Bump Up The Mid-Week Hump With Refreshing Rounds And Tasty Bites At Apartment 1B x Elias Taproom

You've made it through the hectic mid-week rush. And there's no better way to jumpstart the coming weekend with a few rounds of artisan craft beer and savory bites. Where? At Apartment 1B x Elias Taproom in BGC...

Exquisite craft beer paired with comforting cuisine, it's the pairing we all need after scaling the mid-week hump. It's time to celebrate all the small wins in a big way with your favorite local craft brew on tap and some savory nibbles at Apartment 1B x Elias Taproom...

One More Round: Apartment 1B x Elias Wicked Ales & Spirits Taproom At Arthaland Century Pacific Tower BGC Turns One

Craft beer on tap and comfort food, it's a formula that's worked for Apartment 1B x Elias Wicked Ales & Spirits Taproom now marking its milestone first year anniversary. Now that calls for a craft beer pairing flight...

Apartment 1B x Elias Wicked Ales & Spirits Taproom celebrates one year of comforting cuisine, refreshing libations and good vibes. The novelty of the pairing, good food by Apartment 1B and good craft beer by Elias Wicked Ales & Spirits is a winning formula that just works. Still young and evolving, the unique taproom concept at the center of BGC has steadily built its own loyal customer base in search of a spot they can call their own. The welcoming space is a refreshing break from the usual crowded bar scene, designed specifically for easy fuss-free evenings, casual meet-ups and unhurried conversations. Plus, fresh craft beer from Elias Wicked Ales & Spirits that's always on tap and the sumptuous cuisine fresh off the kitchen from Apartment 1B to complete the picture, the concept just works. And one year later, the food and the local craft beer remains the top draw at Apartment 1B x Elias Wicked Ales & Spirits Taproom...

Savor The In-Between Moment At Malagihay Cocktail Club

Buzzed but still sober, sweet yet not fully ripe, the calm before the tempestuous storm. It's that elusive middle ground where everything seems perfect even for just a moment, that chill sweet spot of delicate balance in between transitions. Mood, moment and memory. Speakeasy, neighborhood watering hole or your personal secret bar, call it what you want. Welcome to Malagihay Cocktail Club...

They say the coolest spots can be found in the most unexpected places. Here's one more not so secret find to add to your growing list. From the same group led by Chef Mikel Zaguirre behind Binondo Boys (see more on my previous post That Cool Chinatown Vibe With Sumptuous Dim Sum, Noods, Rice Toppings And An Inventive Secret Menu By The Binondo Boys from two months ago) and Mabuhay Craft Cafe (more on my earlier post Mabuhay Craft Coffee, Now Brewin' Coolness 24/7 Along A. Mabini In San Juan from a few days back) comes another neighborhood spot in San Juan. The intricate narrative of mood, moment and memory resonates in a gradual and measured pace at Malagihay Cocktail Club experienced on the flight of stairs leading to the hidden bar, the comforting yet intriguing warmth of the space, the unique handcrafted cocktails and savory offerings from the menu in a continuous link of celebrating the in-between. 

In Sync With All The Right Beats, Notes And Flavors At Got Soul MNL

Imagine a sanctuary-like space where cool tunes and flavorful notes come together in a seamless weave in perfect rhythm with the same beat for a sensory experience. Think Hi-Fi analog audio elegantly humming on a vintage Altec Lansing A5 loudspeaker and a curated menu by one of the metro's finest chefs in one place. Pull out your favorite vinyl, and come hungry...

Chef Chele Gonzalez and Manolet Dario team up along with other partners for one of the metro's newest and coolest concepts, a high-fidelity listening bar dishing out sumptuous tapas paired with soothing cocktails for a refreshing break from the usual. In fact, this is exactly the kind of space where you'll find Chef Chele Gonzalez for that late night chill session after long hours in one of his many kitchens as Manolet Dario spins a few tunes on the turntable. Step inside Got Soul MNL and enjoy the vibe. And stay for the sumptuous flavors and soothing libations...

Backdoor Libations Up Front And Center: Penang's Backdoor Bodega Takeover At The Bar In The Peninsula Manila

One of the world's acclaimed bars from Penang takes centerstage at The Bar of The Peninsula Manila in one memorable evening for yet another edition of the successful and long-running The Bar Takeover series. Step inside The Bar and experience one of Asia's 50 Best Bars at the Backdoor Bodega takeover...

