Bobby Velasco shows a part of his record collection on his wall.

Walking through their doors easily transports you to an Austin Powers movie. Everything’s “Groovy Baby, Yeah!” The place is a celebration of sentimentality for time’s past from the décor, memorabilia, collectibles and even the neon lights.

Café de Malate turns 26 on Thursday, Nov. 12. The café is a time capsule that honors the music and movie icons of the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s.

The vinyl collection on the wall speaks for itself. The Jackson Five has a handsome 16-year-old Michael as lead singer. The Knack’s album with their hit “My Sharona” is pasted beside Dionne Warwick’s. A young Johnny Mathis is above the Carpenters and ABBA. And before you accuse them of not having OPM artists, Ryan Cayabyab’s and the Apo Hiking Society’s LP have their own place of privilege on the wall.

The difference between the typical throwback resto is the homey feel that the place has which is no accident. For decades celebrities have appreciated the unique ambiance that can’t be found anywhere else. First established in 1983, the original address was on Leon Guinto St.

Everyone from Erap Estrada, Robin Padilla, Joey Marquez, Governor Piñol, Edu Manzano have at one time or another visited the famed restaurant and bar. The “Goin’ Bananas” Gang of Edgar Mortiz, Jay Ilagan, Al Tantay, and Christopher de Leon were all regulars. “Goin’ Bananas” was a hit show during the ’80s that combined comedy skits and music. Lito Pimentel, Joey de Leon, Bossing Vic Sotto, Rudy Fernandez and Sen. Bong Revilla were also frequent clients.

Female singers that have become popular started their careers in Café de Malate: Kyla, Jennylyn Mercado and even Ayen Munji Laurel. Ayen’s musical talent came from her father. Emil Munji, who worked as pianist at Café, was a famous pianist/keyboardist who has worked alongside Jose Mari Chan and Bert Nievera. Only a few people know that a young voluptuous Rosanna Roces first made her debut at the café also as a singer.

The creator and owner of the Café de Malate concept is Bobby Velasco. He has a colorful personal history that includes a wide range of jobs before becoming a successful restaurateur. He was orphaned at a young age and worked by the time he was 14. He started out as a dishwasher, became a security guard and waiter. He was also able to take up a course in Criminology during his college years. But it wasn’t until his stint as a floor manager at a bar called Paru-parung Bukid, that he had his own idea for a bar.

He was able to make connections with famous performers when he moved on as manager of Bodega Bar. Freddie Aguilar called him “boss” because of his stint there. His love for music allowed him to branch out in concert production. Concerts he’s produced include artists such as Dulce, Marco Sison, Kuh Ledesma, Claire Dela Fuente and Carmen Soriano.

Velasco also became a contributing photographer to Manila Bulletin. His eye for beauty qualified him as photographer twice for Miss Universe pageants. He was able to recruit models for fashion shows that he also produced. One of them was a young and sexy Carmi Martin, who we now know as a successful actress.

He knew that apart from the homey and comfortable atmosphere, he needed musical talents who could perform at his bar. Diomedes Maturan, Elizabeth Ramsey and Yoyoy Villame all sang at the famed café. Velasco also wanted quality cuisine ranging from Filipino to Japanese and American.
Asked how he feels about his feat, Velasco flashed a smile of contentment. And why not? His café has survived every political and economic turmoil in the country.

Café de Malate already showed a strong foundation during the Marcos regime, and it survived the many threats to business stability during the succeeding administration.

Across a dart board filled with photos of celebs with Bobby are two red boxing gloves. Beside it is a sketch of “People’s Champ” Manny Pacquiao. The boxing hero dropped by the place way before his rise to worldwide recognition. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a yuppie who doesn’t know what a vinyl record is or a member of the hippie generation. Going to Café de Malate is worth the trip to find out why the stars have made it their home away from home.

You’ll probably wonder – what’s so special about Café de Malate? A lot of people say it’s Crispy Pata (Café serves as one of the best, if not the best in town), others swear the beautiful ladies are big come-on. Or Café’s efficient service and Bobby’s effective public relation, perhaps, in fact, a hundred and one reasons why Café de Malate habitués – businessmen, government officials, and media men – patronize the place.

In celebration of their 26th year, Bobby Velasco will be in a festive mood once more to welcome its patrons and friends a night of superb entertainment and passion. Café de Malate gives away free pica-pica and welcome drinks to all its guests this Thursday.

By the way, the nightly performers at the place are Jane Magistrada (Mondays and Thursdays), Margarette Montenegro (Tuesdays and Fridays), and Angel Sanchez (Wednesdays).

Bobby Velasco’s Café de Malate is located at 1888 M. H. Del Pilar St. Malate, Manila. The place is also open for private parties and other function needs. For reservations and inquiries, visit www.bobbyscafe.multiply.com.