Retirees are known to take things easy, but certainly not for La Salle Green Hills (LSGH) batchmates Jack Teotico, Dindo Ibazeta, and Gilbert dela Cruz. All done with the stress of corporate work and happily enjoying their senior discounts, together with other schoolmates, they decided to form a band and eventually open Red Rhino restaurant and bar.
Apart from his interest in visual arts, Galerie Joaquin founder Jack Teotico loves music. A proud collector of vinyl records, he recalls rushing home after school so he and his close friend Dindo Ibazeta (now Red Rhino manager) could play their new records.
“We listened to the Beatles, Chicago, Rolling Stones, and other popular bands. I think I was one of the first to have a Beatles album in the Philippines. My father was sent to Chicago and he bought me two Beatles albums. He told me American teenagers were going crazy over these four guys,” he said.
Back in high school, he and his friends formed a band and played during parties. “I realized when you play the guitar, you win points, especially with the girls. And so I learned to play guitar,” he joked.
His love for music continued even with a full-time job. He wrote a music column for a daily newspaper and was immersed in the vibrant concert scene. In time, he and his friends started producing concerts featuring top artists like Joey Albert and Martin Nievera.
“This was back in the ‘80s and the live concert scene was alive. Composers, artists, musicians, they all became my friends.”
He intends to bring back the excitement of the local music scene with the Red Rhino bar and restaurant. It all started when they were preparing for their 2020 LSGH homecoming. As golden jubilarians, they wanted a memorable celebration. “I suggested that we form a band, this was in 2016, and so we have all the time to prepare. My friends and I got together, learned some songs and started rehearsing.”
They called themselves Rockitwell simply because they were jammed and rehearsed in Rockwell. “It was just a small space, and we rehearsed for three and a half years, and it was fun,” he said. Pretty soon they started having gigs in venues like Musika in Greenhills, 19 East, 12 Monkeys, and other events.
As expected, they brought the house down when they took centerstage during their 2020 homecoming. The adrenaline rush was like no other and so apart from ‘keeping’ the band they decided to open a place where they could regularly perform. Located in The Hub, Greenfield District in Mandaluyong, Red Rhino Bar has a complete menu, “not just bar chows,” he said.
The place serves everything from appetizers, salads, sandwiches, pasta, pizza, breakfast treats, beef, pork, and salmon dishes, even desserts. Doors open by 5 p.m., and guests can meet up for an early meal before catching the evening’s featured performers.
Aside from Rockitwell, Red Rhino regularly features the music of Area One, Progeny, Inheat and other top bands. The place also holds solo concerts of popular artists, themed nights and private events.
According to manager Dindo Ibazeta, “Balikbayan nights at Red Rhino” are a consistent hit. “We had them on Monday nights in January because usually they like spending the holidays in Manila. By dinner time this place is packed,” he said.
Aside from drinking and dancing, their balikbayan guests also love jamming with the band. Red Rhino also holds themed nights like their “Blue and Green” shows where performers from La Salle and Ateneo take centerstage.
Check out the bar’s official Facebook page for the nightly entertainment line-up.
