71 Gram of awesome

It would take Nick Fury of S.H.I.E.L.D. to get these guys together. (Or maybe a super-urgent subpoena.) In a club. From a great height. Under the death-ray sun of one afternoon in Makati. But here they are, in no particular order: GP Reyes, Erik Cua, Tim Yap, Raymond Gutierrez, Louie Ysmael, Carlo Trillo, Chef Carlo Miguel, DJ Euric Lumanog, Fabio Ide, Neil Arce and Manolet Dario — the taste-making and pace-setting board of directors. You could call them the Avengers, the League of Extraordinary Partygoers, or the Ocean’s Eleven of clubbing. The game, dear readers, is afoot.

Neil Arce and Louie Y are talking about the Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Serling’s foot-in-mouth disease. Chef Carlo Miguel shares his disdain for neckties (He says, “I wore them in school; I don’t want to wear them again.”).

“V formation!” somebody shouts, as the guys install themselves near the bar.

GP Reyes quips, “You know what? This is the tallest point anybody has ever gotten drunk in.”

“This is a little gentleman’s club within a gentleman’s club,” describes Tim Yap.

Tim is talking about the gang behind 71 Gramercy or, as the boys would call it, “71 Gram.” Since it opened its doors in late January, 71 Gramercy has taken its place as the undisputed hottest nightspot in the country. Located at the pinnacle of one of the tallest man-made structures in the Philippines — the Gramercy Residences at Century City along Kalayaan Avenue —  the resto-lounge offers a view of the Makati skyline that is without equal. Look down the balcony and you could see pedestrians like ants marching.

“We have a great synergy,” describes Tim. “We have two DJs, three promoters, the rest are creative people — everyone has a say and touch that make the whole mix really unique. We’re always pushing for the new. We’ve gone from the biggest club in the Philippines to the highest one.”

“I guess, along with Erik Cua, 71 Gramercy was really my vision,” explains GP Reyes.

Reyes had been involved in the development of the Gramercy Residences and Century City as a whole from the time Century Properties started bidding for the property many years ago.

“Jigger Antonio, project director and co-COO of Century Properties, and I were brainstorming about building the tallest residential tower in the country. Along with that entered our common love for house music, clubbing, and the nightlife, and so Jigger dreamt up having of a nightspot at the pinnacle of the skyscraper. And he asked me to put on my ‘bad boy’ hat and make it happen. This is when we pulled in Erik Cua and continued to envision how we would go about it.”

GP points out that there was a time Makati nightlife was a bit dead because happenings were concentrated at The Fort (Privé and Draft) or Resorts World (Republiq and Opus). 

It was quite an ambitious undertaking, GP admits. Very risky. No one had put up a successful rooftop bar in a true high-rise at the time, and they were dealing with 71 stories here. “But because we were able to get the perfect mix of partners together (with an influx of new blood), and of course, that unbeatable view of the Makati skyline. Everything somehow just came together into the perfect storm.”

GP quotes Hannibal of the A-Team, “I love it when a plan comes together.”

Were there ever any rifts or spats in these here stratospheric digs?

Erik says, “We’re all creative, that’s why we clash creatively.”

“Ang conflict lang natin ay kung sino ang pinaka-gwapo sa atin (laughs),” interjects GP. “Ako na ’yun. And then si Mano and Neil (two baldheaded members of the team) ay naglalaban sa shampoo.”

Erik smiles. “Pahabaan ng hair.”

“Seriously,” GP changes tone, “everybody brings something different to the table.”

“So, if you go every night, it’s different,” adds Erik. As each of the partners gets to helm a particular night.

Monday is “Sparklers,” a ’90s night. Tuesday is “ChooseDaze,” hip-hop night hosted by Euric, Mond, Carlo Trillo, and Neil. Wednesday is “Electric Runway,” the official models night at 71 Gramercy hosted by Fabio and Mano. Thursday is “Fame,” a fashion industry night hosted by Robbie Carmona and Tim Yap with RJ Mariano and Kris Nuevo. Friday is “Sorry, Mom, it’s Friday,” hosted by Euric, Mond, Carlo Trillo and Neil. Saturday is “Saturday Fun Machine,” hosted by Tim Yap with Karl Ty and Superfly.

