MANILA – The Library, a popular sing-along and comedy bar in Malate, has closed its doors after 32 years.

According to a report from the entertainment website Push, owner Andrew De Real decided to close The Library for now due to high rental fees.

De Real made the announcement during the comedy bar’s 32nd anniversary last June 21.

“Lumaki ang lugar, nalipat ng lokasyon, dumami ang kaibigan, nadagdagan ang mga performer at naging tahanan ng mga bagong talento na nangangarap ding mahubog, gumaling at mapansin. After all, napakahaba na ng listahan ng mga name na sumikat at nahubog ng The Library,” he said.

The Library served as a career starting point for many popular comedians such as Ai Ai Delas Alas, Arnell Ignacio, Philip Lazaro and John Lapus.

“Mawawala sandali ang The Library, pero hindi siya mawawala sa puso ng bawat isa sa atin. This is the only job I know and I have, but with all that we’ve learned from the four walls of The Library, kahit saan nito tayo dalhin, we will forever be the Librarians that Mamu (De Real) molded for all the world to see,” Lazaro said in his speech during The Library’s 32nd anniversary party.

Lapus, for his part, said: “Si Andrew De Real ang laging una sa listahan ng pasasalamatan. Mamu gave me another face, another feather in my cap, ika nga. A more adventurous me: mas matapang, mas kayang harapin ang mas matinding hamon. Now, kahit ilang beer at sisig pa ang kainin ng guest, kaya ko silang harapin! I will forever be grateful, Mamu… I am John Lapus. I am a Librarian.”