San Juan institution Moksha is closing its doors after nearly 20 years

Moksha, that small neighborhood bar on the corner of J. Abad Santos and Wilson Streets in San Juan is closing its doors after nearly 20 years in operation.

Among its owners, Marc Soong made the announcement on Facebook saying "All good things must come to an end."

Soong's post mentions July 6 as Moksha's final day, but General Manager Marvin Mallorca told GMA News Online on the phone that an event scheduled for July 7 had been cancelled, allowing for the first Tuesday of July to be the legendary bar's real, final day in operations.

Those who want to say goodbye and have a final fix — or four — of Moksha's legendary drink Flying Tiger, can book a table by calling +639062369631.

When asked if the closure was an effect of the COVID-19 pandemic, Marvin could only mumble yes. "Eh, ganun po ata talaga," he said good-naturedly.

"Yes, so sad that we are closing after 17 years of operations," confirmed Jorell Millionado, another co-owner, in a text message to GMA News Online.

"The effects of the pandemic is really bad," Millionado continued. "Everything's working against us now. Bars aren't really allowed to operate, so everything is stacked against us." 

On March 15, the bar announced it will temporarily cease operations just as Metro Manila was placed in lockdown.

On June 16, it opened its doors again with new operating hours to abide by the GCQ 10pm curfew.

But just as the month closes, so does the beloved bar announces closure.

Moksha opened in December 2003 as a "Home Away from Home" type of place. "We were yuppies, just off college and we wanted a headquarters, a comfort zone for future business meetings," Millionado continued. 

It is just one of the many establishments closing its doors because of the pandemic. Another beloved bar, Cubao's Today x Future, announced its closure earlier in June, as tour operators to Corregidor, Sun Cruises, as well.  — LA, GMA News