B-Side is closing and everything is worse now. That line might be stolen from Bojack Horseman, but my sentiments are not. Seasons change, every song ends, and great things don’t last forever.

Local music, arts, and everything in between were foreign to me back then. That just wasn’t the world I was exposed to growing up. But working in and out as a gig photographer for B-Side back in college changed that mindset completely.

This compound in Malugay, Makati bore witness to an important milestone in local history. It held both Red Ninja’s indie year-enders and the monthly Balian Ng Leeg metal/hardcore series. It’s where Fliptop culture found its home. It’s where the echoes of Sev’s Cafe rippled in Aloha Bar.

When we were teenagers, we all grow attached to one place that stays with us forever. That which will always be the Young Adult venue of our life story, without ever being cheesy. The one that will always be a part of something bigger than ourselves

It finally came to an end last Saturday at The Collective, Makati where B-Side held its ultimate gig to end all gigs. Like all memorable events in its past, the performers ranged from various genres—from alternative rock to hip-hop. Cheats, Bras Pas Pas Pas Pas, Bawal Clan, Ourselves the Elves, and Kapitan Kulam were among the acts that sent B-Side off.

But chaos unfolded once the influx of attendees became uncontrollable. Windows smashed, graffitied walls tagged, and bouncers outnumbered. An institution like B-Side did not deserve this finale.

When we were teenagers, we all grow attached to one place that stays with us forever. That which will always be the Young Adult venue of our life story, without ever being cheesy. The one that will always be a part of something bigger than ourselves.

For me, that one place was the local music hub in Makati’s B-Side.

As we say goodbye to this lovable and gritty compound in Makati, we say our final goodbyes along with some of its patrons and its owners as well.

“B-Side played a huge part in molding me into what kind of artist I am today” — Rap Dela Fuente, Fliptop veteran

Alaric “Anygma” Yuson, rapper and Fliptop founder

How do you feel about B-Side closing its doors?

Masaya na ako na tumagal na nang ganun ’yung pagtulong at pagiging bukas na tahanan ng B-Side sa buong Manila scene, sa napakaraming production at genre. Alam naman nating karamihan na ang music venue mahirap talaga patayuin at palakasin, mga patok na club nga ilang taon lang; kaya laking bagay talaga na tumagal na rin ng ganyan ’yung B-Side. Maraming maraming salamat sa kanila, sa buong staff, at sa mga tao na nasa likod nito.

“Napakaraming iba’-ibang genre ang naabutan ko sa B-Side: hip-hop, rock, reggae, electronica, at halos lahat na” —Alaric “Anygma” Yuson, rapper and Fliptop veteran

Rap “Apoc” Dela Fuente, rapper and Fliptop veteran

What does B-Side mean to you?

B-Side is not just a “venue” for music events. It is our playground for artistic freedom. It is the breathing ground for the urban subculture. It’s where like-minded people gather and celebrate this lifestyle.

How do you feel about B-Side closing its doors?

It was somehow heartbreaking to hear that B-Side will soon close its doors. I felt this way because I practically grew up in B-Side. First time I performed here was on March 20, 2010 for FlipTop: Second Sight. I did lots of rap battles in B-Side.

And the last time I showcased my talent in this place was just a few weeks ago, September 8, 2018 for FlipTop: Bwelta Balentong 5. In addition, I did countless [music] gigs down there. I also released my first solo album there on September 29, 2017.

My run with B-Side went for eight years. I met a lot of friends here. I lost and won battles here. More importantly, B-Side played a huge part in molding me into what kind of artist I am today. So yeah, seeing B-Side get closed down might be upsetting. But at the same time, I have dozens of great memories of B-Side that I can cherish.

“Tulad ng mga gig venues na nagsara, alam mo ’yun, ’yung mga kaluluwa at mga alaala, may espesyal na puwang palagi sa puso mo para ireminis” — Burn Mercado, musician and owner of Aloha Bar

Burn Mercado, musician and owner of Aloha Bar

What does B-Side mean to you?

Malungkot kasi sobrang daming happy memories, mga pagkakaibigang nabuo, mga gigs na di malilimutan, mga late night wasak at sabaw moments in life. May mga experience rin na nahulma at nasubok ’yung pagkatao ko lalo na kasi nandoon ang Aloha Bar.

How do you feel about B-Side closing its doors?

Matagal ko nang alam na magsasara. Akala ko ready na ’yung puso ko pag talagang inanunsyo na pero di pa pala. Dami niyang feels eh. Pero tulad ng mga gig venues na nagsara, alam mo ’yun, ’yung mga kaluluwa at mga alaala, may espesyal na puwang palagi sa puso mo para ireminis.

Nicole Sarmiento, “Ninja Master” at Red Ninja Productions

How do you feel about B-Side closing its doors?

Of course, like most gig-goers, I’m sad about B-Side closing. We had our biggest events at that venue. We also had Lions & Acrobats’ first album launch there. I’ve made so many memories in B-Side and I can’t believe that I won’t be making new ones. It truly is an end of an era. It’s a shame that we couldn’t have our 10th anniversary there.

What do you hope to be the legacy of B-Side?

I think B-Side’s legacy would be giving a chance to productions who are just about to start out a chance to make great events. We grew in B-Side and we’re very thankful that they accommodated us the past few years.

We bid farewell for this compound who closed its doors on an awful yet memorable note. Though its legacy will live on through artists that found a home there and the patrons that will still hear the words “B-Side magingay!” in their minds when it’s all over.

Art by Ela King
Photos by Rogin Losa