Where is your happy place?
Mine – in the city – are the bahay ng banda or gig places where I can watch and interact with my favorite bands (music was my Dad’s love language, you see, and when I am surrounded by it, I feel like he is close).
One such bahay ng banda is 19 East, located at Km.19 East Service Road, Muntinlupa City. I first heard about it only in 2021, through my best friend who has played music there with some of the top Pinoy bands.
“It has the best sound system in the metro,” I remember Herbert Hernandez of 6Cyclemind and Moonstar88 saying. This is why – even if musicians live as far as Tanay or Novaliches – they happily trek to 19 East when there is a gig there.
Interestingly, they also just opened 19 Inn, a very cute inn at the entrance of the 19 East front lawn. Curious about this new structure, we chatted with owner Wowee Posadas, the driving force behind 19 East and the new 19 Inn.
19 East: Musician’s dream realized
19 East isn’t just a live music venue; it’s a testament to a dream. Wowee explains, “As a gigging musician, I’ve always dreamt of having my own live music venue.”
This dream, realized in November 2003, has transformed into a landmark establishment, renowned for its exceptional quality. The venue’s reputation is built on more than just ambition; it’s the result of meticulous planning and unwavering dedication to excellence.
The venue’s state-of-the-art sound and lighting system is widely regarded as the finest in the Philippines. When asked about this, Wowee modestly replies, “I greatly appreciate the recognition. In the desire to establish an environment that’s perfect for live performances, I have equipped 19 East with the best audio and lighting gear.”
“More importantly, I have the know-how and the expertise to operate the equipment. Good equipment is nothing without the proper skills to use it.”
The design of 19 East is a testament to thoughtful planning. “Every live performance venue requires acoustic treatment, otherwise the music would be unintelligible due to reverberations and sound wave reflections,” Wowee explains.
The meticulous incorporation of sound absorbers in the ceiling and cleverly disguised acoustic panels behind the artwork of the late Philipp Badon demonstrates a commitment to detail that elevates the entire experience.
The lighting, too, is carefully designed to create an immersive atmosphere, “in such a way that they make the guests feel they are watching a big concert, only better because they get to be so up close to the artists.”
Wowee’s inspiration for 19 East stemmed from his own experiences performing in various venues.
“Actually, my inspiration was all the bars that I have performed in. I took note of what was lacking in those venues and I made sure to make the necessary improvements and corrections in 19 East,” he shares.
This dedication to improvement has resulted in a venue that’s become a favorite among both artists and patrons. Even after 22 years, and a recent expansion following the pandemic, “19 East is stronger than ever,” Wowee proudly announces.
19 Inn: Affordable luxury, artistic flair
The success of 19 East naturally led to the creation of 19 Inn, a boutique hotel situated conveniently nearby. The impetus for 19 Inn was the consistent demand for lodging from 19 East’s patrons traveling from distant locations.
“Regular customers of 19 East consist not only of folks from the southern part of Manila, but also of ones coming from distant areas like Quezon City and Marikina to name a few,” Wowee explains.
“There have been some who visited from the provinces and other countries, too. Inevitably, there has been a consistent demand for lodging places nearby. So, 19 Inn was constructed a few meters from 19 East to afford guests the convenience of accessibility to the music venue.”
19 Inn offers more than just proximity to 19 East: its strategic location near the South Luzon Expressway, public transportation, and the airport makes it an ideal choice for business travelers and tourists.
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