Wednesday, July 02, 2008 No-frills favorite By Jigs Arquiza
I’M always on the lookout for new places to hang out in, whether it’s to indulge myself in the house specialty, or just to have a few drinks with friends. One such place I’ve found is Pandora’s Box Artists’ Cafe near the corner of Gorordo Ave. where it meets the Ayala access road. Called PBX for short, the place is a no-frills hangout, perfect for those with simple tastes.
Interiors are quite cozy; so cozy that aside from the bar, there are only three tables inside the establishment. This is the reason why most customers prefer to hang out right in front of PBX. Even with such a small place, proprietors Lorenz Ostrea and Dhee Evangelista have obviously put a lot of effort into PBX. Posters of their band, Pandora, line the wall, together with posters of other local bands as well as classic rock artists.
Furniture is a combination of native and, for lack of a better description, Salvation Army traditional. Small as it is, this minuscule watering hole is a favorite among Cebu’s underground subculture. Aside from artists and musicians, quite a good number of call center agents find their way to PBX, to have a bite to eat before going to work, or to simply have a bottle of beer or two before going home.
Music at PBX is a mix of genres, ranging from classic rock to new rock and everything in-between. Rock ‘n’ roll notwithstanding, other kinds of music, like new wave and house, are also played at Pandora’s Box. Bisrock, for some reason, seems to be taboo.
Food at PBX is, to use an oft-repeated phrase, simple yet satisfying. Their tapsilog using homemade tapa is among the best in Cebu and their mojo potatoes, also homemade, serve as a great beer match. PBX’s burger steak can actually hold it’s own against some commercial brands.
With today’s rising prices, PBX is a welcome addition to Cebu’s nightlife. With PBX’s inexpensive food and drinks, intellectual discussions with regular customers and an eclectic music playlist, what more could you ask for?
