The End: The Outpost closes

THE fantastic run of one of Cebu’s premier destinations for local music and arts has finally come to an end.

The Outpost Restobar, located at Nivel Hills, Lahug, Cebu City, has officially ceased operating. It may be a mystery to some why the sudden news. A few musicians have also expressed their sadness over the matter.

But then collectively most musicians in Cebu both young and old are ready to turn mourning into moving on. Here are some statements gathered; said in honor of this venue where artists were encouraged to be themselves—both in art and attitude.
“The Outpost gave me a chance to play, share and enjoy music. I got to make new friends there too. I am forever thankful to The Outpost and everyone who supported it. It was home, and there’s absolutely no other place like it.”
- Bobbie Olvido, guitarist and vocalist, Sunday Sunday/Foc Fashion

“(Here are a) few words for The Outpost. ‘Kung walay The Outpost, walay The Line Divides.’”
- George, vocalist, The Line Divides.

“Cebu is a perfect place for artists and bands to start crafting good music. With only a few venues around town, artists and bands would strive harder to push their music to the limits until they get their big break and start gigging outside Cebu. Today, we are witnessing yet another great venue saying goodbye. To Outpost, thank you so much for all the wonderful memories and giving us artists a time and place to shine! Thank you for all the good booze, the good food, the good music, and the good crowd. And lastly, thank you for being part of Cebu music history! All the good artists of this generation started with you; you will be missed.”
- Russ, guitarist, Faspitch/Curbside

“I was literally lost when I found my way to The Outpost. There I found friends and family. Best of all, I got to meet and work with a lot of amazing artists like Insoy Niñal, Cattski Espina, Ian Zafra and Rommel Tuico, a collaboration that gave birth to the song Matahum Nga Cebu and little venture called Artist KO (Artists & Musicians Marketing Cooperative). All thanks to Outpost!”
- Jude Gitamondoc, songwriter

“No place will ever compare to how comfortable playing at The Outpost is. It is where my band first played and all the while, we’ve considered it more than just a restobar. Heartbreaking, but even good things come to an end. Adios to our home.”
- Xane Castillo, vocalist, March The Sky

“Because The Outpost had such an amazing creative environment, a lot of things were born there—organizations, start-up companies and events, etc. Artist KO was one of them. And along with 18 others, I had the pleasure of pushing for its birth. I knew then how important birth is. But I learned that equally as important is rebirth. And that is exactly what my music got from The Outpost.”
- Cattski Espina, singer/singwriter, founding member of Artist KO

“Some may see it merely an establishment where people go to for great food and the occasional drinking session with the buddies. But to us, it’s more than that. It’s the only place that feels like home. Great people, great music and great soul fill its four walls. The Outpost was and always will be a second home for the musicians of Cebu.”
- Carlo Salazar, guitarist, Gestalt

“A place to be yourself, hang out with friends. Yes being a musician was one, and hanging with other musicians was another, but at times you just went because it felt right. From those moments bands evolved, friendships developed, and I guess for me, another one was a little show called ‘Tambayan Sa Outpost.’ This was a show we created due to all our ‘tambays’.”
- Jay Young, show producer, bassist/Eve’s Garden

“I was a lost child before I found The Outpost. I just want to say thank you... especially for the laughing, crying, and the family we found. At The Outpost, life is truly an adventure—and we will miss it so much. Goodbye Outpost, and once again... salamat sa musika.”
- Dave Orat, lead guitarist, DecaDance

“The Outpost made growing up really easy for me. This is where strangers became friends and friends became family. Family of musicians, music lovers, and everyone who loves everything local. The most honest venue in Cebu. Goodbye for now. See you soon!”
- Kaloy Uypuanco, production designer, events manager