Manila Entertainment

  1. Libertad Cockpit

    Bloody cockfights take place at several venues around Manila and the atmosphere is always highly charged. The huge Libertad Cockpit is close to Malate. Sunday is the best day to visit. To get there, take the LRT1 to Libertad station and change to an eastbound Evangelista-Libertad jeepney.

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  2. Library

    This is a tiny, stand-up-comedy and karaoke bar that draws a mixed gay/straight crowd. Be warned: this place can be high on the sleaze factor but if that doesn't bother you, get on the mike and sing to your sweetheart of the night.

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  3. Merks Bar Bistro

    This breezy place on a terrace has good views of the park and Makati skyline. Happy Hour runs to and there's live music most nights.

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  4. Prince

    The Prince, formerly known as the Prince of Wales, is a long-standing British-style pub with a friendly vibe. It's the place for throwing a dart or two and is popular with locals and expats alike.

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  5. Repertory Globe Theatre

    Repertory Philippines, an important local performaing arts group, performs at the Repertory Globe Theatre.

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  7. Robinsons Movieworld

    Manila boasts hundreds of movie houses. Many feature state-of-the-art facilities, particularly those in the upmarket malls. Hollywood blockbusters are often shown simultaneously with their US release, yet it costs only around P50 to around P100 to watch a movie here. All of the local newspapers have extensive film listings. English-language movies are screened with their original English dialogue.

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  8. Roligon Cockpit

    The Roligon Cockpit is another popular venue. To get there, take LRT1 to Baclaran and change to a jeepney bound for Sucat Hwy. Tell the driver to drop you off at Roligon Cockpit.

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  9. Roxas Blvd

    For free entertainment, you shouldn't miss the pedestrian walkway along Roxas Blvd as it turns into a veritable 'battle of the bands' after sunset. There's an abundance of street-side restaurants, hip live bands and throngs of ambling Filipinos.

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  10. SaGuijo

    This is as unpretentious yet clued in as it gets in Manila. Downstairs this music club mixes famous music acts with an eclectic mix of new and experimental performers. Upstairs there's a gallery with works by local artists, many of whom can be found hanging out right here.

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  11. Sharky's Bar & Grill

    Totally open air, this one packs 'em in with cheap beer and the lure of local snack fave, the chicken lollipop (a sort of Chicken McNugget with an even less noble heritage).

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  13. Sid's Bar

    This could be a British expat bar anywhere the world over. Cross through the shaded doors and enter a world of pints and football. Huge-screen TVs show matches non-stop.

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  14. Sonata

    The genteel front bar of the notorious Bed nightclub, Sonata features live acoustic music from on Thursday and Saturday nights. There's a good menu of snacks and pasta that you can enjoy on the patio.

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  15. Star Theater

    Large performance venue.

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  16. Suburbia

    This live-music venue features well-known local artists playing acoustic and pop; it's best late.

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  17. Temple Bar

    For some uber-hip bar action, you may need to grab a cab to the malls of the Makati district. One of the most popular spots is the Temple Bar, which is home to a giant Buddha and is popular with the post-college crowd.

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  19. Tubbataha Divers Grill

    Have a beer and soak up the Morato action from this open-air throwback to a time when faux-Polynesian style was all the rage. There's nothing pretentious here.

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  20. V Bar

    Looking both dark and lush at night, this trendy place lures in clubbers from across town. DJs play a mix of house and R&B.

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  21. Virgin Cafe

    A fabled place to hear local bands one step below the big time. Styles vary from rap to rock to jazz through the week. Sunday is devoted to blues.

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  22. William J Shaw Theater

    Large performance venue.

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