My husband and I discovered the Music Hall when were looking for a place to chill somewhere in…read moreMetrowalk. With two floors and a mezzanine, this place is surprisingly spacious. Since we had dinner already at home we only ordered a plate of nachos and two bottles of beer (total bill was only Php350. They don't charge an entrance fee). We were disappointed with the nachos because it was served late and cold. We should have ordered the sizzling tofu instead. Anyway, it's a good thing the band playing that evening, Jek Manuel and The Stronghold, was good. We really enjoyed the group's performance. I like the place because it's separated from the crowded and smokey part of the Metrowalk. I don't like their chairs though, very uncomfortable. We will definitely go back there because food (mostly hotplate or grilled) is not expensive, band performances great, place cool, and location is fantastic.

With a very up-to-date sound system, scenic location, and the guest performances of many of the…read morecountry's well-known Original Pinoy Music (OPM) artists, The Music Hall has a simple name but a well-known concept in that is takes a bar with live music and an ambiance of cocktails, buckets of beer, and delicious samples of "pulutan" and other light meals served with alcohol to make it a bar-bistro. Seeing its walls lined with pictures of famous artists who performed there, one would instantly realize how many stars have graced the stage of The Music Hall. During my visit, I witnessed a concert where Philippine music legends Boy Mondragon and Richard Merk performed songs that made them famous. (Yes, not my generation, but it was a fun, entertaining, impressive show nonetheless.) All that while enjoying a smooth Daiquiri with Calamares, Drunken Shrimp, and Sizzling Tofu. With the cool air-conditioning and the live bands and groups like the FBC "Rebirth" and the L & S Femme stoking up the crowd's enthusiasm and letting them sing along to the hits of yesterday and today, I thoroughly enjoyed my time there. I'm sure you will too. Just check their schedule which is packed with events featuring artists from then and now.

It was such a coincidence that I was at Back to the 90's yesterday and it was apparently--Hashtag:…read moreThrowback Thursday. My friends from Concerned Artists of the Philippines in UP held a back to back gig of two independent bands there last night (Plagpul and KALIS), so I passed by and gave my support. It was my first time in this bar but I already knew about it for quite some time; it's Back to the Future signage along Tomas Morato, corner E. Rodriguez is simply hard to miss. I was curious at first to see what it's like inside Back to the 90's, only to find out that it's actually no different from most bars ideal for gatherings of independent bands and the underground music scene. The only difference with Back to the 90's is practically, its 90's theme. You will definitely see a lot of Throwback posts on their walls because of the framed movie and music posters from the 90's era. Haha! What a virtual way to describe it, but I would rather stick to such description than say nostalgic because I simply did not get the feel. I was born 1991, so I really wasn't able to get a glimpse of how bars then were like. Although, when I asked some of my older friends there, they said that 'yes, this is actually a recreation of a 90's bar.' What I like about it, is it's cozy but rock and roll ambiance that went well with its small, vertical space; comfortable couches are leaned against graffiti walls showcased by dimmed pin lights. They also have a very cute menu placed in an old school CD case where they offer alcoholic beverages and bar dishes like Nacho's, Fries, Buffalo Wings, etc. Although, I wasn't able to have a taste of any because I was a little broke last night (P200.00 per order), and their selections were not really that inviting, the waiter said that their best seller is the Tapsilog. Overall, it was an OK bar for me. I would go here if good bands will be playing but probably not for a usual late night chill or beer nights.

Café Cubana is a restaurant, bar, music venue located on Burgos Street in Makati; Metro Manila; The…read morePhilippines. The theme of this venue is the Cuban Revolution. The wait staff wear black berets and stylish olive drab military-esque uniforms. (Although, I doubt any guerilla ever looked as well kempt.) The décor is "tropical". I went to drink beer and listen to live music. (This is one of the few places in Manila where I have found beer on tap; although, it is more expensive than comparable bottled beer.) They have a full menu for food; they have a full bar. But before you exercise your urge to tip, double check your bill. The menu clearly states they there is a VAT and a service fee. Admittedly, Burgos Street has a reputation. But you won't find that type of adventure, unless you're looking for it.

