I was in third year High School when I first set foot in the original Dredd in Timog. I was always early (around 8pm-9pm) during the Tuesdays I would get to go, because it was the only day of the week where my parents were out and I could stay out late. I have a few very distinct memories of those times among the many memorable times I had.
1. I would start drinking downstairs, a gin drink I forgot which cost only around 20 bucks. Got drunk enough to have courage to open a conversation with Robbie. I thought I was cool then because I was talking with the owner. There was a writer for a songhits magazine waiting to interview bands. Ely Buendia, pre-label days, was with Marcus at one of the tables. Writer asks Robbie if she can interview some bands regarding the "Alternative" rock scene, which was the buzz word those days. Robbie points her to Ely, Ely firmly says "Ay hindi kami alternative. Pop kami".... And they went on to be the poster boys of the local "Alternative" music scene. Ely then pointed to the guys from The Youth who just arrived for their set.
2. Robbie's bday. Had about 20 cases of beer stacked in front of the bar. He takes all the bottled liquor and pours them all into a big white jug with a faucet. Made a pink liquid that smelled like isoprophopyl alcohol with a touch of cherry, he called it adios motherf*cker ,and served that to everyone who came and handed out stubs for the beer. Felt cool getting 2 stubs.
3. This band that defined my guitar playing goals. If anyone knows them please let me know. It would be nice to see where they are now. Dude on guitar had a custom mightek. Singer was a chick that I think went on to play guitar with a band called Maria something and then went on to Pretty In Pink, not prettier than pink. Hoping Perf would know who they are. It was the first time I saw Cliffs of Dover played live. Set had Green Tinted, 316/Top of the World VH, and a satriani song i forgot what it was. They seem to have friends in the south who went to see them.
Usual rituals after Dredd were looking at the pokpoks at q.ave on the walk back home. Occasionally, looking at the fish tanks of Maalikaya and Ginza. What? My buds and I were typical horny HS kids. And eating Kowloon Jumbo Pao which cost only P12 then or the old 7-11 chili con carne hotdog.