Acoustics at its best at Hot City

Looking for a new place to hang out? Hot City, which recently opened right at the heart of the San Jose commercial district, may just be the perfect place for you.

“We have a newly formed band we aptly named ‘Akus-t-ka.’ We’ve diligently gathered each of the members to offer the public a one-of-a-kind music,” said Hot City Bar and Disco/Karaoke owner Elizabeth T. Santos.

The band is composed of vocalists Rhea Garcia and Mary Jane Dacanay, who does covers of Mariah Carey and Asia’s songbird, Regine Velasquez; vocalist guitar Jerry Alcantara; base guitar Ely Aguilar; keyboard Jeff Santos; and drummer Gary Vincent Padsing—all with diverse musical backgrounds in the Philippines.

Santos said it has always been her and her husband Jeff’s desire to form a band. “My husband is into it. He loves bands,” said Santos.

Akus-t-ka offers a soothing acoustic repertoire, a combination of rhythm and blues, jazz, pop songs, and some favorite Filipino classic songs. The band can also play Korean, Japanese, and Chinese favorites.

“If you’re craving for some relaxing tunes, come and listen. You will surely enjoy our company,” said Akus-t-ka drummer Gary.

Gary, 25, has worked as a sessionist and recording studio drummer in Baguio City and Manila.

He performed regularly at Baguio’s Club John Hay, Baguio Country Club, Padi’s Point, Alberto’s, Gimbal’s Music, Brewyard Bar and Grill, among others. In Manila, he performed at the Shangri La Hotel, and Alabang Town Center.

Maryjane was a fixture at popular bars and watering holes in Manila, performing in bars such as Cowboy Grill in Malate and Mabini, Tia Maria’s in Malate, L.A. Café, Ibarra’s, Northmall Foodcourt, Calle 5, Ernesto’s Bar and Restaurant, and Amity Bar.

Hot City, which opened on Saipan in October 2003, offers only the best sound quality, as the Santoses are in the audio and sound equipment supply business. “We can guarantee that we’ve got the best here,” Santos said.

Hot City, which opens at 7pm every night, offers karaoke singing during Happy Hour from 7pm to 9pm.

The bar’s Happy Hour, sponsored by Pacific Trading, offers discounted beer rates.

On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, she said, Hot City customers get free chasers the whole night, plus giveaways from raffle tickets.

Aside from the nightly events, Santos said that Hot City hosts private parties such as birthdays, weddings, Christmas parties, etc. with the band.

Hot City has a capacity of up to 80 people.

An active community member, Santos is with the Lions Club and Saipan Friendship. She is a director of the United Filipino Organizations.