*Jozzua Notes from a Business and Marketing Strategist/Tactician

Noel Cabangon and 70s Bistro

Last night, I had a social get-together with some old College buddies and their wives. I was able to visit 70s Bistro again after a long while. You may recall that I posted about the restaurant once before (recommended it as a great dinner date place).

Noel Cabangon dropped by our table and chatted with us. It was nice to talk with him again. We joked and he wondered why we didn't go to his concerts lately. Seeing the wives there, he must've figured it out. You see, we've been going to the bistro since College. Some girlfriends were met there. Even the ex-girlfriends (now wives) were taken to dinner there. The place has quite a history with the gang.

It was sad to hear that Noel was no longer a regular there. He had been playing in 70s Bistro on wednesday evenings. We were regular patrons. Nowadays, he's focused on his own restaurant and bar - one he and Gary Granada set up. It's called the Conspiracy and is found just along Visayas Avenue in Quezon City (Philippines). I believe he now plays every Wednesday in the Conspiracy.

Noel played his music last night. We enjoyed it amidst the beer, cheese sticks, sisig and steamed fish. There were a couple of Koreans listening to him. He was tactful enough to talk mostly in English so that the visitors would understand.

At one point, he invited the crowd to try and visit Batanes. Batanes is a group of islands wayyyy up North of Luzon, Philippines. He had a concert there and he enjoyed the simplicity of life. He said there were few colors around - green, blues and whites. Green grasses and trees, blue waters and clear white skies were all one could see.

That's what makes him unique. Noel Cabangon is very friendly and down-to-earth. Before he plays, he'd go around and chit-chat with the people. Somehow, he remembers the faces of his fans and patrons. I think he knows our favorite music. Last night he played U2's Stuck in A Moment. I really enjoyed that one.

We left earlier than our usual schedule (only 12 midnight!). It must've been the effect of having the missus along.

I was rather tipsy going out the bar. I just took a cab and went straight home. It was a great evening.