December 15, 1972, Club 690, the first gay bar was founded by BOY FERNANDEZ. It was named after its address location situated in 690 Biak Na Bato St., La Loma, Quezon City.
It was a period of Marcos' Martial Law, where strict curfew laws were highly enforced. Bars were relatively invisible, especially gay bars. Guests would choose to leave early or stayed up until the curfew was over, the next morning.
In the 70s, where going to such gay bars was perceived as immoral. Only the affluent gay personalities, celebrities and politician were the usual patrons.
As a new millennium approaches, gay bars have becoming more public. This is the golden age of gay sexual revolution in the country. More sexual orientations have been recognized by media and to the public’s consciousness. Aside from typical flamboyant ‘gays’, who were reputed as loud, effeminate, and only attracted to straight men; there were ‘bisexuals’ and ‘gay men’, who are attracted to their own kind, were starting to get out of the closet.
Many bars that cater to that type of market had been established. In 1997, Sinemusika, a gay bath house with entertainment lounge, was founded by a gay couple and was managed by Genesis Gallios. Then there was Fahrenheit Cafe in 2003 which was founded by Wilbert Tolentino, which also managed by Genesis Gallios. And the list goes on.
The idea of a direct erotic exchange with other guests had become very popular amongst gay men and bisexuals. It affected the gay bar industry very badly. It left a notion of gay bars to be costly, too much frills and outdated.
However, Wilbert Tolentino, wanted to combine both worlds. Along with his partner, Ryan Soto, they scouted various gay bars across Metro Manila and invited them to compete for an Inter Gay Bar Competition.
The largest competition was Mr. Fahrenheit Universe 2003, produced by Fahrenheit Cafe, which won by a model from Club 690. This type of arrangement had its mutual benefits for both businesses.
’GAY BAR’ NO MORE
A new decade has arrived. This was a huge challenge for industry. But for Wilbert, a challenge is an opportunity.
Wilbert and Genesis reclassified these brands from Gay Bar to Men Entertainment Bar. This is to detour itself from the common stereotypes of gay bars and embrace the new revolution of men entertainment, entering the new era of smart technologies and social media.
It’s purpose is to tap new types of markets; from young gay professional, to female guests demographics.
With it’s new marketing brand, men entertainment bars are starting to trend again
OUR CORPORATE GOAL
Our mission is to provide a world-class male entertainment to everyone, at anytime. We will make our guests’ fantasy a real-life experience, and ensure that their time with us is worth every centavo. We will make everyone’s indulgence as sinful, yet heavenly.
We will innovate our premium shows, entertainment materials and select the best male models across the country, and the world. We will hire the best talents, acts, comedians and performers and employ the highest standard male models, dancers and st*****rs, in wide a variety of looks, style, shapes, swag, physique, charm and personality.
We will protect the employment and its welfare of our models, staff, entertainers, dancers and the management, and treat them as a family. We will provide them benefits, incentives, and periodical training programs to attend the ever changing needs of our discerning customers. Because, we believe in a healthy working environment, creates productive results; and that is synergy.
ENTERTAINMENT BAR AND BEYOND
As male entertainment continues to evolve, we pledge ourselves to stay relevant and up-to-date. We promise to make this club as the country’s leading household brand when it comes to men entertainment. A brand of international appeal, with a taste of ‘Aruga’ - Filipino style services.
Because of the success of Apollo Bar in Mall Of Asia Complex, a sister company, we foresee ourselves in future locations outside Manila, such as Cebu and Davao.
We will guarantee our guests, the best quality men that they can find in one place at anytime, and give them the best time of their lives. A time that will leave a mark, that there will only be ‘The One’.
The One 69O, Quality Entertainment Bar, the Philippine’s first and longest running men entertainment bar, since 1972.
