Celebrities party at XO Super Club, Pampanga

MANILA, Philippines - The weekend party scene in San Fernando, Pampanga is made even more glamorous with the opening of XO Super Club. Located within the Party Place Complex in KM 69 Mac Arthur Highway, XO Super Club opens every Friday and Saturday for clubbers who wish to enjoy the party vibe sans the long drive to Manila.

XO Super Club is San Fernando’s version of Manila’s chic party scene. Stylish partygoers start queuing by the entrance by 9 p.m. on weekends and the vibrant scene stays alive till the wee hours of the morning. During its launch, the place was packed with celebrities like Rhian Ramos, KC Montero, James Obeso of Moymoy Palaboy, Jimmy Bondoc, Luke Mejares and Duncan Ramos.

The club is the brainchild of businessman Jon Castro, also the man behind the successful Party Place Lounge in San Fernando. He opened the lounge in 2002 and it easily became the premiere show venue for the country’s top bands.

Party Place and XO Super Club are all part of a successful food and entertainment business, which started way back in the ’60s. Jon’s mother Alice Tiongson Castro saw the need to supplement the family income and decided to put up a small eatery in front of their house in Pampanga.

The place then became known for its homecooked meals. With the growing number of diners, it eventually transformed into a bigger establishment called Putt and Snack. The word “putt” stood for their father’s love for golf.  Aside from the restaurant, it had a take-out counter and a pasalubong kiosk. Putt and Snack was strategically located at the busy highway traversed by motorists headed to Manila or further north. It became the most convenient stopover if one needs to purchase Kapampangan goodies.

A few years after, the owners decided to expand and open Partyland. Inspired by the growing demand for children’s party venues, Partyland was a big hit, especially amongg parents who celebrate every year. “Children’s parties are usually held in fastfood restaurants but what if your child already had a party at McDonalds and Jollibee, where will you hold the next birthday celebration? That was the reason why we put up Partyland,” relates Jon.

Partyland had the usual birthday party concept, but minus the strict schedule. “In most places, you are given only two hours. At Partyland, you can stay as long as they want; it even has a playground.” 

Jon’s contribution to the family business is Party Place, which he opened in early 2002. The Party Place lounge features live bands every night. It was San Fernando’s answer to the sizzling live music scene in Manila. Jon regularly produces special shows featuring top bands like Freestyle, South Border, Side A, True Faith, etc.

The family business has recently turned into a sprawling 6,000-sqm. entertainment complex. It houses the Partyland restaurant and events venue, the Party Place Concert Bar, the newly-opened XO Super Club and the San Fernando Café and Wine Bar.

The San Fernando night scene is very much alive and exciting at Party Place at the KM 69 Mac Arthur Highway.