Now on its 7th year in the business, VUDU continues to break ground in Cebu’s nightlife scene with its constantly evolving, inventive and cutting-edge clubbing concept.
“It’s an old new. Actually, this is already the fourth generation of our re-invention since our establishment. And we will already be celebrating our 8th year anniversary this coming January,” enthused VUDU’s main man John Paul Chiongbian to The FREEMAN Entertainment as the nightspot reopened its doors last November 14.
It was last year when VUDU reinvented itself into a better and bigger place to party in. Calling itself CLUB VUDU, it pioneered a clubbing experience that offered devotees the best of both worlds via the dual or two-level partying that featured different music genres.
After a brief hiatus this year, Cebu’s pre-eminent nightspot enters the eternal eight cycle of its existence to unveil its next most important chapter that sees itself going back to basics and back to its roots. Dropping “club,” VUDU’s transition has come full circle.
“We are going back to basics. We will still have the best of both worlds, since we are getting the generation before back and the generation today, from the retro to the hip-hop,” said Chiongbian.
VUDU traces its roots back to the iconic mural on its wall circa MMI, the one that stays constant in all its transformations. Nevertheless, VUDU is no stranger to reinventions to sustain its dominant presence as a lifestyle destination. “You should feel the vibe. That’s why when I feel it; I automatically apply it in the decision-making. It is not necessary that you make a one-year plan. When I feel that there should be changes, then I will make that happen,” explained Chiongbian.
Indeed, after the underground explosion in the 90s fizzled, VUDU brought about the renewal of the alternative music scene via Alternative Nights every Wednesday. It also initiated the RnB craze with its Friday RnB Nights, while Saturdays were House Night parties. With this nightly offering, VUDU gave the young and hip Cebuanos every reason to go out and have fun on weeknights. “As what I always said, bar and entertainment industry will always change the culture of the city,” said Chiongbian, adding that VUDU was designed to stand out and be different.
Always taking stock of the market’s requirements, VUDU is making sure it’s still going to set the pace of Cebu’s night lifestyle with its recent reinvention. First, it’s going to usher in the “new age of lounging.” From Sundays to Thursdays, VUDU will be a lounge then during Fridays and Saturdays, VUDU will be transformed into a club catering to the much younger generation. Expect VUDU to be inviting more established artists from outside Cebu to provide not just quality but diversity in entertainment.
Another Western trend that VUDU will be introducing is the “afternoon discos” for the high school students and the “Baby Loves Disco” for the kids. These two events will be done once or twice a month.
Along with VUDU’s re-launch also was the presentation of eleven new dishes featuring the Authentic Spanish Tapas which were prepared by Chiongbian’s friend, Chef Miguel Martinez. Martinez is the son of San Remegio Mayor Mariano Martinez and a chef at the five-star Manila Peninsula.
With all these fresh improvements, VUDU is making a mark not just as a bar but also as a local brand that Cebu can be proud of. “We’re definitely here for the long term so we make sure we evolve every time,” said Chiongbian. “Being in the entertainment industry is exciting, and we’re happy to entertain people.”