Yun Shen Koh and Thaneshkumar Sivakumar of Penang's acclaimed Backdoor Bodega headline the latest bar takeover series at The Bar of The Peninsula Manila. Voted one of Asia's 50 Best Bars in 2022 and 2024 and 2025's Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu Award winner, Backdoor Bodega brings its distinctive style and flair expressed in imaginative cocktail creations reflecting Malaysia's progressive cocktail culture. The latest edition in the unique and novel bar takeover series, The Bar at The Peninsula Manila brings you Asia's very best in four creative libations for one evening (for more on The Bar Takeover Series at The Peninsula Manila, see my previous post The Bar Takeover by Bee's Knees Tokyo At The Peninsula Manila from last year). 

Legacy, White, Aged: Experience The Refined Taste Of Heritage & Excellence with Bonifacio Pot Still Rum By Destileria Limtuaco

Heritage and innovation are fused in a meticulous weave as the country's oldest distillery leads the way once more introducing the country's very first pure pot distilled rum made entirely from local molasses. More than just a new product line in a growing portfolio of brands, it's a continuing story that's been quietly distilling for over 173 years...

With a new generation of innovators at the helm of the family-run Destileria Limtuaco ushering a fresh wave of groundbreaking products led by the latest offering from their recently acquired cognac pot still, the Bonifacio Philippine Pure Pot Still Rum draws inspiration from both the distillery's proud and long history with inventive spins on classic spirits. Available in Legacy, White and Aged variants, the new rum expressions represent the famed distillery's bold vision moving forward backed by tradition since 1852. Read on for a peek at the Bonifacio Rum Masterclass at Three Dots MNL in Greenhills...

Up High At Aire32 Bar And Events Venue At The Top Of The Westin Manila

Located high above the Ortigas skyline is the busy and ever changing commercial and business district's newest dive. Now on its soft opening phase, head up the 32nd floor for a sneak peek...

Nearing its final stage of completion, Aire32 at the top of The Westin Manila will soon take flight as one of the metro's premier bar destinations with its sweeping views of the sunset and the Ortigas cityscape. More than just another al fresco space high above the city, Aire32 brings its own distinct vibe and character to the evolving bar scene this side of the metro. 

Experience Dining Reimagined As Hilton Manila Newport World Resorts Unveils A New Chapter In Flavor And Craftsmanship

Starting July 24, Hilton Manila Newport World Resorts embarks on a bold new chapter in its culinary journey redefining and elevating the dining experience across its signature outlets. The hotel-wide program features exciting new flavors, immersive stations and reimagined menus for an elegant yet approachable experience deeply rooted in popular guest favorites, seasonal ingredients, refreshed spaces and a renewed commitment to sustainability and culinary excellence. Step inside Hilton Manila and experience dining reimagined...

The exciting new chapter uncorks the infinite possibilities and full potential of Hilton Manila Newport World Resorts' creative culinary team, unleashing a world of exquisite, rich and diverse flavors at Madison Lounge & Bar, Hua Yuan Brasserie Chinoise, Port Bar and Kusina Sea Kitchens. Bigger, better, leveled up and elevated, the extensive and lavish new offerings presents a vibrant new perspective on refined culinary expressions inspired and refreshed by unrestrained creativity. Read on for a tasty peek at dining, reimagined at Hilton Manila...

Vibrant New Stories Emerge at Makati's Poblacion...

An eclectic neighborhood in the midst of change and transition ushers in a new chapter in its on-going story. Familiar and new names in the 'hood paint a colorful tapestry constantly evolving yet remaining as diverse Poblacion has always been known for with its own distinctive pulse and creative vibe. Let's take a walk around the neighborhood...

It's been years since I last visited Poblacion, but the same spirit remains just as unique and proudly rebellious even defiant staying true to its non-conformist nature. Despite the changes and absence of former establishments, a new batch of hotspots takes their place continuing a tradition that has long defined the neighborhood alongside the enduring dives of Poblacion. It's this continuous wave of change that breathes and injects new life to the neighborhood forever in transition. Welcome to the latest chapter of Makati's iconic neighborhood...

New Stories Plated and Retold with a Fresh New Tale at Fable Cafe + Lounge

Inspired by its playful and whimsical fairy tale thematic look and vibe, few establishments in BGC offers a distinctive sensory immersion to an otherworldly realm as envisioned by one of the country's acclaimed designers. A stand-out destination known for its uniquely elegant space, exquisite and imaginative design and equally inventive dining experience, Fable Cafe + Lounge adds a new page in its story highlighted by the spirit of collaboration. 

