INTERVIEWS: From Music to Hospitality, Ian Tan of Freestyle Band's vision behind Gig Music Hall
- Amanda Virrey
- 6 days ago
- 1 min read
Some people build careers; others build ecosystems. For Ian Tan, bassist and songwriter of the iconic Filipino band Freestyle, music was never just about creating songs—it was about creating spaces where creativity, connection, and community could thrive.
What began as a modest 15-square-meter rehearsal and recording studio in 1998 has evolved into Gig Music Hall: a sophisticated live music venue, restaurant, and hospitality concept that brings together artists, diners, and audiences under one roof. It is a place where sound, food, and storytelling coexist, and where local musicians are given a stage to be seen and heard.
Behind the venue is a 28-year journey marked by persistence, reinvention, and an unusually analytical approach to creativity. Ian has approached every setback like a problem to solve, refining his ideas, expanding his vision, and transforming a passion for music into a multifaceted hospitality business.
In this conversation, we explore the inspiration behind Gig Music Hall, the entrepreneurial mindset that fueled its evolution, and why Ian believes that great hospitality—like great music—is ultimately about creating meaningful experiences that people want to return to.
Gig Music Hall, Tagaytay-Sta. Rosa Road, Silang, Cavite, Calabarzon, Philippines
IG: @gigmusiclhall
