Nectar Nightclub in BGC Is Closing, Here’s What Patrons Think

(SPOT.ph) The Nectar Nightclub in BGC is shutting its doors starting January 1, 2025. 

The famous Metro Manila nightclub known for its drag shows and queer performances announced the news over the weekend on its Facebook page.

"Due to The Fort’s upcoming closure, our final night of operation will be December 31st," says the post. "It’s the end of an era, but also a moment to celebrate the unforgettable experiences we’ve shared."

Naturally, the post's comment section brimmed with comments lamenting the loss of one of the Metro's biggest LBGTQ nightclubs. But why exactly is Nectar's closure met with such a visceral reaction?

Why is Nectar Nightclub an important space in the Metro Manila LGBTQ+ landscape?

Nectar Nightclub first opened in 2016. Back then, drag shows weren't as mainstream as it is now and the club was one of the few safe and vibrant queer spaces that boosted their popularity. 

"It's a safe space for us by us," says Canter Mizrahi, one of the first Nectarines a.k.a. regular performers. "I would go [to Nectar] 'cause it was fun lang. Like wala akong kilala tapos pupunta ako t'as eventually, kilala ko na lahat ng tao."

What started as a hangout space for Canter became a second gig and creative outlet. After befriending the staff and management, they discovered Canter was a dancer. During his time as a Nectarine, he would perform "boy drag"—a kind of performance best characterized as "a guy dancing and performing in heels"—twice a week. Back then, this kind of performance wasn't being done anywhere else in the country. As such, Nectar became an important creative outlet for Canter who simply wanted to party and dance the way he knew best.

Among his contemporaries were Marla, Andy Croker, Vinas, Baby Vivora (Taylor Sheesh), OV Cunt, and J Quinn, but Canter says they didn't really do it for the money nor the fame. "The TF wasn't even enough to cover what you wear," Canter jokes. It was really the unique opportunity for creative expression and the community that was built in the bar that kept him performing.

The idea of Nectar being a supportive and safe community came up more than once as SPOT.ph spoke to more of the club's patrons. Nectar's community consists not only of its performers but includes the staff, DJs, hosts and frequent guests. For Nectar regular Jean (not his real name), many of his fondest memories in the bar involved the waiters, utility staff, and security—the "unsung heroes" who worked hard to ensure everyone had a safe and fun time. 

"I once got a bit too carried away, and a kind utility lady noticed my condition, and kindly inquired if I was alright. My friend later shared that we took a selfie with her, and she was more than happy to do so, knowing I was in good company. I'll always cherish the feeling of being cared for and accepted at Nectar, even when I wasn't at my best," says Jean.

Meanwhile, OG Nectar patron Martin Sy remembers Nectar being his surrogate family every New Year's Eve. "While my family would travel abroad for the holidays, I would always stay behind for work. Nectar became my home when ringing in the New Year," says Sy. "It was the one place where I felt a sense of belonging."

The way its patrons say it, Nectar grew to become more special to them in many ways. They say they were surprised by the news of the closure and hope that it is merely temporarily shutting down.

"I would like to believe that it's just the physical place that will close, and that a new safe space will welcome us again, with the same joy and company that has been part of my queer experience," says Miguel Villon, another regular.

There is a chance that Villon's wish might come true. This isn't the first time, after all, Nectar is "closing." The establishment underwent an upgrade and unveiled Nectar 2.0 back in 2019, three years after initial opening. And based on Nectar Nightclub's post, it seems this isn't so much a goodbye but a "see you later." "We’re already planning for the next chapter: Nectar 3.0," the message states. 

SPOT.ph reached out to the owners of Nectar Nightclub for comments or any extra details about Nectar's third act, but it seems things are still being kept under wraps.

Before this chapter ends for Nectar, fans can relive all their good memories, and maybe even the bad, by attending their series of farewell events slated for December.

Here's the schedule of shows leading up to Nectar's closure:

• December 4: Poison Christmas Tree Lighting
• December 11: Poison 8th Year Anniversary Party
• December 12: Drag Cartel Season 6 Special
• December 19: Drag Cartel December (Season 6 Finale)
• December 25: MaliGAYang Pasko!
• December 27: The Final Friday
• December 28: The Final Saturday
• December 29: Last Dance - The Official Closing Party
• December 30: TBA
• December 31: Final Night: New Year's Eve 2025

If you're a Nectar regular or are feeling the FOMO of not having experienced the Nectar magic, take the time to hit up this beloved landmark before it's too late. 

For more information, visit Nectar Nightclub's Facebook page.

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