Photos via Fred’s Revolucion’s Facebook page
Fred’s Revolucion has been such a success the past two years that it’s opened up an extension right across the original location, where Future used to be. It still is, as the quirky owners like to describe it, “a home for sincere drinkers, merrily celebrating the legacy of Lolo Fred.” Lolo Fred is Fred Santos, grandfather of photojournalist Derek Soriano, who likes to go by the alias El Commandante Jefe. ECJ, like some of his co-owners, was once an activist getting into all sorts of troubles. “[ECJ’s] lolo told him,” narrates co-owner Gina Abuyuan (a.k.a. Major de Casa) over email, “‘tama na yang revo-rebolusyon na yan! Mag-inom na lang tayo!'” Hence, Fred’s Revolucion.
THE LOOK: Like a barracks for fun-loving rebels, Fred’s is decidedly masculine and comfortably lived-in. At the original spot, adjacent to the wooden panel, is a wall slowly filling up with bank notes and coasters from all over the world. At the new annex, the visual focus is a long wooden bar that would be perfect for communal drinking, solo fliers and too-many-to-mention shots of Jack. Look to your right: if the poster of Beyoncé looks right to you, you’re probably too drunk to drive home.
THE GOODS: First, a reminder: You come here to drink, whether with friends, by your lonesome, or with strangers you can most certainly pick up here; not that kind of pick up, no. Beer ranges from PHP40 (Colt45) to PHP60 (San Miguel Premium) but we recommend you try Fred’s Frozen Margarita (PHP95/glass). Match that with the Fish and Chips (PHP198), should you want something to go with your liquid poison.
OUR NOTES:
Cost: PHP500 for two bottles of beer and a plate of fish and chips.
Cleanliness: Again, comfortably lived-in. Ring marks on the table, a few crumbs here and there.
Service: It can be an exercise on assertiveness and patience. If you sit by the bar, you’ll witness just how daunting running a bar can be.
Sound level: Right on. The staff, familiar with the playlist, turns it down as though on cue, when big ballooning choruses happen.
Lighting: Warm and cozy, just as you want your bar to be.
Fred’s Revolucion, Shop 66 Cubao X, General Romulo Avenue, Cubao, Quezon City; Tue-Sun 5pm-1.30am. fredsrevolucion.weebly.com
