X marks the spot

I hate goodbyes—whether I’m saying it to a person, a favorite show ending its series run, or a beach that I visited even for just a few days. So it pains me to have to bid farewell to CubaoX—sure I’ve only been there a couple of times, but this place is pretty special. Once you step inside, you get the feeling that you’ve been let in on a juicy secret. The air is ripe with nostalgia, and the spot is so comfortably old school that you half expect a young Guy and Pip to round the corner. It reminded me of the days when I'd visit my grandparents in Cubao before finally moving there--smelling durian (one of my lolo's favorites) for the first time, watching John & Marsha while I sat on my lola's nightgown-turned-swing, seeing my brothers brandishing ting-tings while chasing butterflies. CubaoX was the time portal to the Cubao I held in my memory.

I must admit that I haven’t browsed through every single establishment on the premises, but it’s a testament to CubaoX’s character when even just a sampling of its offerings has got me feeling wistful. There’s Pablo, THE place to go to for items by Manila’s uber-talented graphic-design set; Future Prospects, with inspiring exhibits you can view while sipping a beer; Blacksoup Project, which hosted the funky Lomo Love exhibit; the Grand Thrift Shop and Vintage Pop, both chock-full o’ retro treasures; the first-ever (so I’ve heard) branch of Janylin, the stiletto-lovers’ local mecca; and, of course, Bellini’s, which made me believe in love at first bite.

(From top) The Grand Thift Shop, circa 2005. Pablo, one of my favorite spots--the lamps are so chic! Reading the Bellini's menu one late afternoon. The first floor of Future Prospects.

Surely, not everyone appreciates its artsy, oddball appeal—but those who do will likewise lament its death. But hold the tears—CubaoX lovers will have one last chance to soak in its unique charm, and those who have yet to discover it have the perfect chance to do so as CubaoX holds an art fair/yard sale before bidding adieu. So show up for the “funeral” tomorrow, January 20, from 4-9 p.m., pay your respects—and take a little of CubaoX home with you.

Photos by At Maculangan