I've been drinking at Cubao Expo since college and that was more or less 8 years ago.
I love Expo, I really do—it's my holy ground.
There is nothing like Expo; the aesthetic, the very random variety of establishments, the old, retro vibe amidst the sea of skyscrapers, the very artsy and amiable community, the adorable cats, the fairly priced food and drinks, and the overall feeling of belongingness. I feel like I belong in Expo and I don't need to be anybody but me—just carefree me enjoying whoever's pleasant company and a cold bottle of Smirnoff while Fred's blast punk and rock favorites.
I have been to QC's Pop-Up and Tomas Morato, Makati's Poblacion, Taguig's BGC, and other bars and clubs scattered around the Metro but I always find myself yearning for the comfort Expo offers—especially Fred's (my favorite drinking place in Expo).
I dread the day something happens to Expo (god forbid) or if I need to relocate someplace else and I won't be able to get my fix at least once a month. Expo is a gem that needs to be experienced by many more. It was hard enough during the lockdown, I was so anxious about what might happen to Expo if the lockdown continued.
I have so many memories of this place. Many nights were spent with college friends crying about school and the shitty life situations we were in. Many bottles were drank while ranting about trash employers, unsatisfying paychecks, and the overall dread of being plunged deeper into adulting. Many happy stories were shared among friends still thriving and trying to find what makes life worth living. Many photos and videos of me and V enjoying our Saturday nights and talking about everything under the sun. Many tears were shed from trying to fix broken hearts.
I was scared for a while that I might somehow always see V's face whenever I go to Expo, but I'm so glad the love I have for my holy ground helped me see those memories as mere memories—things that were only good in the past.
I brought a boy and introduced him to my holy ground. He said he likes the place and we go there regularly... and we just talk. We sit by the bar in front of the Keanu Reeves shower curtain inside Fred's. We talk and drink for hours as I get to know him more and more. I love Expo nights with him.
Lovers and friends will come and go but Cubao Expo won't. Cubao Expo will always be there for me.
The only flaw of Expo is that it closes at midnight hahaha. I need them to be open until 3am, but nevertheless, I love Expo with all my heart.
blakekathryn
janainaart
tangentwithtanner
germansingergirl
kaledo-art
