This 2020, we bid goodbye to this well-loved places
A lot of us lost so many opportunities this year when the pandemic began that we hated 2020 so much. People went jobless while sad to say, there are some whose family did not make it. Then the places we used to visit went bankrupt so the owners decided to close them.
These places were a huge part of our identity, our family, and barkada tradition. There are pain and nostalgia seeing them no longer operating.
Bars and restaurants
Shangri-La Finest Chinese Cuisine
After almost 4 decades in the business, Shangri-La Finest Chinese Cuisine finally bid farewell because of the ongoing pandemic that brought them many challenges. Established in 1983, they began catering to 400 people even with just a team of 10 persons.
It was able to grow to a crew of 110 that can serve more than a thousand customers. Another milestone of this fine dining restaurant is a visit from Pope John Paul II when he came to the Philippines in 1995.
The Chocolate Kiss Cafe
Netizens cannot help but mourn when Chocolate Kiss Cafe in UP Diliman posted their announcement. This iconic cafe opened in 1997 and became an instant hit among UP students, alumni, teachers, and VIP guests. Thankfully, even the physical store in Bahay ng Alumni closed, they still decided to sell their desserts online. These popular desserts are now available for pickup at their Fairview commissary.
Moksha
After closing the restaurant in March, Moksha re-entered the business in June with new operating hours and promos. However, the owners can no longer sustain its operation. “The effects of the pandemic is really bad. Everything’s working against us now. Bars aren’t really allowed to operate so everything is stacked against us.” The bar which provided a sanctuary for tired young professionals eventually closed in early July.
San Juan neighborhood bar Moksha reopened in June with new operating hours and promos, after temporarily ceasing operations in March but the new normal proved unsustainable for the bar that’s been providing a “home away from home” to tired yuppies for 17 years.
Parks and Recreation
Jump Yard
On the same day that Fun Ranch said goodbye also announced its permanent closure. This is the first trampoline park in the Philippines. The owner said in a post, “Thanks for the memories, jumpers! we’re sure gonna miss the squad.”
KidZania
After 5 years of bringing joy, KidZania Manila officially closed for business. As a subsidiary of Play Innovations Incorporated, the company explained its income loss during the pandemic. “With the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuring community quarantine, we have complied and suspended operations to prevent the further spread of the virus, which resulted in a massive impact on our revenues.”
Travel and Tourism
Marco Polo Davao
Started around 1998, the five-star hotel in the South announced that it will cease its operations last June 15. The company stated, “Our priority is to take care of our associates while the company can,” it said. “We will forever be grateful for your unconditional contribution.”
The Oasis Paco Park Hotel
This hotel has been serving guests for a whole decade but they can no longer resume operations due to COVID-19. Its popular restaurant My Kitchen at the Oasis also closed its doors.
With our hearts aching for these places, we really do hope that soon they can rebuild again their businesses in the near future.
