The Bizarre I Photo by Star Sabroso
Days after celebrating its first anniversary this June, Manila’s first degustation bar, The Bizarre, announced its closure to friends and patrons.
It is very sad that an innovative bar is saying goodbye to the cocktail scene just as it was gaining momentum. The bar, helmed by Ian Libang, embraces Filipino roots through its ingredients and approach to mixology. It’s a bold concept to offer a full-tasting cocktail menu, not just in Manila but across Asia, as it does not guarantee foot traffic. Nonetheless, the team at Bizarre, including Ian, Kel, Keith, Aliah, Xyrus, and Patrick, bravely took on the challenge.
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“After years of stories, laughter, cocktails, and community, it is with a heavy heart that we are forced to close this place. We’ve recently been given notice to vacate our beloved space. Our landlord has decided to surprisingly end our lease, and the property is set to be demolished soon,” shares Ian in a heartfelt message. “The very idea of us leaving this venue has always been saddening. Since the day we heard the news, it has taken us some time to process it. But we now look forward to a brighter tomorrow for The Bizarre,” Ian adds.
Sometimes, even when a bar is thriving, you’re still at the mercy of the landlord’s decisions regarding their property, and as with any other tenant, you have to comply. This happens frequently in bar destinations like Hong Kong and other neighboring cities. The Bizarre, along with its sister venue downstairs, B House Cafe & Lounge, will be closing for building demolition, along with the spa next to the venue and the house beside it.
Moving to a new location can impact a business, but it also presents new opportunities. For example, places like ReCraft in Quezon City and the long-standing bar Run Rabbit Run have recently relocated to different venues, offering a fresh perspective and new programs. For The Bizarre, the closure came rather suddenly, and it will be difficult to recoup their investments, especially on what they spent on the venue’s interior design. The sudden closure also impacts the team and their livelihood, making it a challenging and uncertain time for everyone involved.
“We’re currently looking for a new home to bring our unusual and unorthodox ideas to life,” Ian shares. “Maybe some friends can help us hammer some nails so we can build,” he jokes. “Kidding aside, our top priority is to ensure our team is well taken care of as we close down, followed by the search for our new home. We might be doing some pop-ups here and there to keep things exciting.”
According to Ian, they didn’t want to do a closing party because this is not a goodbye, just a temporary pause before they find their new home. The bar will be toasting its final drinks in Algier Street on Wednesday, July 2. “We invite everyone to come by, say hi, have a drink or two, or a shot with us, and enjoy the night, just like a regular evening of beautiful cocktails and stories,” Ian shares.
The Bizarre is located at 5925 Algier Street, corner of Jacobo Street, Poblacion, and is open from Tuesday to Saturday, starting at 7pm. Book a reservation at thebizarrebar.com or slide into their DMs @thebizarreph on Instagram.
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