Don’t know where to go this weekend? Try hitting these night dives
MANILA, Philippines—We know you like to party. We do too. And because times are hard, we want to make sure you go to spots where you’ll get the bang for your buck—where the drinks are flowing, the food is good and you’ll bump into people you actually want to see.
We’re only getting started. Every week, we’ll put the spotlight on hot places where you can spend your nights. Maybe we’ll see you there too.
Alchemy Silver City Mall, Julia Vargas Corner Frontera Drive, Pasig City Tel. no (632) 706-1305
Now that Taguig’s nightspots have an alcohol curfew, this is where people go to party. Patterned after European clubs, Alchemy is probably the only super club that isn’t in Makati.
Alchemy has three areas with different specialties. Hang out at O Lounge to wait for your friends and have a light snack, have special cocktails at Liquid Bar and Lounge, and dance the night away with international and local DJs at Vapor. The ultra-modern interiors will make you feel like you’re inside a lava lamp, and the drinks are some of the best we’ve had.
Operating hours: 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays (O Lounge, Liquid and Vapor); 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays (only O Lounge)
Drink: Liquid Cocaine (no, not that cocaine), Vapor and frozen margaritas
Order: Buttered shrimp, gourmet sausage platter and Alchemy’s Japanese dishes
People you might bump into: Professional basketball players, celebrities, socialites, and a lot of college students. Bianca Consunji
Barcino
If there’s anything the famed Spanish nightlife can teach us, it’s that great things come in small sizes.
And we’re not just talking about the sumptuous tapas on the menu. Barcino at the Fort is a two-story, intimate affair that has the feel of an authentic Spanish enclave. It has become a favorite after-hours hangout because of its warm setting, relaxed atmosphere and inexpensive menu.
The selection of Spanish wines is excellent, especially when paired with some exquisite tapas. You’ll feel like exclaiming like a local, “Está para chuparse los dedos,” meaning (literally) “This food is so good it makes you want to suck your fingers!”
Try the tapas Barcinos, a mixed order of selected cheeses and meats. (And if you’re looking for a bubbly fix, you can get a bottle of cava for only P550.)
Another terrific thing about this place is its “anti-It” factor. You won’t find any young poseurs here, as Barcino small setting makes it ideal for people who are more into meaningful conversations than flighty flirtations.
No wonder it’s become the favorite hideaway of the creative set—from interior designers, advertising execs, creative directors to writers shying away from the loud clubbing scene while mixing amicably with Manila’s expat crowd.
On most nights, you’ll most likely meet the three young and good-looking Spanish gentlemen behind Barcino—los tres amigos Dani, Sergi and Vicente, who left Spain some years ago and have since adopted Manila as their second home.
And from the warm reception they give their guests, it looks like a faithful, loyal set has claimed this little spot as their home, too. Tals Diaz
Embassy Unit D The Fort Entertainment Center Bonifacio Global City, Taguig 816-4346, 816-4195
This club has made headlines countless times. And for Embassy regulars, there are also countless reasons to keep coming back—fun, fun, fun and more fun.
More than just a club, Embassy draws people to its good food. There’s Cafeteria which serves comfort food and Cuisine that whips up dishes that delight the palate.
The hours: Cafeteria is open all day, seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. (they close at 10 p.m. on Sundays); Cuisine is open on Mondays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., the Club is open on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 8:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.
Drink: Ambassador, Green apple-tini, Grape escape, Lychee martini and Metropolitan
Order: Foie gras Sampler (foie gras served three ways), Chicken fillet with chesnut and duxelle stuffing and white truffle cream, Blackened Sea bass with seaweed risotto and olive oil soy dressing
People you might bump into: The “it” girls and “it” boys, a lot of models and celebrities visiting the country.
Route 196 196-A Katipunan Ave., Blue Ridge A, Quezon City 439-1972
People go to Route 196 to sitback, relax and watch their favorite bands play. Acts that perform at Route 196 include Cambio, Taken By Cars, Drip, Kjwan, Top Junk, Imago, Sugarfree, The Ronnies, Parokya ni Edgar, Up Dharma Down, Radio Active Sago Project, Session Road and more.
Route 196 is second home to many local musicians—and it can be yours too. You can wear whatever you want and no one will flinch.
The hours: 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Drink: Beer. It’s crazy cheap. Order: Garlic and cheese pizza, salpicao, tinapa roll, spicy wings and pan-seared tuna.
People you might bump into: Your favorite musicians and their friends
Saguijo 7612 Guijo St. San Antonio Village Makati City 897-8629
Another favorite stop of music lovers, Saguijo is the venue to go to if you want to watch bands in Makati. You don’t go here to be seen, you go because you want musicians to rock your night.
The hours: 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Drink: Beer. Order: Cheese sticks, salpicao, sisig and the chicken wings. People you might bump into: Your favorite musicians, artists, Rock Ed volunteers
