MANILA, Philippines ? In my senior year in high school, I went to our annual dance with a date. Being an absolute geek, it was quite an accomplishment; my date was pretty hot (yes, she was pretty AND hot). In reality, I asked my sister to ask our neighbor in Alabang to go with me.
The night started with the customary pre-dance semi-formal dinner (we had it in Greenhills and was very memorable, but that?s another story) and ended with the post-dance barhop. The dance itself was a blur and quite forgettable. What stood out was our trip to Makati after the dance.
We went to three locations: Roxy?s, Euphoria, and Kublai?s Rock?all closed and forgotten now. Or so I thought.
Twenty years later, I got an invitation to attend a birthday party in this venue called Kublai?s Rock. I couldn?t believe my ears. THE Kublai?s Rock? Memories of getting sloshed on beer and gin to rock music came flooding back. And I half-smiled, half-grimaced.
On the night of the party, I almost drove to Jupiter Street in Makati (where it used to be) until I reread the invitation, which said Magallanes. On my way there, I started doubting whether this place was going to be fun. I mean, Magallanes is not exactly the most rockin? of places (no offense meant).
However, as soon as I entered the doors bearing the giant K and R, all doubts disappeared. The place was dark, though smaller than the old place. But it felt like the old place: couples huddled in dark corners; people dancing to the music (that Friday night it was 80?s music: Rock, Pop and New Wave); rowdy smokers outside.
Not surprisingly, I saw a couple of familiar faces who used to frequent the original Kublai?s. I also tried the food. Back in school, I couldn?t afford much beyond the beer and never ordered anything from the menu. The food is actually quite good and, according to Poch, the owner slash manager, a good part of their business comes from the lunch and dinner crowd (well, this is Magallanes, after all).
I?ve gone back a couple of times since my first ?re-visit,? and I sometimes half-expect my high school dance date to pop through the doors in her black mini-dress. Hey, it can happen. I mean, if Kublai?s Rock can resurrect itself after being quiet for 20 years, anything?s possible.
Bar Name : Kublai?s Rock
Address : Paseo de Magallanes
Contact Num : 851-6086
Hours : Opens for lunch, Happy Hour starts at 5:00pm
Favorites : Mongolian Fish Steak?Php325
Sizzling Chorizo Sisig?Php295
Mongolian BBQ
Lunch?Php350
Dinner?Php480
Kiddie Bowl?Php215
Happy Hour Local Beer?Php220 for 5 beers
JW Black?Php200
Cuervo Gold?Php185
Vodka starts at Php135
Bailey?s?Php160
Beer Php55 / Soda Php55
