GenSan News Online Mag

Bariles was very much privileged to have been able to visit GenSan’s premier acoustic restobar, Tatay Pepe’s at its new location along Laurel East Avenue when it recently celebrated it’s 8th anniversary with a party.

"Tatay Pepe's at their new location along Laurel East Avenue, General Santos City"

It has been a long time since he spent one Valentine’s Night there, seven years ago with his friends and colleagues from his former employer, Anna@Rythms 97.5-FM (National Broadcasting Corporation).  Tatay Pepe’s (owned by childhood friends Mae Encarnado and Jas Descalzo) was the group’s favorite hangout when they wanted to unwind and listen to talented young female and male acoustic performers and partake of the bar’s famous Goto, Batchoy and Sinugba.

The invitation therefore from Tatay Pepe’s co-owner Jazmin Descalzo to the 8th anniversary party was a very welcome development.

Bariles was curious about the quality of the bar’s new offerings which seem to attract so many customers every night especially during weekends.

This is judging from the number of vehicles parked infront of its main entrance everytime he passed by.

Aside from that, the Fishman also wanted to meet some old friends and former habitues of the restobar when it was still in situated along Osmena North.

The new Tatay Pepe’s has a wider facade with space for its barbecue grill on the left .  Upon entering its wide doors, Bariles immediately noticed a roofed stage about a few meters to the right of the entrance, in the middle of an open veranda which separates the performers from the audience area.

"Tatay Pepe's stage situated at the edge of an open-air veranda"

The hall of the new Tatay Pepe’s is more spacious and can easily accommodate around 100 seated guests.  When Bariles arrived, he was met by Jaz who was then celebrating her birthday and the welcoming faces and smiles of old friends who have started passing around drinks earlier.

"Some of the guests during Tatay's Pepe's 8th Anniversary and co-owner Jaz Descalzo's birthday party."

Farther inside the bar is a separate hut for groups who would like their own private area.  This is just beside the kitchen and looks out into the stage and audience area.

"The more private hut for customers wanting exclusivity, just like this happy and gay group of Tatay Pepe's 8th Anniversary guests."

After a moment rebonding with old friends and having his fill of the free chow, Bariles settled in to discover the real reason why Tatay Pepe’s still packs them all in even after eight years.

With only a guitar and a boom box to accompany them, both the female and male singers and their mellifluous voices did justice individually or as a duo to current hit songs from both OPM and foreign artists.

So these exceptional performers, who are local artists are the reasons why Tatay Pepe’s is still up there in the entertainment radar of the generals.  Now Bariles knows.  Now You know.

By the way, just like during the early days of Tatay Pepe’s, customers may still JAM with the performers on stage and sing to their hearts’ delight.  Be sure to bring your own cheering squad!

"City Councilor Meg Santos jamming it with one of Tatay Pepe's exceptionally-gifted singers."

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