Do you remember the Pink House in Loyola?

The Pink House on Park 9 Street in Loyola Heights

The Pink House was home to several pool tables and a counter where one could purchase cold San Miguel's and yosi. The scrappy building was a far cry from the hallowed grounds of the Ateneo campus across Katipunan road. "Pool boys" racked the table before each game for a nominal tip at the end of each round. They also functioned as servers when you needed another round of San Miguels. 

In grade school, this was the place to seek refuge after eluding the Ateneo security guards by gate 2. Some students, through bribery and charm, would convince their drivers to take them there during school. For others who did not

have the luxury of a driver at one's beck and call, the goal was to find a creative way to get past the security guards or to spot a remote area along the stretch of Katipunan road to climb over the campus fence and pray to God that you don't get caught. I was too chicken to be a truant, but we certainly had grade school classmates who were notorious for their exploits.

By the time high school came along, the thrill of escaping to the Pink House was gone. Instead, the Pink House became the hangout after school. It was the place we honed our billiard skills and learned how to do smoke rings. For an hour or so, we would act and play pool as if we were adults. Once in awhile, hustlers would come along to clear our pockets, but for most part, we were able to hold our own against the older group of guys who frequented the place.

In the late 70's, Katipunan had its share of restaurants and pizza joints (3M and Shakeys), but for us boys, there was no other place that symbolizes the freedom of youth like the Pink House.