RS Francisco turns Rampa into the hottest gimik hub in Metro Manila

RS Francisco: "Whatever it is you perceive yourself to to be, whoever you are, lahat pwede rumampa, lahat pwede magpaka-superstar sa Rampa''

Actor, producer and philanthropist RS Francisco is also entrepreneur who finds out the latest trends so he could make it a point not to follow.

"Ayoko maging generic," he said in an interview. "When people tell me, 'RS, eto ang uso,' I say, 'O yan ang wag natin gawin.' Kumbaga gawa tayo ng ibang bagay na ikababaliw ng tao..."

In conceptualizing Rampa Drag Club in Quezon City, as example, the first thing RS and his partners thought of was not the location, not the food, not the profit, not the decors, not the performers as most businessmen are wont to do; but how customer would feel every time he leaves the venue.

"Gusto ko sabihin ng customer, 'Ang saya pala sa Rampa!' Parang family, yung magkakakilala lahat. Walang pataasan ng ihi o patutsadahan."

As the name goes, the club mostly has drag performers (14 and growing, including Bomba Ding, Katana, Budalyn, etc) especially on weekends. But RS points out theirs is a "safe place" for everyone, not just the LGBT community.

"Wala kami pakialam kung ganito ka o ganyan ka. Whatever it is you perceive yourself to to be, whoever you are, lahat pwede rumampa, lahat pwede magpaka-superstar sa Rampa."

We've been to Rampa twice already and we don't wonder at all that it is the hottest gimik hub in Metro Manila right now. Instagrammable interiors (many Ppop groups have already shot videos there), topnotch service, delicious but so-reasonably-priced  food (sizzling tofu is our bias), world-class performances, music for every demographic---these are things you get at Rampa.

And more. 

"Nagperform ang Bini sa amin when they had just announced their concert and it sold out in two hours," RS said. "So, sino magexpect na the hottest Ppop girl group na pinagkaguluhan, na ang hirap ng access (sa kanila), sa Rampa mo lang pala mapanood? Na pag pumunta ka sa Rampa, ayan, kumakanta at nakikipag high five pa sila sa yo! Grabe ang kilabot ng fans that night, nayanig ang lugar!"

It's just one of many surprise performances lined up at Rampa. RS hinted it could be a '90s sexy star next or the hottest hunk or maybe even the likes of Vice Ganda (who, by the way, has partied at Rampa several times).

With all these, would you believe Rampa has no door charge? Still, while they are open to walk-ins, RS tips people to reserve a table. 

"Pero yon eh kung gusto niyo lang na ma-sure ang table when you get there," he said. "Kung ok lang sa inyo na palakad-lakad sa loob or mag-stay sa bar, then just walk in...we don't turn away people."

Asked to reveal the secret of his success (RS is co-owner of Front Row and other big businesses), he said he simply follows his heart more than thinking about the money part.

"Work with so much passion na kahit di mo iisipin ang kita o ang sweldo ay gagawin mo pa din," he said. 

"Dito sa Rampa, di ko naman inisip magkano ba kikitain ko. I just have to hit a certain target to keep us afloat. Yung enough money para bigyan ang mga employees and performers ng sweldo that they deserve, na maganda pa rin ang upkeep ng lugar, and that's it."