Manila
Club LAX
Keywords: dance, booze
Structure C, San Miguel by the Bay, Mall of Asia, Pasay City
Operating Hours: 9 p.m. onwards
The newest nightclub to hit town, LAX opened its doors last May. "The crowd varies depending on the night's event," said Andrea Hontiveros, 27, marketing manager. Sometimes you'll see Makati socialites and celebs dropping by for an exclusive party; other nights you'll see MOA dwellers and college kids partying the night away. LAX is still building a following, so give it a few months to see how the club's personality develops.
Wensha Spa
Keywords: spa
CCP Buendia (in front of World Trade Center)
Telephone Number: 832-0515
Operating Hours: 24 hours
Finally, a 24-hour spa that doesn't come off as dodgy! Wensha gives its customers a sweet deal: every spa service comes with a free buffet or shabu-shabu meal, unlimited drinks, and use of the room for up to 12 hours. Don't expect a sumptuous gourmet meal; people who have been to Wensha spa weren't impressed with the food. After all, their expertise is the spa service and not the kitchen. No "happy endings" here, but your body will enjoy every wholesome service—“ranging from P500-P1,000—“that they have on the menu. Also visit their QC branch: 77 Pasda Mansion Panay Ave. corner Timog Ave.
Oarhouse
Keywords: chill out, food, booze
1803 Mabini St., Malate
Website: oarhouse.multiply.com
Operating Hours: 7 p.m. - 4 a.m.
Just because it sounds like "whore house," it doesn't mean you're in for a kinky night. This bar/restaurant was founded in the '70s by a retired US Navy pilot. Its genuine bohemian vibe has kept customers groovy for the past few decades. Come here if you need to chill without worrying about snooty socialites. "My artist friends come here to unwind after a stressful day at work," said Paolo Ortiz, 28, landscape architect. "A lot of artsy events happen here, like photo exhibits and acoustic showcases, so you'll be rubbing elbows with a lot of creative people."
Parañaque - Alabang
Keywords: rock music, booze
Aguirre Ave. BF Homes, Parañaque Phase I
Telephone: 809-4932
Website: alsbar.multiply.com
myspace.com/alsbarph
Operating Hours: 7 p.m. - 3 a.m.
"This place is the Saguijo of the South, sans the art gallery and boutique," said Jomz Wi, 26, businessman. "A lot of great unsigned and non-mainstream bands perform there," he added. "In the south, people usually hit 19 East, but a true southerner will end up in Al's Bar at least once in his/her life." Why go to a big concert when you can rock it all night with the likes of Sino Sikat and Urbandub in Al's more intimate setting?
Nlos Bar
Keywords: food, booze, some dance
177 Aguirre Ave. BF Homes Parañaque City
Website: nlos.multiply.com
Unlike Makati's clubbing scene, Parañaque dwellers are more into beer and grill spots where they can chill and hang with their friends all night. Nlos, which opened in 2007, has been a favorite for southern people. "This is where Parañaque people come to mingle," shared John Fuente, 22, student. "My friends love coming here to meet the girls [laughs]!" While it's a popular place to hang, there have been reports of brawls and scuffles in Nlos. Perhaps they need to up the security and crowd control.
Winner's Bracket
Keywords: billiards, food, booze, music
209 Aguirre St. BF Homes Parañaque City
Website: www.facebook.com (search: Winner's Bracket)
Operating Hours: 6 p.m. - 2 a.m.
"Whenever I come here, it feels like I'm part of the winner's circle—“pun intended," said Robert Rapadas, 24, architect. "The regulars are like one big family, but of course they're very friendly to newbies." An intimate place for hanging out, Winner's Bracket will keep your barkada entertained until 4 a.m. They have billiards, acoustic musicians, cheap booze, and good old pica-pica such as buffalo wings, chicken fingers and mojos.
Molokai Bar
Keywords: food, booze, show bands
Green & Grills, Festival Supermall, Corporate Ave. cor. Civic Drive,†¨Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang†¨Muntinlupa
Telephone Number: 842-5525
Website: molokai.multiply.com
Operating Hours: 4 p.m.- 10 a.m.
Named after an island in Hawaii, Molokai Bar's beach-themed interiors make it a good place to hang in Alabang. For less than P500, you'll get your fill of Hawaiian-Asian fusion dishes and affordable booze. "The place isn't as high end as other south-bound bars, but it's a great place for inuman and show bands if you're stripped for cash," said Jomz. "But if you prefer more intimate venues, try elsewhere; Molokai is pretty big," he suggested.
Central BBQ Boy Grill
Keywords: food, booze
236 Aguirre Ave., BF Homes Parañaque City
Telephone Number: 825-6480
Website: www.centralbbqboy.com
Operating Hours: 5 p.m. - 5 a.m.
"People love it here because the beer and food are very cheap," said Pao Icasas, 28, artist. "Instead of driving all the way to Makati to go out, my friends and I just hang out here." Their menu is cleverly divided into pang food trip, pambasag, pampagana, pampulutan and pa-ihaw. If you're into Gerry's Grill, Pier One, and Gilligan's Island, then this is a great (and cheaper) place to treat your friends.
Photos by Emilio Esguerra.
Additional photos from Kate Alvarez ( Fiamma, Bureau), LAX, 77 Café, Alchemy, mogwaifilm.multiply.com, royalbellagio.com, saguijo.com, clubbureau.com, cafemondial.multiply.com, molokai.multiply.com, centralbbqboy.com, nlos.multiply.com, sourcebar.multiply.com, manoreastwood.multiply.com, oarhouse.multiply.com, Tyrone Orbase (Al's Bar).
