by Karl Angelica Ocampo
If you are treading the highways of Quezon City, you can spot a small bar erected along Visayas Avenue, where people who have the passion for love and life gather to celebrate music and appreciate one another’s art. A sanctuary hidden beneath the city lights and the noise of the metro, The Conspiracy Garden Café fuses together good food and good music along with Philippine culture and art.
If you are treading the highways of Quezon City, you can spot a small bar erected along Visayas Avenue, where people who have the passion for love and life gather to celebrate music and appreciate one another’s art. A sanctuary hidden beneath the city lights and the noise of the metro, The Conspiracy Garden Café fuses together good food and good music along with Philippine culture and art.
A cultural haven
Conspi, as it is commonly known, is nothing less than a cultural haven. The place is adorned with contemporary pieces of art displaying photographs of homosexual lovers, paintings of a lactating mother breastfeeding a child, sculptures of supple breasts and a headless naked body of a male. Its ceilings are decorated with egg cartons while hanging lights illuminate the metal tables and chairs. Though the stage consists only of a small platform, the equipment provided is enough for the artists to fill the space with soulful vibes. If you want different scenery, a garden area is available where one can eat, drink, and even take pleasure from a cigarette or two.
Known for their bestsellers Kaldereta, Lechon Kawali and Chicken Teriyaki among many others, the bar prides itself not just with delectable Asian dishes but with the kind of music accompanying every stay in Conspi where it has been known for.
Legendary artists unite
It is when legendary Filipino artists Bayang Barrios, Cookie Chua, Cynthia Alexander, Gary Granada, Joey Ayala and Noel Cabangon came together to build an avenue for the love of alternative music that Conspi came to be. They call themselves “Conspirators” for being the founders of the bar that, like them, has become legendary through the times. The home-turned-
café is an immersion of sorts, catering to those who are fond of authentic art. There are nights for poetry reading called Writer’s Night, for those who want to recite a poem or two or even three, that one can enjoy with a bottle of beer or some cocktails with friends while listening to the works of Rio Alma and Edith Tiempo, or even the works of the readers themselves. Acoustic nights showcase various artists ranging from underrated singers like Johnoy Danao and Dong Abay, budding performers like Bullet Dumas and Tao Aves, mainstream performers like Sitti, to singing giants Noel Cabangon and Joey Ayala, along with the other “Conspirators.” Finally, the Salinawit, an open mic event, features minds like that of Pete Lacaba and Rissa Hontiveros, where people can share their thoughts pertaining to social issues.
Artistic freedom
In Conspi, it doesn’t matter what isms you believe in, as long as you have the passion for life, music, and social awareness, expect to have a good time. On some occasions, spectators are asked to sing along on stage, speak their minds or share stories from the past. There is always good company inside, whether you are a familiar face or not. Despite humbling times, Conspi still subsists; thanks to investors who were able to help in operating the business. It even holds charity events to raise fund for typhoon victims now and then. Now on its tenth year this coming December, the bar remains true to its purpose – to provide a place for passionate artists and listeners to celebrate true Filipino music and gather the lovers of liberal arts – amidst financial obstacles and change in music trends.
The Conspiracy Garden Café is open daily, from Mondays to Saturdays from 5AM to 2AM while Sundays are open from 5AM to 10PM where they have a Gospel Jam. On gig nights, you can enjoy the music of various artists for only P100-P200.
Conspi, as it is commonly known, is nothing less than a cultural haven. The place is adorned with contemporary pieces of art displaying photographs of homosexual lovers, paintings of a lactating mother breastfeeding a child, sculptures of supple breasts and a headless naked body of a male. Its ceilings are decorated with egg cartons while hanging lights illuminate the metal tables and chairs. Though the stage consists only of a small platform, the equipment provided is enough for the artists to fill the space with soulful vibes. If you want different scenery, a garden area is available where one can eat, drink, and even take pleasure from a cigarette or two.
Known for their bestsellers Kaldereta, Lechon Kawali and Chicken Teriyaki among many others, the bar prides itself not just with delectable Asian dishes but with the kind of music accompanying every stay in Conspi where it has been known for.
Legendary artists unite
It is when legendary Filipino artists Bayang Barrios, Cookie Chua, Cynthia Alexander, Gary Granada, Joey Ayala and Noel Cabangon came together to build an avenue for the love of alternative music that Conspi came to be. They call themselves “Conspirators” for being the founders of the bar that, like them, has become legendary through the times. The home-turned-
café is an immersion of sorts, catering to those who are fond of authentic art. There are nights for poetry reading called Writer’s Night, for those who want to recite a poem or two or even three, that one can enjoy with a bottle of beer or some cocktails with friends while listening to the works of Rio Alma and Edith Tiempo, or even the works of the readers themselves. Acoustic nights showcase various artists ranging from underrated singers like Johnoy Danao and Dong Abay, budding performers like Bullet Dumas and Tao Aves, mainstream performers like Sitti, to singing giants Noel Cabangon and Joey Ayala, along with the other “Conspirators.” Finally, the Salinawit, an open mic event, features minds like that of Pete Lacaba and Rissa Hontiveros, where people can share their thoughts pertaining to social issues.
Artistic freedom
In Conspi, it doesn’t matter what isms you believe in, as long as you have the passion for life, music, and social awareness, expect to have a good time. On some occasions, spectators are asked to sing along on stage, speak their minds or share stories from the past. There is always good company inside, whether you are a familiar face or not. Despite humbling times, Conspi still subsists; thanks to investors who were able to help in operating the business. It even holds charity events to raise fund for typhoon victims now and then. Now on its tenth year this coming December, the bar remains true to its purpose – to provide a place for passionate artists and listeners to celebrate true Filipino music and gather the lovers of liberal arts – amidst financial obstacles and change in music trends.
The Conspiracy Garden Café is open daily, from Mondays to Saturdays from 5AM to 2AM while Sundays are open from 5AM to 10PM where they have a Gospel Jam. On gig nights, you can enjoy the music of various artists for only P100-P200.
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