There’s something different about the quiet buzz of Katipunan nights these days. Past the noisy clubs and overhyped rooftops, there’s a space where laughter hums low, lyrics linger longer, and strangers find family. That space has a name—Unknown13 Pub.

Unknown13 isn’t your usual bar. There’s no dance floor. No booming EDM. No pretentious crowds. It’s a place where you can just be, where a beer isn’t a necessity, and where the music matters more than the image. It’s a spot carved out for the low-key, the introverts, the listeners, and the lovers of OPM who just want to feel something real. And behind this sanctuary is a woman who never planned on owning a bar at all.

From Monster Wings to Music Dreams

Austine Tiu, best known for her successful food venture Monster Wings, isn’t the type you’d expect to be in the nightlife business. “I don’t drink, I have no vices,” she admits during our Google Meet interview, laughter tucked in her voice. “But I enjoy bars that don’t feel like parties. Yung hindi ka pressured na makihalubilo.”

It was after the pandemic that she began frequenting bars like 12 Monkeys—not to drink, but to breathe. She’d bring friends and employees along, simply to enjoy live music and chill energy. In late 2022, she invited Orange & Lemons to play for a company event and ended up becoming close to band members JM and Ace del Mundo. A few gigs later, she found herself part of a scene she once only watched from the audience.

“I kept thinking, ang hassle naman magpareserve palagi,” she recalls. “What if may sarili na lang akong lugar where I didn’t have to worry about that?”

The Bar That Built Itself

By April 23, 2023, Austine had signed a lease on a property along Katipunan—a charming spot with a veranda perfect for smokers and a tucked-away space for bands to breathe between sets. There was no full plan yet. Just gut instinct, a sketch on paper, and faith in her long-time team who had stood by her since the Monster Wings days.

“I wrote everything down—the layout, the signage, the vibe I wanted,” she shares. “Hindi ako marunong magluto, pero alam ko ano ang masarap. Same with bars. I didn’t know how to run one, but I knew what felt right.”

Designing and opening the bar happened in a snap. She had the manpower, the operations know-how, and the fire to make it real. But the real challenge was building credibility in the local music scene—a tight-knit community where street cred can’t be bought.

The Power of Kuya

Enter JM and Ace del Mundo, who became not just mentors but literal kuya figures. No contracts. No ROI discussions. Just pure support. They opened doors to prods, artists, and the kind of bar culture Austine wanted—one rooted in respect and community.

Around the same time, her long-time friend, Victor Guison, drummer of Franco and Chicosci, joined as the third pillar of the Unknown13 dream. Austine jokes, “Si Victor, hilig niya music. Ako, business. Magkaibang mundo pero nagka-abot kami dito.”

And then there’s the 13—not just a random number, but a tribute to the 12 people who have stayed with Austine through thick and thin. Her staff turned family. She made them co-owners in spirit, giving them a cut of Unknown13’s profits—not because they asked, but because they deserved it.

“Wala silang kapital. Wala silang pera. Pero meron silang puso at galing,” she says, eyes welling up. “This is my way of saying salamat.”

A Stage for All

From day one, Unknown13 was more than just a bar—it was a home for artists.

Tim Dionela, now making waves, performed on Unknown’s second night. “Hindi ko kilala kung sino kumakanta nung una,” Austine admits, “pero nung nag-thank you siya kasi first time niya makapagtugtog sa QC, doon ko naramdaman—this is it. This is why we exist.”

Booking Mayonnaise, one of the biggest names in OPM, wasn’t in her financial plan. But when an opportunity through a production team arose, she went all in. That performance became a milestone—not just for the bar, but for Austine’s journey. “From there, things just grew.”

Unknown13 continues to open its doors to newcomers and legends alike, giving opportunities regardless of clout. No guarantees, but always a warm meal and a space to shine.

Why People Keep Coming Back

The secret? Heart. And excellent customer service.

With just a month to train staff before opening, Austine relied on what she knew: how she wanted to be treated when she went to bars. That became the gold standard. “Kahit walang kausap, kahit gusto mo lang makinig ng music—dito, welcome ka.”

Unknown13 is introvert-friendly, pressure-free, and designed for those who just want to exist with good music and good people. Staff treat guests like family. Artists feel safe. Customers return not just for the food or the bands—but for the feeling of being known.

Unknown13 isn’t just a bar—it’s a thank you, a dream, and a celebration of everyone who dares to begin.

To all bands who dream, Austine says: “If we can be your stepping stone, we’re honored.”

To all quiet souls who crave sound: your place is here.

To all the unknowns chasing their own version of something big: this is where it begins.