Singer lands dream gig after two decades
By Tina Arceo-Dumlao
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 22:19:00 11/16/2008
Filed Under: Restaurants & catering, Nightclubs, Music
IT WAS DURING A 1984 singing stint at the Calesa Bar of the Hyatt hotel when jazz singer Richard Merk first thought of having his own bar and bistro.
Merk saw then how music fans lined up just to get a table at the Calesa Bar and that inspired the thought of finding a way to get a piece of the action and run his own place that will serve great drinks, food and even better entertainment.
He may not have any background in business considering that he has been singing for his supper since he was nine years old, but he believed he has learned enough from performing in an endless stream of bars, bistros and clubs both here and abroad to make a success out of his bar.
Merk even went as far as asking for valuable tips on how a bistro is supposed to be run from the bar crew and kitchen staff he had spent many hours with long after the crowds have gone home.
Fate, however, dictated that Merk suffer through a series of seemingly insurmountable challenges--from a career slump to failed relationships--which forced his dream to the back burner.
It was only in 2002, after he turned things around, got his life on track and settled down to family life with his wife, former bank vice president Veronica Tapia, and daughter Manna, when the vision he nurtured for close to two decades finally became a reality with more than a little help from their friends.
Merk's Bar Bistro in Greenbelt 3, Makati City, opened its doors to the public in September of 2002 and it was built around his long-time dream for his place to be the city's top-of-mind destination for those who love live music, especially jazz, with which Merk is most identified.
"Opening it was smooth and we had a lot of people the day we opened even if we had a problem with the air-conditioning system for two days. That did not stop people from coming in," Merk told the Inquirer.
"I was so happy and I felt so blessed. It was such an awesome feeling," Merk added.
Many bars have come and gone in Makati as the years went by, but Merk's is still keeping the music playing due in large part to the fact that he watches over his establishment like a hawk.
"Running a bar is not easy, it is a daily challenge. You have to watch it like a baby that is growing and needing care and attention," Merk said.
Merk describes himself as a hands-on manager who meets with his staff at least once a week at 3 p.m. to openly discuss ways to further improve the bar and bistro that carries his name and in which he put a good portion of his life savings.
"I am a hands-on type when it comes to running my place. I have a briefing with the staff before we open the bar and we have an open discussion about how the bar is doing. If they have any complaints or suggestions, I listen to them. If I have complaints, I also talk about that with them," Merk explained.
He said he tries to put into action all that he has learned from the entertainment industry in running the bistro, like teaching the waiters to be alert for the slightest signal from the customers ordering food and drinks and making sure the bathroom is always clean.
And since he is a singer himself, it is easy for him to spot great talent to put on the daily show schedule. His network in the entertainment industry also helps bring in the crowd who "come for the food and stay for the music."
"Being an artist/singer has really helped me in this venture. And I would say that I developed my management style after years of asking all those who worked in all the venues I sang in, the nightly talks with the crew after hours," Merk said.
His formula has worked so far and now that he can afford to delegate more of his responsibilities in the daily running of Merk's, he and his wife have expanded the business to include the Merk's Café in 8 Suites, a boutique hotel in Tagaytay that opened just last August.
He said Merk's is leasing space in the hotel and has been tasked to provide the kitchen services so that 8 Suites owner and family friend Jimmy Gomez can concentrate on marking the hotel rooms, mainly to balikbayans and those who want a vacation place away from the busy nightlife of Tagaytay City.
The boutique hotel is just in its soft opening phase to give him and his partners the time to iron out kinks and to complete the garden. There are plans, he said, to offer the place up for wedding receptions and intimate parties. And in true Merk's fashion, entertainment will follow.
Merk said it is not really easy to be an entrepreneur since he has to be on top of all the little details, unlike when he was just a contract artist when he would just go up on stage and sing.
But it's a lifestyle he has embraced and he can't ask for anything more.
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