This morning, the iconic Jaguar with its mouth wide open, the entrance to Jaguar’s Temple Night Club, started its final journey. A demolition crew began the process of bringing down this legendary building, a structure that has been a cornerstone of the island’s nightlife for years. However, before it became a night club, this building had a rich history on the island.
Before Jaguar’s Temple
The story began with Teatro Arenas, San Pedro’s first cinema. Originally located at the site of Fido’s Courtyard, the cinema was later moved in large sections to its present location. Teatro Arenas wasn’t just a place to watch movies; it was a cultural hub where local groups performed plays, and school events were held on its spacious stage. (Click for a Flashback Post on Teatro Arenas)
After the cinema closed, the building took on a new life as an arcade game spot, where snacks were sold, bringing joy to the island’s youth. It then transformed into Tarzan’s Night Club, a precursor to the legendary Jaguar’s Night Club, which eventually became Jaguar’s Temple Night Club. The popular corner also housed another favorite watering hole known as The Rehab Lounge. Sadly, the COVID pandemic significantly contributed to the downfall of the night club. Despite several attempts to revive it, the efforts proved unfruitful, leading to today’s demolition.
“Indeed it’s a bittersweet moment having to demolish such an iconic place. A building with plenty of history behind it that started as a theater. For now we decided to dismantle the building because it was in a very deplorable state. At the moment we don’t have any concrete plans as yet, but we are exploring various options on what the next project will be. I can tell you this much. While Jaguars Temple built a name for itself we intend to keep the name as a brand for the future building.”– comments Pete Salazar Jr.
As we bid farewell to Jaguar’s Temple, we remember not just a night club, but a building that has been a silent witness to the island’s evolving social scene, adapting and changing with the times. Its legacy will remain in the memories of those who experienced its many phases, from a cinema to a night club, and everything in between.
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2 Responses
My first time I visited San Pedro La Isla Bonita I fell in love with both clubs Tarzan night club and Big Daddy’s those were the days when I enjoyed walking barefeet. As a matter of fact going to the club barefeet was the norm sands on all of the streets. Techno music was the main genre that will always be my memories of La Isla Bonita. ❤️
I hope they save the entrance!