 â€œWe meet regularly once a week,” says GP. “It helps that we’re guys and all bastos (laughs). And that we’re all good-looking so the girls come to us — especially Carlo.”

We ask GP to describe each of the partners — pet peeves, quirkiness and all.

“Neil is never on his phone,” he pokes fun at Arce who has spent a great chunk of the afternoon attached to his mobile, unmindful of the goings-on around him. GP cracks a joke about how Mano uses the best shampoo-and-conditioner combo and how big dude Euric is always working out.

Euric retorts, “And GP used to be the captain of the basketball team (laughs).”

But GP admits that it’s the influx of these new guys that has reenergized the more wizened veterans in the team — namely Louie Y, Erik and GP. Pumped new blood. Has inspired them to do even bigger projects.

GP says, “Neil calls me up every day. It’s that kind of dedication to the club. ‘Last time I observed this, I observed that.’ Even if it’s just a cigarette burn on a couch, he would call me. Before, Erik and I would take those things for granted. Now, things are different. Euric and Mano are very, very particular about the music. These guys are the future. But I’m not saying that Erik and I are the past (laughs). One day, we’re going to be on rocking chairs collecting money because of these guys.” 

Carlo Trillo explains, “Erik and GP are the heart and soul of 71 Gramercy. They’ve run a lot of clubs in the past. They’re the best at what they do. We (pointing to Euric and Neil) are newcomers. We’re learning the ropes and we see how things are being done.”

Manolet agrees. “GP is the brains behind marketing. Erik has always been very good with operations. He’d spot the tiniest mistakes in service. That’s why we have a very good team.”

Euric shares, “One thing about GP and Erik is that they know how to spot talent. Well, here I am (laughs).”

What about Louie Y? Does he get to referee these young turks?

“Louie Y is so well-respected,” says GP. “He started the club business — from Stargazer to Euphoria to Venezia. He is still the king. None of this would be possible without him. He created so many concepts. He has the final say. Whenever there’s a question up in the air that we cannot solve, we go to him.”

Who’s the most O.C.?

“Neil!” they say in chorus.

What are some of the outrageous ideas thrown around in meetings?

GP remembers, “Fabio wanted to jump (into the club) from a helicopter. Mag-isa ka na lang (laughs).”

Talking about the air up there, Tim shares that sometimes it takes all of 71 floors high to see something more clearly.

“We’re so used to the poverty porn that Metro Manila has been known for, but you could see how our cities have progressed.”

Tim pauses. Sometimes, he concludes, it takes the nightlife to shed light upon that disregarded fact.

“Well said!” the rest say in unison. Laughter, clapping all around, more sharing of inside jokes — these guys are having fun already and the night is still ahead.

* * *

71 Gramercy is at 71st Floor, The Gramercy Residences, Kalayaan corner Salamanca St., Century City, Makati City. For information, call +63917-8094093 or follow 71 Gram at www.facebook.com/71Gramercy.

GP Reyes

You guys are like the Avengers or the members of the Justice League banding together to create a super-nightspot, name a superhero that best describes your role in the business.  

I’d like to say I’m Iron Man...but I’m sure the other guys wanna be Iron Man, too... They can’t cause I really am Iron Man. I have the suit (laughs).

In all seriousness, though, Erik is the visionary and the guy that makes it all run behind the scenes. I kinda balance all the partners, and keep them focused on the goals, and directions for the club. I’m the noisy one. I also am the jokester of the group and while I am very serious at times when it comes to the business aspect, I also am the firestarter when it comes to gaguhan. 

If 71 Gramercy were a book, movie or an album, what would it be and why?

Ocean’s Eleven? We kinda did the impossible and pulled it off, and we’re all really really, really good-looking.... wait that’s another movie.

 What is the coolest or strangest thing you ever saw happen at the place?

Coolest? Having Ambassadors from different countries dining in one room, Macklemore hanging in the terrace, and Vice Ganda and Manila showbiz royalty enjoying drinks in the other. 

 What is the most outrageous thing you’ve done in a club?

That, my friend, will remain classified.

Erik Cua

Describe who you are, career-wise.

 I’m an entrepreneur at heart creating and building new concepts particularly in the nightlife industry brings me joy.