Wonderful vibe. Indoor outdoor seating. Live music. Excellent service. In the heart of P Burgos…read moreexcitement. My favorite server Anne has the best smile in town! Cold beer and mixed drinks. Decor that takes you to old Havana.

I've been an avid goer of gigs since 2007 and even started my own production company in 2009, but…read morebelieve it or not, I only started frequenting Route 196 in 2014. Of course, I would watch gigs there from time to time, but because I live in Makati and parking can get difficult, I used to get too lazy to go all the way to Katipunan. Since my first gig in April 2014, I'm probably there almost once or twice a week. It even came to a point that I was there four times in one week! Yes, parking can be difficult, but with Mak around, he's sure to find a decent and safe parking spot for you. Once you park, you pay an entrance fee to Ryan, who at times often tease me already. (See? I go there waaaaay too much.) There are times though that entrance is free. Usually for Rockeoke nights, which I've honestly never been to, but come on. Karaoke with a live band backing you up and everyone drunk enough not to judge your horrible singing? Come on. That's got to sound inviting. From time to time, I buy a bottle of scotch that is served to me by my favorite waiter, Mark. If you're a fan of How I Met Your Mother, just imagine Mark as Linus. He never leaves my glass empty! My friends and I have actually gotten close to the waiters,(and by close I mean, Facebook friends and commenting on each others' posts), that we would often tease each other with little inside jokes. On Tuesdays they have drink all you can for P300 on certain cocktails and every night they have buy one take one on pizza until 8 or 9 pm. If you're feeling cheap, go for those two options, but if you're really hungry, try the deviled chicken or deviled tofu with a serving of rice, which by the way, is not even expensive at all! If you're not a fan of spicy food though, try their other pizzas or their rice bowls. Basically, Route 196 has everything I need when I go out: good food, great staff and brilliant music. And of course, an unlimited amount of cheap drinks!

Joining the ranks of bars like Saguijo, Big Sky Mind, and Club Dredd, Route 196 has become a hot…read moreand sought-after venue for today's young artists. Most big names of the independent art scene frequent Route 196, if not for their own events, for the crowd. Route attracts writers, independent thinkers, music aficionados, filmmakers, and patrons of the underground community. Events I've attended here include Stereodeal's album launch, GeekFight! Trivia Night, Deus Sex Machina, a gig with indie bigwigs Bullet Dumas, Ebe Dancel, and Johnoy Danao, and a fundraiser for a dance film. Route may be a bit difficult to get to, with no direct commutes, but it doesn't stop the crowds from going out of their way to get there. The lure of the culture of Route 196 is just too strong.

Unlike other major cities throughout the world, Manila doesn't have a vibrant busking culture. The…read moremusic-for-money and public performance standard here is pretty much limited to the blind and the physically disabled who sing and perform for spare change in train stations or on the street. In other countries, especially in huge cities where walking is a culture and the people commute everywhere, buskers or street musicians are a part of the commuter's way of life. They just breathe this fun and creative energy to the city, and I really miss running into awesome street performers that are just too damn good, they should be famous. In Seattle, for instance, there are banjo players, violinists, saxophone players and even street drummers in almost every corner or public park, so there is always good live music around. These people don't even need the money, but spare change is very well appreciated. More often than not, these performers already have independently produced CDs or records that they also sell. You hang around, buy a CD, listen to the music, and plop some loose change or some banknotes onto their open violin or guitar case. One thing that comes really close to the busking culture that I love are the street musician acts that are prominent in Bonifacio High Street. I have been to BGC several times, and High Street's promenade is always rife with live entertainment from people who are passionate about music. I saw a guy in a wheelchair ones who sang to all my favorite John Mayer tunes. There was also a girl who was pretty good with the ukulele. One guitar player really made me stop and listen because his original compositions were so evocative and so well-writ. I just love that BGC is promoting this kind of activity, since we don't get to see a lot of pure talent every day. Here, you can just buy a coffee from a cafe nearby, settle on one of the benches, and part with a few twenties or fifties after listening to some awesome live music from the buskers.

