Say your farewells to Route 196

As the pandemic continues to plague our lives, businesses struggle to survive and many that rely on heavy volumes of patrons have closed down―from beloved cafes to bars that equally defined our youth. And yesterday, another iconic bar and gig venue has reached the end of the road. 

On Aug. 23, Sunday, Route 196 posted across all their social media accounts that they’re closing their doors after 15 years.

“We may be walking towards a different direction for now, but we wanted to make sure you had something to always remind you of our crazy ride together, the things we learned, the noise we made, the rules we broke, and the friends we picked up along the way,” they said.

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Alas, we’re at the end of the road for Route 196. We may be walking towards a different direction for now, but we wanted to make sure you had something to always remind you of our crazy ride together, the things we learned, the noise we made, the rules we broke, and the friends we picked up along the way. So here, take us with you on your next journey. And never forget that, for 15 years, all roads led to Route 196. The Route 196 Farewell T-Shirt is Php 850, designed by @robcham. For orders, please check @manila__takeout or click the link in our bio. Video by Regina Suarez

A post shared by Route 196 (@route196rocks) on Aug 23, 2020 at 6:35am PDT

Fondly called “Route” by patrons, this Katipunan bar was a vital part of the local music scene and served as a home to many artists who wanted nothing more than to share their craft with a community that appreciates indie music.

Some of our fave local acts even paid tribute to Route.

Indie Guards of Manila
Halloween costumes at Route 196 5 years ago ?https://t.co/qA5budPGZH pic.twitter.com/pznVdeGrEQ

— Oh, Flamingo! (@OhFlamingoMusic) August 23, 2020

Magsasara na ba talaga ang “homebase” namin, Route 196? Bwiset na pandemya ‘to, tumigil ang mundo ng lahat.

Ang daming masasayang alaala sa bar na ‘to. Mami-miss namin ang pagsampa sa stage, kwento/inom/kain kasama mga kaibigan sa mga lamesa sa labas, mga panalong gig. pic.twitter.com/tPAkTr2Fyv

— Autotelic (@AutotelicMusic) August 23, 2020

Bahay namin ang @route196rocks.
(Video by @Alco_Guerrero)#ThankYouRoute196 #OPMlivesHere pic.twitter.com/2Eo3wAeCkc

— The Itchyworms (@theitchyworms) August 24, 2020

As a sort of memento to its patrons, Route 196 will be selling a farewell t-shirt designed by Rob Cham. You can cop the shirt on Manila Takeout’s website for P850.

So here, take us with you in your next journey. And never forget that, for 15 years, all roads led to Route 196.

The Route 196 Farewell T-Shirt is Php 800, designed by Rob Cham. For orders, please check out https://t.co/hih2mZrws1. pic.twitter.com/9Jd3Y7P6L9

— Route 196 (@route196rocks) August 23, 2020

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Photos by Rogin Losa