What is your role in 71 Gramercy?

Concept development, design direction, director for  operations. 

 You guys are like the Avengers or the members of the Justice League banding together to create a super-nightspot, name a superhero that best describes your role in the business.  

Iron man is my favorite so I’m biased, plus he likes building and creating things, which is one of my roles in the business — design of store and overseeing construction 

 How’s the view (from the top) and what are the viewpoints (the things people say about 71 Gramercy)?

Sunset is the best time for viewing — you can see the sun set over Manila Bay. We will soon open Saturday sunset sessions and Sunday champagne brunch. 

What would you never do in a club?

Start a fight.

 Lastly, what makes a club really cool?

The people that go.

Louie Ysmael

Describe who you are, career-wise.

I’m a past and present purveyor of good times. Half my life has been dedicated to making sure the Filipino is at par with the best of the rest of the world in providing the best in bars, clubs and more.

What is your role in 71 Gramercy?

Investor and mentor.

Name a superhero that best describes your role in the business. 

Krona.

If 71 Gramercy were a book, movie or an album, what would it be and why?

Kingdom Of Heaven.

What is the coolest or strangest thing you ever saw happen at the place?

The coolest thing in Gramercy is watching people partying in the sky till sunrise.

How’s the view (from the top) and what are the viewpoints (the things people say about 71 Gramercy)?

The view of Manila from east, west, north and south is unbeatable. It’s a 360-degree view of Manila’s skyline — that’s hard to beat.

Tim Yap

Describe who you are, career-wise.

I am the eventologist — a brand builder, a multi-media communicator and a party animal.

What is your role in 71 Gramercy?

I maintain the harmony within the old and the new partners. I conceptualize theme nights and theme parties and make sure the right people and the whole world knows about it. I am the pacesetter and the peacemaker.

Name a superhero that best describes your role in the business. 

I am Astro Boy. I have the gift of “no-gap” — no generation gap. I am the bridge between the old school and the new cool.

What is the coolest or strangest thing you ever saw happen at the place?

Coolest thing that happened was when Macklemore and I exchanged suits because he loved my Francis Libiran suit. Strangest was when German Moreno went to  Gramercy to have a photo taken with Il Divo.

Manolet Dario

Describe who you are, career-wise.

I’m a professional DJ and one of the pioneers of house music in the country with over 30 years of experience and still churning out those tunes in the best clubs here and abroad. 

Name a superhero that best describes your role in the business. 

When I was a kid, I’ve always imagined myself as Captain America throwing his mighty shield and saving the world with it, but these days, my shield are my records or CDs and saving the world with my music one track at a time.

What is the coolest or strangest thing you ever saw happen at the place?

There was this guy who actually looked exactly like Albert Einstein but a bit cooler with his drink in his hand just observing the crowd and going around the lounge every single night for the first few months. It sure did bring some sort of panache and character to 71. 

How’s the view (from the top) and what are the viewpoints (the things people say about 71 Gramercy)?

There is definitely nothing like it in when it comes to the view from 71.  We have an unhindered 360-degree view from the restaurant side and terrace side, and when you’re at the highest building in the country, that alone is enough to take your breath away. 

Euric Lumanog

Describe who you are, career-wise

 I’m a DJ. I play music and make people dance and get drunk for a living (laughs).

What is your role in 71 Gramercy?

 My main role really is the curation of the music that is being played at the club.

Name a superhero that best describes your role in the business.  

I think I’d be the Hulk, quiet at first, but when the trigger comes — anger for Hulk and alcohol for me. I become a (party) monster (laughs).

 If 71 Gramercy were a book, movie or an album, what would it be and why?

I’d compare it to a Kanye West album. His albums always set the bar for hip-hop and pop music when it comes to style and musicality. 71 Gram sets the standards for the ultimate nightlife experience in Manila.

What is the coolest or strangest thing you ever saw happen at the place?

It would probably be seeing the band Phoenix partying in my club and me actually talking to them and buying them drinks. That was pretty cool, I’m a huge fan. 

What is (or are) the most outrageous thing (or things) you’ve done in a club?

Probably pass out in the DJ booth and waking up to the staff cleaning up (laughs). 

Carlo Trillo

Describe who you are, career-wise.

