Do you agree that music is a subtle way of setting the mood? Whenever I step inside my room, I never forget to switch on my iTunes and play some music depending on what swings my mood. In the mornings, I prefer listening to Hillsong, Chris Tomlin and Gungor music to brighten up my day and give me songs of hope and peace. In the evenings, I let Jack Johnson, Jason Mraz, Coldpplay, Temper Trap or Gary V serenade me. I may not be the type of person who brings an ipod, wear ear or headphones in public. But I’m the type of person who cannot live without music. It’s such a cliche but music is one of my personal basic needs.
A week ago, I let music take my route and drove from Greenhills to Katipunan. (I didn’t technically drive though. Hehe.) At Route 196, two of my favorite girls had their very first gig and I didn’t want to miss that chance to support them.
Docdef Productions had the idea of packing the night with bands from acoustic to hard rock level. From 7:30pm up until 3am, Route 196 was full of musical notes all over the place. There was no room for monotonous sound.
RONY, an indie acoustic duo namely Rosee and Jony, was one of the performers of Docdef Productions. If you are familiar with Jayeslee, Youtube sensation who are acoustic twin sisters from Australia, then you’ll get an image how RONY sounds like when they perform. (I suggest you search them on Youtube if the name is alien to you)
I would have nightmares if I miss the night of RONY’s first performance. An hour of their performance made the people shout “More! More!”. It’s amazing to hear their angelic voices bring life to acoustic music. Thank God they sing regularly at Friday Night Light, CCF Makati and I don’t need to pay if I want to hear their dynamic voices.
Jeff Lucas shared his music after RONY’s performance. He is another talented guy from Friday Night Light who made us all proud.
So proud of them – Jeff Lucas with RONY (Rosee and Jony). 🙂
Friends from Friday Night Light came to support RONY.
Colleagues from Citibank chose to spend their night at Route 196.
The night won’t be complete without these….
FOOD!
Noypi Pizza (Php 265)
Rate: 4/5
Thin crust pizza with tinapa and kesong puti, 2 simple ingredients that mix good together. Its simplicity is one reason why pinoys who frequent Route 196 order this type of pizza.
Tomato Vodka Penne (Php 165)
Rate: 3/5
I will never know there was vodka used as part of the main ingredient unless I check the menu and know what the dish is called. Even a hint of vodka, I wasn’t aware as I was taking more than 3 bites. This is their only tomato-based pasta on the menu. Route 196 is no Italian restaurant so if you are longing for pasta, this is probably the best choice.
Five Spiced Squid (Php 180)
Rate: 3/5
Five Spiced Squid (Php 180) – While listening to good live music, it’s best to match it with a plate of Five Spiced Squid.
Deviled Chicken (Php 170)
Rate: 3/5
People look forward to ordering chicken wings in places like Route 196. This comfort food did not pass the standards of my ideal chicken wings but I guess it is good enough for its price and size. Surely you’ll be entertained at Route 196, so the longing for excellent taste of chicken wings might not matter anymore.
When you plan to visit Route 196, make sure you prepare your budget not only for the food but also for the entrance fee. During Docdef Productions’ “Segunda”, entrance fee costed Php150, with one free drink already. Aside from RONY, performers of that night were Furnoise, Langit Lupa, Bakeshop, Pale Yellow Light, Maya’s Anklet, December Avenue, Blue Ketchup, Tanya Markova and Autotelic.
Choosing to be at Route 196 to support friends was one wise decision I made. There were supposed to be other engagements but I had to turn them down for RONY. Guess it wasn’t an erroneous choice after all. Delighted to be at Route 196 that evening.
Pray, Eat and Love.
Cheers,
The Food Scout

Location:196-A Katipunan Ave., Blue Ridge A, Quezon City, Philippines
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Route-196-Bar/236573923040171

Budget: PHP250++
Rate:

Food 7/10
Ambiance 8/10
Service 8/10
Cost 8/10
Overall 7.75/10

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