2000, from "Manila Out")
| Fifteen years ago, a small bar
opened on Adriatico Street in Malate. Called The Library, it had a large bookshelf on one
wall, weighed down by thick, grey, hard-bound books. Soft lighting skimmed pieces of
antique and glittering trinkets scattered all around.
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Stars as big as Regine Velasquez, Lani Misalucha, Dessa, Ogie Alcasid, Dingdong Avanzado, the Vanna Vanna, Victoria and Geneva Cruz have all performed here, magnificently so. | What might be the secret of the Library's success? Well, that's a difficult question. A lot of bars have tried to copy the Library's blend of music and stinging stand-up comedy, but most of them have failed. |
Unlike other libraries, however, this one didn't serve as a place for reading. Instead people came here to relax after a long day's work, to sing their heads off, to laugh silly over the endless stream of jokes. Here one loosened one's tie, chucked one's hang-ups out the window, and got ready for a night of irreverent fun. |
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Maybe it's because they didn't have the panache of Library's talents, which include Philip Lazaro, Hans Mortel, Arnell Tamayo, Joyce Yadao, Vivorah, Martin Mijares, Poca, Anton, E.R., Inday Garutay, Vice, Fatluck, Raging Divas, Rey Kilay, and Ron Riano. |
Now, fifteen years later, the Library still stands. On fact, it stands rather tall, hunched though it still is in its crammed, humble, corner. (Of course, something hunched can't possibly stand tall, but I think you get what we mean). People have called it an institution in Malate, an essential part of the place. And why not?
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Maybe their shows weren't as daringly inventive as the ones that Library owner Andrew de Real conceptualises and directs. Maybe it's because the original is simply the best. Maybe it's all of the above, but we can't say for sure. But we're sure of one thing though. The Library will be around for a long, long time. After all, as Buzz host Boy Abunda has said, "Adriatico is nothing without the Library". |