Nightlife: Our top 5 Manila bars

In some areas in the region of Manila, the night does not sleep. There are plenty of bars and clubs, each of which offers something different in terms of vibe, interior design, concept, music, and crowd.

As hard as you think it is to choose favourites, we happened to stumble over a few places which made it to our top five spots list. From laid-back atmosphere to watering holes in the wall… make sure to include these spots in your itinerary when touring Manila. And yes, the list excludes your usual jam-packed clubs…

Finders Keepers

With a secluded location – no wonder this place is called Finders Keepers. The venue is compact, with few tables, and a bartenders’ area which offers a variety of cocktails, beers and spirits. The crowd is usually a mixture of locals and foreigners who seemed to know how to have fun – including guests dancing at the bartender’s area in a ‘Coyote Ugly’-style. Tucked away in Warehouse 5, La Fuerza Plaza, 2241 Don Chino Roces Avenue, Finders Keepers has intimate and discreet character which fun seekers will enjoy.

Museum Cafe

Situated in the heart of Makati City, the business district of the Philippines, and within the Greenbelt Shopping Center, Museum Cafe ( popularly known as  M Cafe ) is a venue for relaxed socials after a day’s work. Or it can be a setting for casual meet ups over a drink. Guests are mostly young professionals – both locals and travelers. If conversation matters in a pleasant atmosphere with lounge music, then M Cafe is likely to hit the spot.

Rocket Room

When some of the country’s most talented DJs spin in the bar, then that should say something about it, right? Chic crowd, well curated music, and urbane mood are the keywords here. DJs play different types of music, varying each day, from Wednesday till Saturday. Rocket Room is located on 7th Avenue corner 30th Street, Ground Floor Bonifacio High Street Central, Fort Bonifacio

Today x Future

Running for five years now, (1 year in its new location in 7-T General Malvar Street, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City), Today x Future plays an eclectic mix of music; jazz, electro, hip hop, rock and roll are likely to be aired. A hip and trendy young crowd ranging from musicians, artists and designers visit the bar.

Moreover, every month, Today x Future features an artist whose work is displayed in the wall of the bar. A layout of pre-owned books and records, from the shop called Odile and Company, in one corner of the area also adds character to this trendy place.

Fred’s Revolución

From the look of its interiors and design – flags with either hammer and sickle, or five-pointed red stars and Che Guevarra’s images placed in the wall – this bar is starting a revolution. Not in a political way, but how bars are conceptualized creatively. Currencies from different countries, which are from customers themselves, stamped in the wall are also highlights of the interior.

The music? 70’s, country, jazz… Just be reminded from the bar’s note that anything that falls under the category of Justin Beiber, Nicki Minaj, One Direction, Celine Dion or Christmas songs is a no-no.

Fred’s Revolución, located in Shop 66, Cubao X in Quezon City, just celebrated it’s 2nd year last July.

Onin Lorente

Additional photos: Earl Espiritu