This Laid-Back Mandaluyong Bar Makes It Easy to Feel Like a Regular

blank_space

Unit 102, Building C, Mandala Park, Mandaluyong City
Instagram: www.instagram.com/blank_space_bar

Open from 5:59 p.m. 'til late, Tuesday to Sunday

(SPOT.ph) There’s something irresistible about a place that doesn’t try too hard to be found. That’s the magic of a good speakeasy: it hides in plain sight.

At Mandala Park—a calm pocket in an otherwise chaotic stretch of Shaw Boulevard—there’s a white-walled structure that fits the bill. The logo only reads “b______s.” No neon lights. No music spilling out into the street. From the outside, it could pass for a storage space or something mid-renovation. Most people walk past without a second glance.

Inside, it’s something else entirely.

Let’s get this out of the way: blank_space isn’t just a nod to Taylor Swift, although co-owner Jarvi Celeres does joke that being a Swiftie is basically a staff requirement. The name comes from the place's original purpose—a venue for parties, large gatherings, and other special occasions. A space that could be anything you wanted it to be. That idea never left, even as the space evolved from an events venue into one of Mandaluyong’s most loved bars since it opened in October 2024.

When the pandemic hit, those big gatherings vanished, and the space sat unused until it ended up in the hands of Celeres, who saw potential in starting fresh.

Together with his high school friend-turned-co-owner, Geoffrey Que, Celeres leveraged years of bar-hopping experience to build the business. They knew what they didn’t want—loud music, uncomfortable seats, and cramped spaces. What they built instead was a somewhere you’d go not just to drink, but to stay, to unwind, to feel at home. That meant chill music, roomy chairs, and of course, ample parking, so guests could stay as long as they liked.

“We wanted to put elements we liked in our favorite drinks,” Celeres tells SPOT.ph. “Make something approachable, familiar, unique.”

Now blank_space isn’t exactly a speakeasy. There's no secret entrance but the vibe hits the same: low lights, a long bar, and clusters of people talking over drinks. Most regulars gravitate toward the bar stools, chatting with the bartenders or strangers. Some even come alone, knowing they’ll leave having talked to someone new. 

If you’re coming with a big group, head upstairs. The second floor has cozy couches, wide tables, and a bit more breathing room.

But black_space has one more surprise up its sleeve.

Just left of the open bar is Bullshit Beverage Club (BBC)—a hidden bar within the bar. If blank_space is laid-back, BBC is its louder sibling. It’s where the volume gets turned up, the lights get a little dimmer, and private parties tend to spill out into the night.

At blank_space, the drink names are pulled from Taylor Swift and Kanye West lyrics (yes, Kanye West), but they’re more than just cheeky references. Each cocktail brings something unique to the table—strawberry, ice cream, ostya—you name it. Price ranges from P450 to P650.

For those who prefer something strong, there are a few standout options. magic, madness, heaven, sin (P500) is a spiced wine-based cocktail that goes down warm and heavy, with a comforting but potent finish. nasty scar (P500) is another bold option, built on bourbon with smoky and earthy notes. It’s smooth overall but leans more savory than sweet. Meanwhile, nightmare dressed like a daydream (P500) is a grown-up Coke flat. The sweetness from the ice cream balances the intensity of the liquor, but it’s still one to pace yourself with.

For something more approachable, blank_space has several options that are lighter but still thoughtfully crafted. young and reckless (P500) uses blueberry and raspberry purée to create a thick, berry-forward drink with a slight cacao finish. thank you aimee (P500) is the most fruit-forward of the bunch—bubbly, sweet, and similar to a spiked Four Seasons juice. new money, suit, and tie (P500) is meant to be taken slow. It's smooth with a touch of sweetness, and the strawberry and chocolate on the side make each sip feel a little more indulgent.

For something on the more refreshing side, no this without you (P500) has that smooth, minty thing going on. It’s clean and calming, almost like a bramble that became a smoothie. next mistake (P500) is another light option with a gin base. It’s designed to be an easy starter—something you might order first while deciding if you’ll stay for a second round (which you will).

Last but definitely not the least, there's bad guys good for the weekend (P500). The mix is thick with guava but still packs a punch thanks to a strong, boozy base with a layer of red wine foam on top. There’s even a nod to ostya in the presentation. If you’re feeling experimental or a little weird (in a fun way), this is the drink to try.

As for food? Don’t expect the usual greasy bar chow. Celeres opted for something that matched the bar’s personality: clean and comforting. Think Chinese-style dumplings and baos—casual bites you can snack on between sips of whatever drink you’ve chosen from the experimental menu. All of them are meant to be easy to eat—no utensils necessary.

We’re starting off strong with the shrimp and scallop dumplings (P350). Soft and chewy with just the right bite, they’re filled with seafood that actually tastes like seafood, not filler. The crab fat emulsion that comes with it is subtle but effective, adding a layer of richness without overwhelming the dumplings. It could easily go head-to-head with dumplings from a proper Chinese spot.

The patatas bravas (P220) is easily the crowd favorite. These shredded potato balls are crunchy on the outside but still taste like potato on the inside—not just oil and a fried shell. They’re larger than bite-sized, so they’re satisfying to eat, especially with the garlic aioli sauce that adds a rich, creamy kick. This is the one you order again halfway through the night. We're still thinking about her to this day.

If you’re leaning vegetarian—or just want something lighter—the chives dumplings (P300) deliver. mix of chives, leek oil, ginger, and just a touch of pork gives them a bright, almost grassy bite. The best part about these dumplings is that the wrapper that doesn’t fall apart in your hands. They won’t compete with your drink, which is exactly the point.

The beef birria (P300) goes the other way. There’s no sauce, no extras—just the dumpling as is, but it works. The flavor is muted but intentional, making them a solid choice if you’re sipping on something strong.

And then there’s the orange, honey, and miso friend chicken (P300)—the loudest dish of the bunch. Crispy, salty-sweet, with a clear hit of citrus from the miso-candied orange. It’s unmistakably orange chicken, but cleaned up: no sticky glaze, no overpowering syrup, just a nice balance. The leafy garnish adds a nice crunch too. 

So blank_space isn’t the place for grand plans or wild nights out, but it’s where you find yourself going back to without thinking. The one you recommend to friends when they ask where to go for something "chill." The one that starts feeling a little like yours. Isn't that what most of us can ask for?