It’s never easy to say goodbye, especially to something that holds a special place in our hearts.
2024 hasn’t been the best year for some of us because, in the past year alone, we had to bid farewell to some of the most cherished establishments that shut down their doors. These places are more than just a venue for us to gather; they have also become a treasure map of happy memories for a lot of us.
Let’s take a trip down memory lane and remember some of the well-loved places closed in 2024.
Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila
After almost five decades, Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, one of the most iconic hotels in the Metro, has officially closed its doors to patrons and loyal guests last July 2024.
In its post, the hotel wrote: “Where moments were made magnifique; where memories last. Your smiles and stories have left an indelible mark on our hearts. We hope these memories stay with you as fondly as they will with us. Sofitel [Philippine Plaza] Manila bids you adieu. Merci beaucoup, and à bientôt in new adventures!”
This luxury hotel first opened in 1976 as the Philippine Plaza and has been known for its bayfront sunsets as well as the famed Spiral Buffet restaurant. The announcement of its closure has affected many Filipinos as they remembered the iconic hotel as more than just a venue for hosting events, but it’s also a place where special moments were created.
Motorino Pizza Philippines
After nearly 10 years, Motorino Pizza Philippines, a Brooklyn-born pizzeria, officially closed its shop in the Philippines earlier this year.
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Known for its Neapolitan-style pizza, Motorino first opened in the country in 2014 at Greenbelt 3. As years went by, the shop continued to branch in different parts of Metro Manila, opening in The Podium, Estancia, Alabang Town Center, and Ayala Malls Manila Bay.
“Grateful for nearly a decade of serving ‘New York’s Best Pizza’ Neapolitan-style in Manila, we’ve reached the end of our journey, having served our last pizza on December 31, 2023,” Motorino Pizza Philippines’ post read.
“As of today, January 1, 2024, we close our doors with deep gratitude for your patronage. Grazie for being an integral part of our journey. Ciao!” it added.
Corner Tree Cafe
Corner Tree Cafe, a famous vegetarian restaurant in Makati City, has permanently closed its flagship branch after serving its final vegetarian fare on September 30, 2024.
The beloved restaurant first opened in 2009 and since then, it has been famous for creating a safe and warm space for vegans and vegetarians.
“It has been an honor and joy to serve you for the last 15 years. If we do reopen, you’ll find us. Until then…peace to all,” the restaurant wrote in a Facebook post.
Metrowalk Commercial Complex
Another place in Metro Manila that shut down its doors this year was the Metrowalk Ortigas as the complex will be demolished to give way to the construction of the Ortigas station of the Metro Manila subway.
This bustling hub, which used to house various restaurants, bars, and shops, was regarded as a sentimental place for many urban Filipinos where family and friends gather to bond and serve as a top destination for tourists.
Metronome
In July 2024, French fine dining restaurant Metronome announced its permanent closure as a business after five years of operation.
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Located in Legazpi Village, Makati City, Metronome has been a signature dining destination for food lovers due to its tasting menu curated by notable chefs. The French restaurant is also known for collaborating with other seasoned chefs, including Margarita Forés, Johanne Siy, and Metiz’s Stephan Duhhers.
Timberland Philippines
This year brought sadness to all shoe lovers and collectors because, after 16 years, Timberland Philippines permanently closed its stores in the country.
Alongside the announcement of the store’s closure, Timberland Philippines also announced a Buy 1 Get 1 promo on all of its items last September as part of its parting gift to its customers.
“Reflecting on these years, we are extremely proud of what we have built. From reintroducing Timberland to the local market to rebuilding the brand, every milestone was made possible by the support of our team, partners, and customers,” the post read.
McDonald’s Quezon Avenue branch
Many customers of McDonald’s Philippines became emotional after the company announced the closure of its Quezon Avenue branch this December after 40 years of operation.
“Beyond just a restaurant, McDo Quezon Avenue has been a place where feel-good moments happen and become lasting memories—for its customers, crew, managers, past and present,” the fast food giant said in a Facebook post.
Shortly after the news of closure hit the internet, Filipinos took to social media how the branch became a core childhood memory where their birthdays, baptisms, and other special occasions were celebrated.
The Fort Strip in BGC
Perhaps one of the hardest goodbyes in 2024 was the closure of the famed The Fort Strip, a lifestyle and entertainment complex in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig City. Its doors will officially close to the public starting January 1, 2025.
“This is goodbye for now but not forever. We’ll be back. Better than you remember, and better than you can imagine,” wrote BGC in a Facebook post.
The announcement of its closure brought sadness to a lot of people, taking to social media to also bid goodbye to some of the well-known establishments in the complex, including the Nectar Nightclub, a staple space for the LGBTQIA+ community.
“Nectar Nightclub will be closing its doors at the end of the year… It’s the end of an era, but also a moment to celebrate the unforgettable experiences we’ve shared,” the nightclub said.
Comic Quest at SM Megamall
Comic Quest’s doors at SM Megamall may still be open this year, but beginning January 5, 2025, the beloved shop will be indefinitely closed to its community due to the ongoing renovation of the mall’s building.
In a social media post, Comic Quest expressed gratitude to comic book enthusiasts, collectors, and fans who have supported them throughout the years, making it a place of “connection, creativity, and passion” among its community.
“As we bid farewell, we carry forward countless memories of laughter, discoveries, and friendships forged within our walls. Though our physical presence at SM Megamall is coming to an end, the spirit of Comic Quest will live on in the hearts and minds of everyone who has been a part of our journey,” the post read, adding that Comic Quest will continue to operate online and be present at future events.
“Thank you for being a part of our story. We hope to continue serving you in other ways and look forward to new adventures together,” it continued.
These establishments may be closed now, but they have left a lasting impression in our hearts which we’ll remember forever. They may be gone, but will not be forgotten. So long!
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