Conceptualized and conceived by internationally renowned designer Kenneth Cobonpue, you already know this isn't your usual café lounge. It's a step outside the ordinary taking you deep inside the creative mind of visionary designer Kenneth Cobonpue. As you enter Fable Cafe + Lounge, free yourself from the conventional and take the bold plunge into the proverbial rabbit hole of pure imagination. Completing the experience is an evolving menu anchored on the spirit of creativity, seasonality and collaboration for an exciting new tale in the never-ending story of Fable Cafe + Lounge.

A Full English Breakfast For Lunch at Boudica Cafe Bar's Second And Newest Location in SM Mega Tower

Café by day, bar by night. The multi-faceted moods of Boudica Cafe Bar are revealed at its newest and second location at the new SM Mega Tower beside SM Mega Mall. From breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner to coffee and cocktails, Boudica Cafe Bar is your own own private spot in the city any time of day. It's time for the Full English Breakfast for lunch...

Boudica Cafe Bar reveals her many captivating and colorful layers at its newest location in SM Mega Tower adding to the wide array of tempting culinary options in SM Mega Mall. Comforting cuisine done exquisitely well is Boudica Cafe Bar's ace in their sleeves setting it apart from the usual dining options in the forever busy mall. Plus, an equally impressive selection of specialty coffee perfect for those mid-afternoon breaks and handcrafted cocktails when the sun slowly sets on the horizon. Whatever the time, Boudica Cafe Bar is just where you need to be. 

Spilling The Tea On One of Makati's Unique Tea Experiences: Afternoon Tea and Cocktails at La Casa Del Habano

Acclaimed author Henry James once shared that "there are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea" in reverence to the enduring British tradition. Afternoon tea has seen a resurgence in popularity in the local culinary scene these past few years, becoming a regular offering in many establishments. But have you experienced afternoon tea at a cigar bar? The afternoon tea tradition is elegantly celebrated at the very first branch of La Casa Del Habano in the country for yet another inspired take on the well-loved ritual with sweet and savory bites paired with soothing cups of tea. Step inside La Casa Del Habano for a cup and good times...

With over 155 locations in 60 countries around the world, La Casa Del Habano aims to spread and expand the Cuban cigar legacy with its very first store in Manila. Boasting the first ever walk-in humidor in the country complete with personalized individual lockers where loyal patrons can store their prized cigar stash, La Casa Del Habano raises the bar for the pleasures of premium hand-rolled cigar experience at its exclusive space in The Shops at Ayala Triangle Gardens. La Casa Del Habano weaves its own tradition with another for a unique experience with its own take on afternoon tea. Cohibas, tea with sweet and savory bites? Read on and pour me a cup...

The Bar Takeover by Bee's Knees Tokyo at The Peninsula Manila

Fresh, bold yet elegantly refined notes, Toru Ariyoshi and Keisuke Yamamoto spin an intricate and elaborate weave of delicate and vibrant flavors in their exquisite cocktail creations for one night at The Bar of The Peninsula Manila. Here's what went down at The Bar Takeover with four masterfully handcrafted cocktails...

That fine zen-like balance of contrasting notes so deeply ingrained in Japanese culture and tradition is showcased in one memorable evening with The Bar Takeover at The Peninsula Manila by Toru Ariyoshi and Keisuke Yamamoto of Kyoto's famous speakeasy Bee's Knees.  Ranked #44 in the 50 Best Bars list, Bee's Knees with its prohibition-era theme clearly demonstrates why it's been on the distinguished list four times with its impressive repertoire of creative handcrafted cocktails. Bamboo Forest, Queen Bee Margarita, Martell Mango Punch and Banana Crusta by Toru Ariyoshi and Keisuke Yamamoto are four more reasons why the now legendary Bee's Knees of Kyoto lives up to its name as one of the 50 Best Bars in the world. 

Old World Traditions Endure at Long Bar in Raffles Makati

Rudyard Kipling, Somerset Maugham and Ernest Hemingway were said to be regulars at the historic watering hole of Singapore's iconic Raffles Hotel, and who knows, probably penned some of their greatest works inspired by the soothing handcrafted libations at Long Bar. There's history, a whole lot of it, and tradition that still resonates at one of the best bars in Asia. In Manila, you'll find it at Long Bar in Raffles Makati...

The long and impressive wooden bar draws your eyes as the crackling sound of discarded peanut shells on the elegantly tiled floor announce your arrival at Raffles Makati's Long Bar. In just a few steps, you are transported back in time to the colonial heyday of British Malaya, as a refreshing tipple from the home of the famous Singapore Sling sets the mood in true Long Bar style. Welcome to Long Bar...

Celebrate Earth Day with a Toast: Fairmont Makati Mixes Up Green Cocktails at the Fairmont Lounge

Raise a toast for Earth Day, and participate in a shared journey towards a more sustainable future. A round or two can go a long way in supporting sustainability. How? The green cocktails at the Fairmont Lounge gets you on track to make things right...

