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.

A tiny little shack on one of the side streets along E. Rodriguez houses one of the oldest bars in…read morethe local scene. A friend once described it as a bar "where everyone is broken", and people just want someone to sit down and talk to or to drink their troubles away. While this seems like a melodramatic way to describe such a famous (or infamous) place, it seems to be spot on. I can't actually recall much of the food here, but I do remember all the faces, drunken laughter, the awesome music, and the late night talks and interesting goings-on in the bar. People might say that BSM may be where the good, the bad, and the ugly happens but I guess everyone seems to want to be here anyway when it does. Also, it can't be a bad thing when the alcohol is good, cold, and cheap, right? :D

Big Sky Mind boasts 4 things that have won me over despite its distance from me: 1) a great crowd:…read moreusually the chill, creative, intellectual but fun-loving types. 2) Comfort food that tastes just that perfect amount of "dirty," and not too meticulously cooked, which allows you to enjoy 3) a great selection of drinks that taste good and hit hard, so you end up drunkenly singing to 4) their playlist of nonstop classic alternative/punk songs. The anthems of Generation X/Y's youth. This two-floor joint is a great place to unwind. Did I mention there are plenty of sofas? (But hey if that ain't flying with you, there are regular tables and seats at the bar as well.) By the way, I found it just a tad difficult to spot, so if you're geographically inept like I am, it's behind the BPI and across McDonald's along E. Rodriguez, facing Dona Juana Rodriguez Avenue. Meh, just look for the sound of people having a good time.

Curiously amazing place. Respect the old fashioned protocols and the great staff! Amazingly curated…read moredrinks and warm atmosphere make this a must see

Probably one of my favorite bars in the whole of Manila! When I want to have drinks after work or a…read morenightcap after a late dinner, I will most probably end up at The Bar. Interiors are beautiful and cozy. The leather chairs, central bar, and decor take you to another world where you can enjoy your classic cocktail, scotch, or wine in utter opulence. The staff are always efficient and helpful when serving and suggesting drinks if you are feeling a little adventurous. Try the Negroni 1919 or the Espresso Martini. Good selection of wines too and a decent repertoire of Single Malts (for a price!). Bar chow is available too if you feel like you need more than the refillable snacks they serve you. It's also the perfect place to have an intimate conversation or a casual meeting. Cigar smokers and smokers alike will enjoy the fact that you can smoke here (sorry non-smokers!). Price points are expensive compared to your average bars or speakeasies but you're at The Peninsula after all. The overall feel is nostalgic, classic, and definitely for those who enjoy high quality cocktails and drinks in a place that makes you feel like you're transported to a bar in Cuba with different world music playing in the background.

Great ambiance, service and food. Excellent salpicao, wagyu…read morecubes and pomelo salad. Amazing sunset view.

Service was amazing! Staff was welcoming and informative especially when it came with the happy…read morehour specials. The wagyu nachos are a definite must if you ever stop by this place. It's a perfect date spot between 5pm - 8pm as you can watch the sunset overlooking the Manila skyline and watch as the same skyline light up around 7:30ish. Decor was legit fancy and a perfect spot to take profile pics especially during the golden hour. Staff also mentioned they have live bands at the end of the week.

Located at the 21st floor at the Ace hotel, great Pasig view and hip-happening music. Great food…read moreand drinks. Cold air fan blowing on you while you enjoy the night lights!

If you really wanna go for a "sosyal" date then Sky High Bar might cater to your liking. What I…read morelove about the place is that it's so intimate that you just can't get on a regular al fresco dining. What I also like about it is the view of Manila at night that you'll get to enjoy because they're located at the rooftop of a semi-high rise building. In Metro Manila, you won't get to see that much stars at night, as what people say, it's because it's polluted. What makes up for it is the busy street and night lights that you'll only get to see if you're on top of a building or a helicopter. The only problem with fine dining at night is that you don't get to see your food under good lighting and get to instagram it. They do have mini lamps that you can use to see better when eating. Just ask the waiters. What I also enjoyed in this place is their food. It's mostly pica-picas (did you read that in Pikachu's voice because I did) but they also offer meal sets. I'm in love with their calamares and fries. What added oomf to their food is their dips. It's so flavorful and it complements the crunchy texture so well. The place has two sides. One is for the bar with the loud thumpin' music and the other side is for fine dining.

Went to Black Market last weekend for the first time in ages and man, it still hits different…read more Walked in around midnight, no ridiculous line, just that familiar raw warehouse energy--exposed concrete, dim lights, and the bass already thumping through the floor. The crowd was a perfect mix: locals in hoodies and sneakers, some foreigners vibing, everyone just there to lose themselves in the music. Caught this killer hip-hop/trap set that had the whole place moving without feeling forced or pretentious like a lot of BGC spots. Slipped upstairs to Mao Den for a bit--smaller room, tighter sound, killer cocktails--and it felt like its own little secret world. Left at 4am sweaty, happy, and already planning the next one. If you want real underground Manila nights without the dress code drama, this place is still unbeatable. 5 stars every time.

Black Market is hands down my favorite and go-to club in Manila. It's not your typical kind that…read moreyou mostly find in Manila, the atmosphere here is much more relaxed and you can dress casually. It is an underground industrial warehouse type of club that focuses mainly on underground music. It is where you can usually find independent, up and coming local and international artists playing mostly hip hop, bass and trap music. Most of the time, it's not really for the EDM type. This place also has different areas inside, which offers different ambiances and music scenes too. On the second floor, they have the Mao Den, a room which has its own DJ and bar. Black Market is also the place where I always celebrate "birthday salubongs" and halloween with friends, which were always fun! This is one of the things that I miss back home. Highly recommended!

Part of my job is to make sure that foreign investors coming to the Philippines get to see what the…read morecountry has to offer, in order to gauge just how much they want to invest in our pioneer industries. This can be done in a variety of ways. If the package is an investor in the entertainment industry, one way is to bring him to Solaire's excellent Dragon Bar and watch him drink and gamble all night long. It's an win-win situation because the investor is enjoying himself, and I'd never be able to afford to sit in this place on my own. They'd throw me out when they find out I only have like 20 pesos in my wallet. My budget aside, this place serves great whatever-it-is-you-need. There's hot tea and coffee if the sun is still up, which you can pair with their excellent desserts, and there are signature cocktails and puke-under-the-table liquor you can pair with their imported cigars (sun up or sun down, I don't judge).

Great spot to drink in Solaire if you want to take a break from gambling your money away...just…read moredrink it away instead! Great, friendly service. San Miguel Light is cheaper than water here. Great happy hour from 6-9 with all you can drink select drinks for 888 pesos. Great deal!

"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.