Burger Machine: The Burger That Never Sleeps – A Nostalgic Look Back

♫ 'Halika, tikman ang langit' ♫

Here we are again on another nostalgic throwback, and I think it's a great day to write once more while it keeps raining. Feeling that all of my memories flow down like the hundreds of water dripping down from my window. This is my common vibe while waiting for my healing, just to reminisce and write. sleep, repeat. This is my way of a temporary escape from the anxiety I feel every time my episode of irregular heartbeat attacks me again.

So while browsing today, napadaan ako sa isang larawan ng lumang burger joint sa Pilipinas but still I know it actually exist pa rin sa iba't-ibang lugar sa Pilipinas. The title is, "The Burger That Never Sleeps", kasi mostly ang burger joint na ito ay 24/7 like 7/11 laging bukas sa mga taong nagugutom at nagcracrave ng murang burger lalo na sa hatinggabi. Tara, pag-usapan natin.

During the 1990s, when life in the Philippines was simpler and Manila's streets were filled with the sound of jeepneys, cassette tapes, and sari-sari stores blasting Eraserheads songs, one humble food stall stood as a comforting icon of Filipino street culture—Burger Machine. Kilala bilang “The Burger That Never Sleeps,” Burger Machine captured the hearts (and stomachs) of the masa with its affordable, freshly cooked burgers, often available 24/7. Founded in 1981, Burger Machine started as a small mobile burger joint using a converted delivery van parked along EDSA. Over time, its bright red and green stall design became instantly recognizable across the country, especially in street corners, near bus terminals, beside palengkes, and along busy highways—mga lugar kung saan madaling mapansin ng mga taong gutom at pagod. Its best-seller, the Bart Burger—a juicy patty served with cheese, mayonnaise, ketchup, and coleslaw in a soft bun—became a staple for students, jeepney drivers, tricycle drivers, construction workers, and late-night tambays who were looking for a quick and budget-friendly meal. Sa murang halaga, nakakain ka na ng mainit na burger na may malasang patty—kaya’t hindi nakapagtatakang naging paborito ito ng maraming Pilipino.

What makes Burger Machine even more iconic is its surprising pop culture connection: Eraserheads, one of the most influential Filipino rock bands of the 90s, used to hang out in Burger Machine stalls near the University of the Philippines, Diliman. It’s said that Ely Buendia and the gang would often eat there during their early college days, and some even say that the laid-back, relatable lyrics of Eraserheads reflected the everyday Filipino experiences they witnessed, including those late-night kwentuhan over a cheap burger and soda. This cultural intersection further embedded Burger Machine into the nostalgic core memory of 90s kids. The brand became more than just a food stop; it was a meeting place, a break from the day, a part of the Filipino street food landscape.

The song "Tikman" by the Eraserheads was a jingle created for Burger Machine. The song was part of a larger marketing campaign by Burger Machine to promote their affordable and filling burgers. The Eraserheads, a prominent Filipino alternative rock band, wrote and performed the song, which became synonymous with the Burger Machine brand. The song "Tikman" was the result, with its catchy chorus "Halika, tikman ang langit".

Eraserheads - Tikman

Lumipas pa ang maraming taon at nagkaroon pa sila ng maraming promo at menu, nagkaroon sila ng buy one take one for a Jumbo Bart burger that cost only for P109. Meron na rin silang bacon, ham, sausage, egg at longganisa burger. Kaya minsan kapag grupo ang oorder pakyawan talaga ang luto, o di ba parang samgyup mukbang lang din na sa harap mo niluluto ang pagkain, hindi mo lang matitikman ang langit, maaamoy mo pa. And those tall turning seats sa harap ng burger joint is so much classic to me.

Sa mga drinks naman bago ako umuwi ng bahay noon habang nagbubukang liwayway ang langit ay dumadaan muna ako sa Burger Machine para humigop ng kanilang Hot Choco at talaga nga naman nakakapawi ng stress galing trabaho sa BPO call center. Available din ang Tropicana Juices, Lipton Red Tea and the common softdrinks like Mountain Dew, Pepsi at 7UP.

Burger Machine and Minute Burger were considered rivals in the 1990s. Minute Burger emerged as a strong competitor to Burger Machine, particularly in the late 1980s and throughout the 1990s, offering a similar burger stand experience and expanding rapidly. You can also read my blog about Minute Burger. Both brands had a strong presence throughout the Philippines during the 90s, further solidifying their rivalry.

Today, Burger Machine still exists, although not as widespread as it once was. While many stalls have closed down or faced competition from newer burger chains and fast food brands, there are still operational branches across Metro Manila and some provinces. Its presence is more subdued, but for those who grew up with its taste, spotting a Burger Machine stall feels like encountering a long-lost friend. Its long-running slogan, “The Burger That Never Sleeps,” reminds us of a time when things were slower, simpler, and more heartfelt.

Minsan, sapat na ang isang burger at kwentuhan kasama ang barkada para maging masaya ang gabi. Burger Machine is not just a burger joint; it’s a time capsule of Filipino urban life—a reminder of our street-side stories, youthful nights, and the golden era of OPM rock and honest-to-goodness burgers.

Burger Machine baka naman? hahaha!