A simple fun-loving entrepreneur in the retail (Sole Academy) restaurant (Hungry Hound and Niner Ichi Nana) and bar business (71 Gramercy)

 Name a superhero that best describes your role in 71 Gramercy.  

Spider-Man, your friendly neighborhood hero.

 If 71 Gramercy were a book, movie or an album, what would it be and why?

“The Billboard Top 10.” It’s the coming together of the best of the best.

 What is the coolest or strangest thing you ever saw happen at the place?

Coolest and strangest — the fireworks display during New Year’s Eve. Because it was the first time that you’re looking down at the fireworks instead of up. Nothing like you’ve ever seen in Manila. When you’re up there you feel like you’re in a First World country.

 What would you never do in a club?

Pass out.

Raymond Gutierrez

 What is your role in 71 Gramercy?

I continue to work closely with Erik and the design team for the interior and visual elements of the space. I also handle Tuesday and Friday nights.  

Name a superhero that best describes your role in the business.  

I’m guessing Robin? I’m new in the business arena and I’m learning the ropes with the help of my more senior partners. But at the same time I’m not scared to speak my mind and share my ideas. 

 If 71 Gramercy were a book, movie or an album, what would it be and why?

The Great Gatsby — lavish parties and beautiful people, but at the end of the night all we really want is to win over that special someone’s attention. 

What would you never do in a club?

Overthink. 

 What is (or are) the most outrageous thing (or things) you’ve done in a club?

Sleep. 

Lastly, what makes a club really cool?

If this group is running it. 

Neil Arce

Describe who you are, career-wise.

I’ve been involved in different businesses in the past but basically I’ve been a marketing guy in all of them. I’m used to handling people back in my poker days, and gamblers are the biggest divas so I’m used to handling different kinds of customers.

Name a superhero that best describes your role in the business. 

Being a former professional poker player, I used to read people for a living so I guess I can say Professor X, also because I’m bald (laughs)! I try to figure out what makes our clients happy especially on our nights.

What is the coolest or strangest thing you ever saw happen at the place?

An 80-year-old dancing to California Love. 

How’s the view (from the top) and what are the viewpoints (the things people say about 71 Gramercy)?

Basically it’s the only place in Manila where you can look down on fireworks. 

What is (or are) the most outrageous thing (or things) you’ve done in a club?

I refuse to say anything that would incriminate myself. 

Fabio Ide

Describe who you are, career-wise.

First and foremost, I am a risk-taker. I left my home in Brazil to pursue modeling in Asia, after living around Asia at the peak of my modeling career, I decided to move to Manila to pursue acting. Last year I was confronted with yet again another risk, which was to be a partner in Gramercy. I am not afraid of failure, I’m afraid of not trying.

 Name a superhero that best describes your role in the business. 

Thor or Superman because I always feel like I’m flying from one place to another in a short span of time. 

 If 71 Gramercy were a book, movie or an album, what would it be and why?

Ocean’s Eleven because we are 11 partners each given a different function and role.

 What is (or are) the most outrageous thing (or things) you’ve done in a club?

Fought three guys at the same time and having to leave via the fire escape in Brazil.

Chef Carlo Miguel

What is your role in 71 Gramercy?

I am the culinary director in charge of everything kitchen-related. I conceptualize the entire menu, and I train and educate my team on how to execute my vision.

 Name a superhero that best describes your role in the business. 

If I were in the Avengers, I would say that I am most like The Vision. The Vision is an android that is mostly behind the scenes. He is the least vocal of the group; but is an essential member of the squad, and when needed he can be the most powerful. Incidentally he is also a loving husband to the Scarlet Witch (another Avengers member), as I am a loving husband and family man!

 What is the coolest or strangest thing you ever saw happen at the place?

On New Year’s Eve, we were all at the balcony waiting to see all the fireworks! Did you know that from where we are, we had to look down, instead of up, at the fireworks? We were too high up! That was cool.

 What would you never do in a club?

I would never dance. I have three left feet.

 What is (or are) the most outrageous thing (or things) you’ve done in a club?

I need to order the entire menu on a regular basis to check that everything is up to par. I guess that might look outrageous to people who don’t know why I am sitting alone with a table of more than 20 dishes!