Imperium eSports Bar Grand Opening

Last week we wrote about a brand new bar that opened up in Metro Manila - the country's first ever eSports bar. If you haven't read the article yet, you can do so HERE, but the long and short of it is, if ever you wished there was a sports bar that would show the latest in the competitive fighting game scene or competitive e-Sports such as Starcraft II rather than the normal bread and butter of the UFC, NFL, and other major sporting events, then your in luck. Imperium eSports Bar and Video Game Lounge, located on the 2nd Floor of the Metrowalk Commercial Complex in Ortigas, is just what you've been looking for, and for many a gamer - a dream come true.

The moment you enter the bar it already makes a big impression. Wall to wall televisions and monitors showing the latest and greatest in competitive gaming, with blue neon lights making you feel like you stepped into the latest TRON film. Behind the blue lit bar hum a set of consoles, waiting patiently for players. We were dying to get our hands on the Xbox One for some Killer Instinct, but sadly the game is yet to be made available in the Philippines.

Booze and Games = Perfect

Menu's are creatively placed inside used Xbox 360 cases, with a selection of regular bar fare and chow you'd expect, and also some uniquely named cocktails!

The menus are stored inside old Xbox 360 cases

The TMG gang were lucky enough to attend the grand opening last Thursday, December 13, and boy was it one heck of an event. The grand opening showed that the concept of an e-Sports bar definitely has a lasting appeal in the country, as the place quickly filled up as the night went on. Representatives from various online fighting game groups arrived in force as well, including Injustice Philippines, Smash Brothers Philippines, Tekken Philippines, Marvel vs Capcom Philippines,  and even a few curious passer-by's who were wondering what all the ruckus was about. Pretty soon the place was packed to capacity and the hype was at an all time high.

The company, the food, and the drinks were all great - but the highlight of course, were the competitive matches. Games ran the entire night, and through the entire gamut from NBA 2K14, to a 5v5 Heroes of Newerth match, to an imported copy of Blazblue: Chronophantasma and of course - MAHVEL BABY! Our very own Miggoy had the pleasure of commentating during the bouts of Injustice: Gods Among Us over their livestream. Oddly, Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition was lacking from the line-up, but we are sure we'll be seeing that game in relatively short order.

Our very own Miggoy hypes up the Injustice stream

One of the biggest highlights of course was when 13 year old Filipino Tekken prodigy "AK" made an appearance. Currently ranked third in the world, it was an absolute pleasure to watch this young man play. In one of the funnier highlights of the night, rather than a money match happening, we saw a BURGER match, where whoever would be able to beat AK in a best of 3 would recieve a free burger. Sadly, many people went hungry that night, to say the least.

AK leaves no one doubting why he is #3 ranked in the world

Overall, the event was a grand success, and from what we saw at the grand opening, there's a bright future ahead for Imperium and for the local FGC and eSports scene. We had a chance to talk to one of the owners briefly, Mr. Raphael Gancaytco and we hope to have him soon on the TMG Podcast to talk about his inspirations and hopes for the future, so stay tuned for that!

Check out the recorded LiveStreams below!

Injustice: Gods Among Us Ultimate Edition 3 vs 3 Exhibition Match

Migo-san vs Haiku money match

Tekken Tag Tournament 2 AK Burger Battle

AK Vs. Garrett FT3 Exhibition

Ultiamte Marvel vs Capcom 3 Papable Peter Vs. Cha FT5 Exhibition

Papable Peter Vs. Garrett FT5 Exhibition

Garrett Vs. Cha FT5 Exhibition

You can find Imperium at Unit 6B 2nd Floor Metrowalk Commercial Complex Meralco Avenue, 1600 Pasig or contact them at 571-9534 or 09062487476. They are open from 5:00pm to 2:00am. Also check out their new Facebook page and follow them on Twitter.