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.

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.

I have nothing but praise for this place. It's located at this new mall, Commercenter Alabang so…read moreobviously, everything is still very new and very clean. The reclining chairs still smelled of fresh plastic. The comfort rooms are clean too. The movie house reminded me a lot of the ones we'd go to when I was still living abroad with my husband. Everything about it feels first-world; if only more cinemas in the country are like this. It's smaller compared to the more popular theaters in the area, but I like it that way. I somehow feel like I'm in a private screening, and I can hear the audience's reactions when something funny is happening on screen. But what really won me over was the presence of Taters as their food concessionaire. They don't have an extensive menu compared to the one at Alabang Town Center, but they've got the popcorn and the nachos so it's all good. State of the art theaters, no long queues in buying ticket and snacks, it's official; Commercenter Cinemas is my favorite movie house in the south.

Comfortable seating. Plenty of space between screen and seating area so even those in front are…read morepositioned well. Seats recline and are soft but firm. Very clean. Employees are friendly. Only downside is that it gets cold in the theater.

Aside from Shangrila and Rockwell, Theater Mall Cinemas was another decent place to watch movies. I…read moream very picky when it comes to movie theater watching. Seats should be comfortable, the screen should be digital and clear, the theater should be cold but not too cold and the popcorn should be awesome. Theater Mall Cinemas offered just that especially with the amazing popcorn that they sell! While the theater can get extremely cold in the middle of the movie, it might just be a cute reason to cuddle up with your hubby. Or perhaps bring a nice cardigan or jacket to show off. I'm glad to see the Greenhills continued to improve their facilities by opening more theaters at the Promenade side. Bigger. better, yummier and definitely cleaner. Despite the competition just next door, I'm glad Theater Mall continues to maintain its clean and comfortable theaters.

Once upon a time this was the only decent theater in my vicinity. It was either this or Megamall,…read moreand Megamall's sticky floors were just too difficult to navigate to make it worth the effort. So, my default theater had to be Theatermall, and it's kinda amazing to me how it has barely changed in over a decade. I suppose that's one of the biggest compliments I can possibly give a theater: it has remained clean and comfortable longer than its competitors. While other cinemas have inevitably had their floors transform into flytraps and had their apholstery disintegrate into itching powder, Theater mall has done well to keep things in a fresh state. The aging theater will need a hardware refresh in the coming years, but they'll hopefully keep the structure and the memories intact.

"Look for the polka dot house."…read more "Say what, now?" "Look for the polka dot house!" Yes, these were actual directions given to me the first time I was invited to hang out at Boho Sarapsody Bistro a couple of years ago. Located along Ermin Garcia Avenue on Quezon City, you'll know exactly what I mean when you see it. Boho is the only house on the block that does, indeed have polka dots. Frequented by a wide range of oddballs and weirdoes, Boho Sarapsody Bistro is a converted house that serves excellent cocktails, cheap beer and really good food. Also, the group of regulars and the sexy bartenders are warm and welcoming, so it's easy to feel like you're part of the community. You can count on quiz nights, acoustic gigs, pop-up bazaars and art exhibits to be part of the colorful scene that Boho provides to the Quezon City social scene. My favorite dish of theirs has to be their Smurf Fries, which are essentially deep-fried mushrooms, served with mayo ketchup dip. However, I would opt not to have it with the dip and have it with vinegar instead!

It might not look like much, but BoHo Sarapsody is (in my opinion) one of the best places to hang…read moreout. BoHo is pretty much a cozy house turned into an artsy bar - you get there, order a drink, pick a seat, and see where the night takes you. The place doesn't have a sign upfront, and usually, the only indications you've arrived at BoHo are the sounds of performers or loud voices coming from behind a black gate with a bamboo fence. (No! I won't say it! I hate the term "hipster"!) They've got a witty selection of drinks and food, such as their Wong Kar Wai Wings, their Anak ng Tokwa selections, alcoholic drinks The Remedy and the Alien Blowjob, and arguably one of the best mojitos in the metro. Their food is also great, although be patient with their kitchen as they've only got a handful in their trusted staff. They host quiz nights, live gigs with acoustic musicians, the occasional spoken poetry, film showings, and other random events promoting Manila's independent art scene. I once asked them if they could host a fundraiser for a film and they were the most accommodating of hosts. BoHo isn't just a bar or your everyday watering hole, it's a community! Be sure to drop by when they have one of their events! You're bound to meet someone with a story, make new friends, and overall, have an interesting night. PS: Check out their bathroom as well! It's got a lot of stories from the minds that drop by BoHo and feel like scribbling down a thing or so.

A unique experience. Had a wonderful time with my wife. It can seem vague what they offer. FYI,…read morefree refills on popcorn and coffee. Drinks are per cup. It definitely is cold, but the blankets do the job. And the chairs are super comfortable. Sound is top notch with 7.1 surround sound.

Not a great vibe here. It kind of felt like we were walking into a front for organized crime. The…read moretwo guys up front were not friendly Filipinos, as all my fellow Filipinos typically are, but rather, they seemed less than pleased that we came in at all. My recommendation is to head inland to a livelier and more inviting karaoke bar.

Love karaoke? Music Platinum Family KTV won't disappoint. Located a fee minutes away from Alabang…read moreTown Center, Music Platinum Family KTV is sure to being out the singer in you. The place is normally packed on a weekend so best to call and make a reservation if you can. They have KTV rooms for small or large groups so you'll have the option to choose which one you'd like according to your budget but of course depending on availability. They also serve popular finger-food such as fries and chips and other "pulutan" favorites such as sisig, crispy pata, calamares and so much more. They KTV machines are top-notch with updated sobg books. Whether you want to croon songs in the bygone era or rock on to modern songs, you most likely find the catalogue to be updated. Parking is available subject to availability. Local beers, wine, cocktails and other beverages are also aplenty. The next time you need a place for you and your squad to sing without being judged, head over to Platinum Music Family KTV. You won't be disappointed

I love everything about this bar! Great experience. Definitely making 19eastbar a favorite hang out…read morefor me!!!

First of all let me say.... It's a great place to see the well know groups and singers up close…read more Not a bad seat in the house and you will enjoy the entertainment. That gets 5-stars. The reason for the 3 stars was everything else. This includes the food and the service. It felt to me like ordering food was a bit of a nuisance. First they did not have all of the item menus and the food I did order ( beef dish ) tasted like fish. I only ate the rice and the rest of the food sat on the table and enjoyed the band as well. The wait staff also seemed like they didn't want to be there. Also I noticed that there was no female wait staff, at least not on Tuesday. Not saying they should or shouldn't.... I just find it a little weird. So the restaurant gets a 1.5. Overall. I would go there again with a full stomach. Bands like freestyle and south border are worth it.