Other entertainment in Philippines
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Penguin Café
Also known as Rock Ola Café, this is the watering hole of choice among Malate’s artistically inclined bohemian set. The Penguin doesn’t truly come to life until late on Friday and Saturday nights, however, when DJs or live bands set the place on fire. Try to catch a set by the wildly original Pinikpikan, an 11-member folk-rock group that performs here occasionally.
reviewed
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Paseo
Not so much a nightclub as a night precinct, Paseo is a vast semi-outdoor space fronted by a market area and bordered by 20 independently owned bars all competing for attention. See how far you can crawl your way around in a single night, but don’t forget to write the name of your hotel on the back of your hand. On Friday nights the party heats up at 10pm; on Saturdays it kicks off as early as 8pm. Get there earlier for cheap eats – most of the bars have short-order kitchens. A taxi from uptown will cost about P60 and take 15 minutes.
reviewed
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Barrakz
Who could possibly resist a multi-levelled, meat-market style dance club where the camouflage-clad waiters actually salute the patrons?! During the early evening, university students come here for dinner; at night, the place goes insane. Two huge American military trucks retrofitted with tables and chairs are parked on the rooftop.
reviewed
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Reynadelrio
For truly golden Cagayan sunsets, nothing beats this out-of-commission river ferry docked a few blocks north of City Hall. Drinking and floating boats, especially those not going anywhere, go hand in hand, and seafood and Filipino fare (mains P180) mean you can make a long evening of it.
reviewed
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Pasay City Cockpit
Bloody cockfights take place at this huge venue and the atmosphere is always highly charged. It is close to Malate. Sunday is the best day to visit. To get there, take the LRT-1 to Libertad station and change to an eastbound Evangelista–Libertad jeepney.
reviewed
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Club Mwah!
The best of the city’s tranny stage shows take place at the opulent Club Mwah!, an incredibly shiny, sparkly and simply fabulous place with obvious Las Vegas interior-design influences. Manila’s gay expats give it a huge thumbs-up.
reviewed
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Dolce
Dolce is a red-velvet-rope-style club in the tradition of, say, South Beach or Ibiza. University co-eds flock here in their glamorous droves on weekend nights, and all of them dress to impress. A dress code forbids casual street wear.
reviewed
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FAB/The Library
Two gay clubs under one roof. FAB is a club famous for weekend foam parties. Weekdays see acoustic musicians perform. The Library downstairs has nightly comedy shows (at 9.30pm) that are popular among both gay and straight audiences.
reviewed
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Tabu
This cosy lounge gets going on Tuesday when its ‘models night’ tees off. It’s not a misnomer either, as every Brazilian model in town (there are surprisingly many) flocks here. Wednesday is ’80s rock and Thursday is Brazilian night.
reviewed
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Kinabuch
This is where a good chunk of Puerto seems to go at night. It’s a large open-air property with several billiard tables and an extensive menu (mains from P100), though most people come for the cheap beer and lively atmosphere.
reviewed
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Oarhouse
Oarhouse is something of a clubhouse for Peace Corps volunteers and Filipino journalists. It’s a cramped little space, but populated with an accomplished group of eclectic regulars, who often linger until the sun comes up.
reviewed
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Bureau
There’s always a risk that new clubs will go the way of the dinosaur, but the Bureau in Makati’s trendy new A.Venue mall should have staying power. The crowd is on the young side and the music tends towards hip hop.
reviewed
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City Tavern
Live music is the name of the game at this creatively designed, open-air bar, a local favourite. Try to catch regular act Petune and its unique brand of tribal-infused reggae sung in various Cordillera dialects.
reviewed
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Oops Bar
The perennial favourite for its cocktails, shooters and the famous Baileys Shake. Can’t find your feet to get home? There are some good-value nipa rooms out the back (from P800) if you can handle the noise.
reviewed
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Lolo’s Music Bar
On the 2nd floor of Avenue Sq, Lolo’s Music Bar is a cool bar with plenty of room to breathe, and live music from 9pm. It caters to a mature crowd, but frowns on shorts and sandals.
reviewed
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Koko’s Nest
Cheap Filipino bar snacks and P25 (!!) San Miguel in a small street-side nook sheltered by a bamboo awning. If it’s full the place next door has P27 San Miguel (larceny!). Both are backpacker faves.
reviewed
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Howzat
This newcomer to the P Burgos area could be a British expat bar anywhere. Cross through the shaded doors and enter a world of pints and football. Unfortunately it lacks a good outdoor seating area.
reviewed
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Conway’s
Gets packed with yuppies, expats and all sorts of characters out to hear top Filipino cover bands, like the self-defined Spirit of ’67. It’s all-you-can-drink beer and wine during happy hour.
reviewed
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Beers Paradise
Belgian beer is the speciality at this spartan, quirkily named drinkery. Most varieties pack quite a wallop. Don’t have too many or you may do something you regret on nearby P Burgos St.
reviewed
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Club Mojo
Club Mojo has live music most nights of the week; has nominal cover charges. On the 2nd floor is Rolf’s Sports Bar, a generic version with several TVs and billiards.
reviewed
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Pier One Bar & Grill
The QC version of this small restaurant chain is a wildly popular drinking spot among the uni crowd and produces a sweaty, packed dance floor on weekends. There’s free wi-fi access.
reviewed
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Star Mark
Star Mark is a combo of coffee shop with food, bar and wi-fi; it’s a popular and relaxed meeting place. Nearby, Mud Bugs is a busy sports bar with pool tables.
reviewed
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Inilog Grill & Acoustic Bar
A small and dark place, singer-songwriter types and karaoke duos serenade small audiences here, where sometimes the musicians outnumber customers. Cheap beer and food, too.
reviewed
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Grapevine
A sophisticated little place, stacked with bottles of wine on one wall, with comfortable indoor and outdoor seating. It also serves mixed drinks and desserts.
reviewed
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Floating Bar
Moored just off-shore. Free shuttle boats leave from in front of Capt’n Greggs – for those who choose to imbibe while bobbing under a blazing sun.
reviewed