Photo provided by Fairmont Makati

Fairmont Makati has the enviable distinction as the first to achieve Green Globe certification leading the way in sustainable hospitality. This year, the timely advocacy and commitment to sustainability is reflected with the unique Green Cocktail Workshop across various Fairmont hotels globally including Fairmont Makati. Starting April 18 to 24, guests can enjoy a variety of green cocktails at the Fairmont Lounge for a refreshing tipple while contributing to conservation efforts in partnership with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Now that's worth a toast and one more round for Earth Day...

A Sunset and Negroni at the Coconut Grove Rooftop Pool Bar in Admiral Hotel Manila-MGallery

It's often said that a memorable sunset is the opening music for a night filled with infinite possibilities. What better way to welcome nature's performance than with a handcrafted cocktail of liquid sunshine...

Sunsets and cocktails combine for magical moments long remembered after the last toast with the fading light captivating the senses while transitioning to the evening's limitless potential. That's right, you can never tire of a sunset. With a magnificent view of Manila Bay and the Manila Yacht Club before you and the sun taking its final bow on the distant horizon, pick your front row seat beside the pool at Coconut Grove Rooftop Pool Bar in Admiral Hotel Manila-MGallery with your favorite libation. And simply sit back and let the evening take its natural course...

A Bar in a Bar in a Bar...at Hotel Bar.

Deep in the underbelly of one of BGC's prominent landmarks lies a secret hidden watering hole known only by a select few via hushed whispers. Loyal customers would love to keep it that way, keeping the intriguing speakeasy all to themselves. But in today's age of social media, even a discreetly muted post combined with old-fashioned word of mouth can't keep a good thing from getting around. What can be cooler than a bar within a bar within a bar?

Located at the ground floor of Shangri-La The Fort along Pink's Manila and Pizza Sisters is one of BGC's best kept secrets. Libations await. Welcome to Hotel Bar... 

Say Hello to Ruby Wong. At Ruby Wong Godown Bar in Admiral Hotel Manila-M Gallery

A hidden entrance takes you down the basement to a secret world known only by a few. Welcome to the world of Ruby Wong and be seduced by her captivating and alluring charm...

Admiral Hotel Manila-M Gallery unveils yet another unique and elegant experience in its intricate weave of multi-layered repertoire of offerings with the seductive allure of Ruby Wong Godown Bar. There's an air of mystery and intrigue with just a hint of mischief down the basement of the luxurious 5-Star boutique hotel property, with the very name eliciting a strange curiosity. Read on for a taste of spirited libations and hearty bites, down the basement at Ruby Wong's Godown Bar...

Embark on a Journey with a Soothing Tipple as Raffles Makati's Long Bar Unveils the Exploration of Regions Cocktail Collection

A refreshing tipple takes you on a flavorful journey of the regions revealing complex layers of distinctive notes in a colorful tapestry. Experience the rich and diverse flavors of the Philippines in a variety of handcrafted libations at Long Bar...

Long Bar at Raffles Makati presents the Exploration of Regions Cocktail Collection developed in collaboration with Möet Hennesy Philippines inspired by the flavors of the country's seven regions namely Baguio, Calabarzon, Bicol, Batangas, Mindoro, Zamboanga and Davao Del Norte. Ready to embark on an exploration of regions? Then pick your spot by the bar and read on...

The Best of the World Comes to San Juan: One World Deli Opens Latest and Biggest Branch at The Corner House

In one of the truly unique establishments that takes your palate on a flavorful culinary journey around the world without leaving the city, a new gateway opens for a bigger and grander experience. The world's finest and freshest comes to One World Deli, and One World Deli now brings the world to San Juan...

From the freshest responsibly sourced seafood around the world to gourmet cheeses and ingredients, premium meats to artisan sausages, fine wines and decadent chocolates, gelato and garden fresh organic greens, exquisite teas and coffee, all you need for your gourmet kitchen at home can be found at One World Deli. Searching the world's markets for the very best, One World Deli is your portal to the finest local and imported products under one roof without leaving the metro.

The success of the original location in Makati soon became the springboard for the launch of its latest location at The Corner House in San Juan. And it's the biggest yet. Since 2022, One World Deli has been known for its welfare-friendly meats, sustainable seafood, unique pantry staples and organic local produce as more and more discerning consumers now demand food provenance placing value on where their food comes from, how it's raised and processed. Step inside the newest branch of One World Deli in San Juan and enjoy the world's best in one place...