Manila
This long-running pub is wildly popular among expats for watching live sport on TV, and usually features a live band or two on weekend nights.
Must-see nightlife in Philippines
Kalibo
This roadside cafe with its tiki-hut feel is popular with foreigners. It serves decent Filipino food and ice-cold beers and has weekend DJs.
Boracay
This seething disco is known for staying open the latest, making it White Beach's last call; at times it's a little less savoury for it.
Davao
New owners, same as the Alcatraz Penal Bar, breathed life into this massive space known as downtown's premier club in the '80s and '90s.
Samar
On the boulevard, this restobar has popular acoustic sessions and reggae nights. There's a lively vibe on weekends and a full food menu.
Baguio
You can find a drinking buddy or billiards partner any time of day at this expat fave. Good steaks and ribs too (mains P150 to P600).
Iloilo
This open-air Asian place is known for its house cover band, Binhi, which plays 'oldies but goldies' Monday to Wednesday and Friday.
Boracay
A shot of Ibiza, this tasteful all-white beach bar, the first north of Station 1, is also the venue for big rave parties in season.
Panglao Island
Draws a healthy mix of peeps and is less blokey than some of the bars up on the hill. Also has good food and a pub quiz on Mondays.
Samar
Popular bar with happy hour (4pm to 7.30pm) and live music at weekends. Try its sizzling Filipino dishes (meals P60 to P200) too.
Panglao Island
The most credible club in Alona Beach, with visiting DJs from Manila and Cebu on weekends. It's off the beach on the highway.
Siargao
Kitya's is where expats go to swill beer and swap swell tales, especially on the lively reggae nights (Wednesday and Sunday).
Samar
Serves tasty burgers, pasta, bar food and perhaps the best ribs in eastern Visayas, plus live music on Fridays and Saturdays.
Dumaguete
Open-air live music makes this a fun and lively bar. Mexican food, not the most authentic, helps wash down the San Miguel.
Panglao Island
Aussie-run beach bar that's a good bet for happy hour, drawing a fun crowd for its classic cocktails and ice-cold beers.
Iloilo
A complex combining a dance club, KTV lounge and open-air bar, part of the larger MO2 resort. No thongs (flip-flops).
Bicol
Legazpi's best coffee shop is a relaxed place for a cappuccino, a frappé and other assorted caffeine needs.
Davao
A large Starbucks equivalent with better cakes and pastries, as well as comfy indoor and outdoor seating.
Samar
On the edge of town, 2km southwest of the centre, this barn of a place hosts the best live acts in town.
Panglao Island
Buzzing bar on the beach, with live music most nights of the power-ballad or rock-classic persuasion.
Dumaguete
The Starbucks of Dumaguete, an especially good place to hang out while waiting for a boat or flight.
Samar
A smart, air-conditioned cafe for all your coffee kicks. Also has great cakes and a P130 meal deal.
Boracay
This large, recently renovated open-air club draws people north of Station 1 to party.
Panglao Island
After midnight or so, the action in Alona Beach moves to this club up on the highway.
Manila
Much more than a simple refuelling stop for museum patrons, ‘M Café’ is a magnet for Manila’s chi-chi class. It’s usually more of a place to warm up for…
Manila
Though British rule in Manila was short-lived (1762–64), you can still get a taste of colonialism with a spot of high tea (P1535 for two) at the Raffles…
Sagada
Bring all your Jah love to this Rasta-inspired micro bar where you'll be chatting with everyone else in no time over beer, shots and cocktails. The…
Manila
Home to the Pivo Praha microwbrewery, which has been producing Czech-style pilsen, dark and wheat beers since 2001. Tastings are available and it also…
Manila
This dimly lit speakeasy is hidden within a nondescript warehouse under the ultra-cool Black Market club. Once you've found it, grab a stool at the long…
Siargao
Cheap beer, soft-serve ice cream and billiards make this a popular spot with the tight-knit expat community, especially on rugby and Australian rules…
Manila
This long-running club is one of the few places with staying power in Malate's gay district. With much cheaper drinks than the places in the Fort, it…
Baguio
Inside City Centre Hotel, this bright, canteen-like cafe is a favourite with students. It serves good coffee, cakes, smoothies and chilli-cheese fries,…
Batanes
Right near the pier in Ivana, this great little place lets you wander in and help yourself to coffee and cold drinks in the fridge. Prices are prominently…
Manila
The Bar is know for its all-you-can-drink evenings (P1280) on Friday and Saturday from 7pm to midnight; cocktails and spirits included! The two-for-one…
Mindoro
Grandiya has a big stage for nightly live-music acts and serves the usual range of Filipino bar food and local beverages. It's opposite Aroma Beach next…
Coron Town
There are a couple of air-conditioned coffee shops in Coron nowadays. Coffee Kong is the original and probably the best. Espresso drinks, tea, muffins and…