It has been a long time since I started going to Chivz - from the time when they occupied one space…read morealong G Strip and only had DJs playing on Fridays and Saturdays, until today when they occupy two spaces and have acoustic acts and bands playing live music nightly. It's such a delight that they feature bands as no other bar or restaurant features bands along G Strip or in the vicinity of Greenhills Shopping Center. This could very well be one of the reasons why they have a steady stream of regular guests. It also helps that their servers recall returning guests and makes them feel comfortable and at home. Aside from the entertainment and the atmosphere, what I enjoy most at Chivz is the food. My favorites would be their lengua salpicao, the gambas, and their tapsilog. I know. It's a bit odd, but their slightly sweet and salty saucy tapa is just perfect for those who will be hanging out or drinking til, well, breakfast time.

The place is pretty much the same as other lounge bars where you can spend a few hours with…read morefriends. There's a live band and towards the end of the night, they'll invite people from the crowd to sing a song or two. The menu is pretty standard: you get the usual alcoholic drinks, non-alcoholic options like iced tea, juices and sodas. As for the food, nothing to write home about really, but passably good and not too expensive. The biggest sell of the place is really the setting. The darkened interior is cozy and the band is there to fill in awkward silences. The tables are not so crowded so if you are making clumsy first-date talk, no one will be the wiser. The one time I was there, the girl at the next table just started crying and even though I really tried my best, I couldn't overhear what it was all about For non-smokers like me, you'll be glad to know that smokers are required to stay at the outdoor tables.

This is one of my favorite event venues both as a participant and as a merchant. I love that it is…read moreso accessible because it's just right beside Powerplant Mall. Whether you're driving, taking a cab or even using other modes of public transport, it's so easy to get to. The tent is pretty big, it has comfortable air-conditioning, the bathrooms are right beside it. I've joined as a merchant for Mommy Mundo bazaars when they were still holding them here and that was one of my most productive selling days. Mommy Mundo transferred to a different venue last year because they were told that Rockwell Tent will be undergoing some remodeling. While we had high hopes for the new venue, it really didn't perform as good as when we were in Rockwell Tent. Foot traffic was cut by about half just with that move. I do hope they give Rockwell Tent a makeover. But even if they don't, I love it just as it is. I will continue to visit the bazaars there and maybe even join a few that will be held there.

The Rockwell Tent has been one of the most enduring event centers and venues in the metro. NBC, a…read moresimilar tent-like venue has bitten the dust last year, and Rockwell remains as a place that can be transformed to suit every function or event, such as parties, product launches, fashion shows, musical events, bazaars and flea markets, programs and wedding receptions. A lot of really memorable events have happened in Rockwell. It is a favorite performance venue for my samba school and community, and we would hold concerts, performances, football viewing parties and similar events in the tent. You don't have to worry about the place being too warm because their air-conditioning game is always on point. Several independently-organized bazaars also often pop up in the tent from time to time, especially during the holiday season. It is where I usually shop for presents, since they are very selective with their tenants. All the bazaar sellers actually hawk interesting and moderately priced gift items that make my Christmas shopping hassle free and worry free! I also like that I'm almost always able to hail a cab in mere minutes, a feat that is almost impossible elswhere.

I found out about this rare gem through Reese Lansangan's instagram post about a place in Cubao…read morethat sells Pinoy-made ukuleles. I checked out their page instantly (or should I say, insta-stalk?) to check out if they could apply a decal of the phases of moon on my ukulele. What really piqued my interest was that they conduct a free ukulele tutorial every Thursday at 6 PM. It so happened that it was also a Thursday when I found out about it so phoned my friend and we got there in the nick of time. We both have been trying to learn how to play the ukulele for months all by ourselves and we really never got the time to learn it side by side. We also wanted to learn under the wings of someone who has been playing it for years so that we can ask questions which is obviously quite impossible if your mentor is someone from a Youtube video. Not only did we learn how to play 'Til There Was You by The Beatles but we also met fellow ukulele players and most of them were just as newbies like us who wanted to learn how to play an instrument even at a late age. They also have an open jam every Friday nights to gather ukulele players all around the metro and form a camaraderie with everyone who loves to play the uke. You can also order tea or coffee while you're there and just like the ukulele they sell, they're also made by Filipinos. Hooray for supporting local!

