Founded by Echo Bueno and Chili Perez, noname is quietly reshaping Manila’s social landscape—one intimate, intentional gathering at a time.
In a city where social calendars are packed and spaces often feel transactional, noname offers something refreshingly rare: intimacy, intention, and genuine connection. What began as a placeholder name on a film club invite has quietly grown into a beloved underground scene, hosting wine-fueled quiz nights, string concertos in forgotten venues, and jazz sessions that stretch late into the night.
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For co-founders Chili Perez and Echo Bueno, noname is less about events and more about creating a feeling. Lifestyle Asia sat down with them to talk about how noname came to be, what keeps it grounded, and where it might go next.
Why noname? What’s the story behind choosing that name, and what does it represent?
Chili and Echo: It actually started as a placeholder. We were about to launch a film club, but didn’t have a name yet, so we typed in no-name-yet on the invite. And then… it stuck. People started calling it “noname,” and we realized it kind of said everything we wanted: no labels, no pretense, just good taste and good people. Over time, it became a bit of a manifesto—because we don’t have a name, we can be anything. Call us by any name—we’d love that!
How did the idea for noname first come about?
Chili and Echo: It started with a bit of frustration—and boredom, honestly. We kept saying, “Why does everything here feel so commercial or cold?” Manila has the best people, but not enough great spaces. So we started hosting the kinds of nights we wished existed—starting small, with quiet film screenings. Then came the wine nights, quiz nights, jazz nights… then string concertos in underrated spaces. It was—and still is—a true passion project. But when people stayed after the events to talk, to laugh, to linger—that’s when we knew we were onto something.
How would you describe what noname actually is for someone who’s never been to any of your events?
Chili and Echo: Noname is like your cool friend’s house meets a secret society meets an elementary school field trip. It’s where you drink good wine, hear something beautiful, and accidentally make a friend. Think of it as an adult sandbox—a playground for grown-ups. We keep things thoughtful, warm, and a little makulit. Our events are curated but also delightfully chaotic. It’s less about the “event” and more about the feeling—you just have to be there!
Third spaces are rare in Manila—places that aren’t work or home, but still foster connection and social interaction. Why are these spaces important, and how is noname filling that gap?
Chili and Echo: Third spaces are incredibly important, especially in big cities. They’re where community happens—organically, joyfully—and we’re starved for that here. Noname fills that gap by creating spaces where people can just exist: no networking pressure, no clout-chasing, just shared vibes.
Curating a community isn’t easy. What’s your approach when it comes to curating the noname community?
Chili and Echo: We’re very intentional. Connections—especially in the beginning—are delicate and need to be nurtured. Noname is invite-only for a reason: we prioritize people we’ve met or who align with our purpose and vibe. That doesn’t mean we’re exclusive in a snobby way—we just want to protect the intimacy by letting people find us. We look for people who are warm, curious, generous; who know what they like, share what they like, and stick around after the wine is gone just to talk. We’re not trying to be massive—we’re trying to be meaningful.
How do you keep things intimate while growing at the same time?
Chili and Echo: We grow through connection, not campaigns. We don’t push—we let people find us. And when they do, it feels like they’re in on something. That keeps it personal. We scale the concept, not the crowd. So even as the ideas get bigger, the rule stays the same: the right vibe or nothing.
What’s something that’s surprised you in the process of building noname?
Chili and Echo: That people are so hungry for real connection. We thought we were just creating nice nights with good wine, but people kept telling us, “I met my best friend here,” or “I haven’t felt this inspired in years.” It still surprises us how deep it gets—honestly, it makes us super emotional. Something that felt so personal to us became something so meaningful to others. That’s what we love most about noname.
What’s next for noname—do you see it evolving into a permanent space or something else entirely?
Chili and Echo: We’re dreaming of a home, not a venue, but a living, breathing noname house. We’re also exploring many names under noname: clubs, experiments, offshoots—more sandbox, less structure. What stays constant is the core: community, curation, and good taste. A home for the curious, the warm, the discerning—God willing! We just hope people are in it for the ride. We’d be happy to gain some new and different names along the way.
For more information, you may visit their Instagram @wedonthaveaname.
Photos courtesy of noname
