SOMETIMES, when I’m at home, I get the urge to have a nightcap or some quick and cheap chow. This usually hits me after I put my kids to sleep and I’m also close to going to bed myself.

Fortunately, I live in the South (read: Parañaque, specifically BF Homes) and five minutes from our house, there are rows and rows of establishments ready to address my midnight cravings.

In times like these, I put on some shorts, fish out my flip-flops from under the bed, and trek off to Laiya—a bar located along Aguirre Avenue in BF Homes.

Taking inspiration from the seaside town of Laiya in Batangas, the bar looks and feels like a joint you’d find along a beach. Since this is a neighborhood bar, you’re likely to bump into the people you see at the local supermarket or at church.

There is no dress code! The place has a laid-back, no frills atmosphere where anyone can just pop in their favorite beach CD or iPod playlist. On most nights, reggae and chill-out music is played as you sip your beer.

Aside from the cheap alcohol, the food’s pretty good, too. On separate occasions, I have tried the grilled liempo (very good!), sizzling pork sisig (good!), sizzling tuna sisig (OK!) and sizzling chicken (so-so!).

The quality of the meat is excellent (I’ve met the fellow who supplies the place with the stuff, and he swears by his merchandise). Service is quick, though I must say that my beer could be cooler. On the beach, I expect my brew ice-cooold!

After a particularly stressful day, I can zone out in Laiya—in my house clothes—and pretend I’m on vacation. Minus the sand in strange places.

Bar Name: Laiya
(Sisig Republic)

Address : 236 - 238 Aguirre Avenue, BF Homes, Parañaque
Contact Numbers : (02) 407-9064 / (0923) 430-4564
Operating Hours : 5 p.m. onwards
Drinks : Happy Hour (5 - 8 p.m.) Bucket of 6 Beers – P160
: After 8 p.m. Bucket of 6 Beers –P180
: Various Mixed Drinks – P225 per pitcher
: Specialty Drink—Yellow Bird –
P360 per pitcher
: Cocktails and Spirits range from P115 to P150
Food : Ranges from P140 (Sisig) to P340 (Crispy Pata / Caldereta)
: Specialty food: Oysters and Mussels