I can say that ukuleles are getting more and more popular these days. I base it on the fact that…read moremusic instrument shops are running out of stocks now more than ever. I got my first ukulele from a huge chain, and when I went back two months later to get one for my brother, they were all gone. Going back a week later didn't help, and neither did trying out some other stores. Of course they do restock, it's just that more people are buying them. I guess more and more musicians are using ukes for their live performances and fans are following. Just think about Meghan Trainor and Vance Joy. Now, I stumbled upon Four Strings Cafe's online page when I was on a roll googling ukulele shops and liking their pages. The cafe is located in Cubao Expo. There you can find ukuleles of literally different shapes and sizes, strings, accessories like tuner and some ukulele bags too. You can also, for some reason, buy Manic Panic hair dyes there. That's where I'm gonna go to once I decide to do a YOLO hairdo, although I doubt they have resident hairstylists there. I'm totally kidding. Their string babies are locally-made and are priced competitively in my opinion. I attended one of their free ukulele workshops where you they teach you chords and songs with some other enthusiasts. All of you squeezed inside the tiny cafe, but for me it was totally worth it.

The home of my favorite Wolfgang and Razorback concerts! I'm glad to see this OPM mecca still up…read moreand running. The display of memorabilia from various local legends through the years makes the walk to the main concert area even more exciting. It is also nice how the Music Museum is at a central location being in Greenhills. There's no reason for your south friends (who usually make anything beyond Makati or Taguig seem like a province) not to be part of the concert barkada. Afterall, concert viewing is more fun in groups. An added bonus is that there are many choices to have your concert "pregame" at. It really doesn't matter whether you just want a quick meal or get boozed up before rocking out at the show you're going to since Greenhills Shopping Center gives you many options.

Music Museum holds a special place in my heart because I saw my very first concert here (Wolfgang's…read moreAcoustica, if you wanted to know). So much history in terms of the local music scene has gone down within the four walls of Music Museum, because many Filipino artists across all genres, from rock, hip-hop, classical and more, have performed here. Even foreign acts have also graced its walls. It is one of those venues that is built in a way that the music is meant to sound good, whether you've got a front row seat or are sitting in the back on the upper floor. It's also been said that Music Museum houses the country's best sound system, according to certain local musicians. Located in Greenhills across the Promenade mall, Music Museum has been around since 1988, founded by Kuh Ledesma. You can even see memorabilia from famous musicians inside, including Apo Hiking Society's first contract, Liza Macuja's first ballet shoes, and Randy Santiago's jacket. I was able to catch acts like Wolfgang and Razorback perform here, and each time was a fantastic show. I am especially fond of this venue for live music and I know that every time there's a gig at Music Museum, I know that it's a big deal.

Whitespace Manila is one of those huge, sterile warehouse-type places that often house grand art…read moreexhibits, concerts, and occasional pop-up bazaars. While I have been here a couple of times, my most memorable experience at Whitespace must have been when I saw the Lemonheads perform live in Manila. The great thing about Whitespace as a music venue is that it's not too large, but not too small - perfect for housing indie rock bands, or in the case of the Lemonheads, grunge bands undergoing a sort of renaissance period in their careers. I must commend the air conditioning at Whitespace, because even during the Lemonheads' performance, the body heat from all the other people wasn't enough to drown out the coldness of the venue. Whitespace is large enough to walk around and have a good amount of personal space from other people - it hardly gets packed to uncomfortable capacity, making it a perfect place to host bazaars and exhibits. It even served as a headquarters for packing relief goods during Typhoon Yolanda. I quite enjoy Whitespace because it is a great venue that fulfills artsy purposes, and does not make the visitor feel cramped and unhappy.

Whitespace Manila is the perfect example of "Build it and they will come". A huge warehouse…read moreconverted into an event space, Whitespace has played host to a series of high profile events, concerts, and markets. Whitespace has a bit of the snob factor working for it as they highly curate the events they stage in the premises. Because they do that, Whitespace has an unmistakable look of cool around it. Whitespace is actually two sections that can be used separately, or can be combined as one big space, depending on your needs. The structure itself is impressive and well maintained. My only beef with Whitespace is its accessibility, as commuters can only access it via jeep from the Magallanes MRT station. Having said that, it's not too difficult to get there. On a personal note, Whitespace will always be special to me as I did my first live coverage of a concert on Whitespace, a Wolfgang concert.