1. AzuThai. Thai food from the very talented team of Jay and Malu Gamboa have people coming in for food that?s south of too spicy for Filipino palates. In short, perfect. So if you?re ready for fiery, rustic and delicious home cooked Thai food, check it out. (900 Pasay Road, Makati)

2. Members Only. A club for people who don?t blink at the steep P50k consumable tag price. The place is a haven of sophistication where age is an asset (unaccompanied minors are not allowed entry). As discreet and luxe as Manila?s who?s who want it. Don?t bother getting membership here if you have to think twice before ordering their top shelf tequila at P1400/shot. Word of warning: if you keep the tab rolling at this rate, one bottle is all you need to finish off that hefty consumable. (The Fort, Bonifacio Global City)

3. Greenbelt 5. A definite jewel in Ayala?s stable of malls. This is the place to see and be seen. From beautiful flagship stores to hard to resist one-off boutiques, shopping here is both an exhilarating (hang on to your pocketbooks) and relaxing (no crowds) experience. (Ayala Center, Makati)

4. French Bistros. Regalade (820 Arnaiz Ave., Makati City), Cicou (Hotel Celeste, 2 San Lorenzo Drive, corner Arnaiz Ave., Makati City) and Lolo Dads Brasserie (6750 Ayala Avenue, Makati City). If you like French cuisine or the French, these are places to hang around. All three have menus to rave about, but it?s best to see for yourself. Mais oui.

5. A Venue. I?m not really sure what this place is: part venue, part mall, part restaurant row. Located on Makati Avenue, it caters to a mixed clientele and has yet to establish itself on the scene. But it?s worth a go-see. Check out the Bureau and the various eating establishments. I hear there are some delicious finds.

6. Anson?s Electric Emporium. Looks like a spaceship landed in front of the Landmark Makati and started selling appliances. Literally popping out of a parking lot, the huge edifice has everything you need to stock up your house and run up an electric bill. Wander in here at your own peril because the perky and attentive sales staff are poised and ready to pounce at a moment?s weakness. They are that good.

7. Pepper Lunch. The lines outside this very popular franchise, as well as the wonderful smells, have yet to lure me in, but I have heard rave reviews from people who don?t eat steak or like their meat peppered. So they must be doing something right. (Power Plant Mall, Rockwell, Makati)

8. CAV. Opened late 2007 but only got swinging in 2008. Its style of wine on tap, which you can buy with debit cards, is genius. It?s self-service in a cool "feel at home in your winery/bar" feel. The restaurant food by Chef Marcus Gfeller is also worth a try! Go for the wine but stay for the food. (Serendra, Bonifacio Global City)

9. Sala Bistro. Another Colin Mackay triumph. A lighter take on Sala, his fine dining restaurant. Sala Bistro may not be as cheap as some would prefer but it?s definitely chic. (Podium Level, Locsin Bldg., 6752 Ayala Ave. cor. Makati Ave., Makati City)

10. Club Ascend. Opened late 2007 and attempting to establish itself in the Manila nightclub scene as the alternative to Embassy. It?s making noise but the crowd is not easily swayed. We?ll see where 2009 takes Ascend?hopefully higher. (Quadrant 4, Bonifacio High Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig)

11. Handlebar Manila. ?An obscure but hardcore biker station that thrives in the heart of Makati. Cozy home of the Mad Dog Motorcycle Club. A place that has all that men need. Avid automotive enthusiasts would drool at the sight of Harley Davidsons, BMWs and Ducatis parked around?? These words are not mine. Thought it prudent not to mess with bikers and their bars of choice. If it?s a shot of testosterone you need?look no further. (31 Polaris Street, Bel Air, Makati City).

12. Embassy Re-Opens. From the long lines to the strict entrance, this place ruled as ?the must go happening place.? Though the VIP area was the place to be seen, Embassy Fly (The Hip-Hop Room) was the place to head for if you wanted to have some ?let your hair down? fun. Unfortunately, everyone had such a good time on one night too many that things got out of hand involving goons, drugs, guns and lawsuits so the place got slammed by the City of Taguig with temporary closure and a painful 1:30 a.m. curfew. It re-opened without a curfew last November amidst another brouhaha involving a canister of pepper spray. Not exactly the re-launch they had hoped for but they opened just in time for the holidays. So welcome back to the club. Please remember to check all deadly weapons, cannisters included, at the door.