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Manila Nightlife

Hedonism and Manila’s nightlife go hand in glove long into the night. Many first-time foreigners are dazzled by Malate and Ermita’s nocturnal street scene, buzzing with lively clubs and gritty music alongside sleazy girlie bars. Meanwhile, dedicated clubbers and ice-cool cats are likely to be slinking off to Makati City or Quezon City to seek out drum and bass DJ sets or sip the latest imported vodkas. ClickTheCity (www.clickthecity.com) is a good source for nightlife listings in Manila. Tickets for cultural events in Manila are available from Ticket World (tel: 63 2 891 9999; www.ticketworld.com.ph) and Ticket Net (tel: 63 2 911 5555; www.ticketnet.com.ph).

Bars in Manila

Blind Pig

Pioneering a trend for hidden, speakeasy-style cocktail bars in Manila, Blind Pig is located behind Stockton Place restaurant - look out for an unobtrusive sign in braille. Inside, the candlelit interior has dark wood furnishings and chandeliers. Make sure to reserve in advance, especially on weekends.

Address: Legaspi Village, 227 Salcedo Street, Manila,
Telephone: +63 917 549 2264.

Hobbit House

If Tolkien murals don’t hint at this bar’s theme, the ‘little people’ staffing this long-standing favourite certainly do. It’s a lively place in Manila with a dark interior popular with foreigners, and serving over 150 different beers. Listen to nightly music with a bluesy country and western twang.

Address: , 1212, MH del Pilar corner of Arquiza Street, Ermita, Manila,
Telephone: +63 2 521 7604.
Website: http://www.hobbithousemanila.com

Salon de Ning

Decorated the style of 1930s Shanghai, this ornate bar is a treasure trove of art deco delights. The main room has seating and an intimate bar (try the Ning Sling or house branded champagne) and features a jazz band most nights; there are also four themed rooms that can be privately hired for groups.

Address: Makati City, The Peninsula Hotel, 1226 Ayala, Manila,
Telephone: +63 2 887 2888.
Website: http://www.manila.peninsula.com

Clubs in Manila

Black Market

A welcome change from commercial pop played at the superclubs, this underground/indie club in an industrial warehouse style venue has DJs spinning bass, dub, techno and hip-hop etc, depending on the night, and has an easy-going vibe. The speakeasy-style lounge bar, Finders Keepers, is the ideal place to start out the night.

Address: Makati, 2723 Sabio Street, Manila,
Telephone: +63 978 294 162
Website: http://blackmarketmnl.com

Valkyrie

The biggest nightclub in the country, this smart superclub on two levels can accommodate over 2,000 people. The music is commercial house and techno, and international DJs regularly feature. You can book VIP tables or couch areas.

Address: Taguig, 9th Avenue, corner of 36th Street, Uptown Bonifacio, Manila,
Telephone: +63 917 680 8888.
Website: http://valkyrie.thepalacemanila.com

XX XX

This underground-style night club features international and local DJs playing electronic house and techno. The emphasis is on quality (of both music and sound) and there's a Martin Audio sound system. It's open until 5am from Wednesday-Saturday.

Address: Makati, 20a-20b La Fuerza Plaza, 2241 China Roches Ave, Manila,
Telephone: +63 917 634 8765.
Website: http://www.20-20.asia

Live music in Manila

70s Bistro

There's a pub-like feel to this honest music venue where different bands headline every night (closed Sundays). Serves hearty Filipino food with clientele that varies from student to die-hard reggae and rock aficionados.

Address: Quezon City, 46 Anonas Street, Project 2, Manila,
Telephone: +63 2 433 8070.
Website: http://www.the70sbistro.com

Conspiracy Garden Café

This chilled music venue in Manila, with a pleasant atrium and art gallery, exudes a bohemian appeal. The garden café is idyllic for mixed-age audiences on warm evenings listening to acoustic music. Nightly events often feature renowned Filipino artists such as Joey Ayala and Noel Cabangon.

Address: Quezon City, 59 Visayas Avenue, Manila,
Telephone: +63 2 453 2170.
Website: http://conspi.net

saGuijo

This old converted house may be somewhat run down and simple in decor, but it's the spiritual home for live music of the experimental, indie and avant-garde kind - including indie, punk and new wave. 

Address: Makati, 7612 Guijo St, San Antonio Village, Manila,
Telephone: +63 2 897 8629.

Classical music in Manila

Dance in Manila

Theatres in Manila

Music and Dance in Manila

Culture in Manila

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Pan Pacific Manila

This luxurious skyscraper hotel in Manila is justifiably popular because of its top-drawer location in Malate's tourist quarter. It's worth the extra splurge to access the top-floor, glass-surrounded Pacific Lounge – lovely in the evening for sipping cocktails and listening to the pianist. The Manila hotel also offers 24-hour butler service and Japanese, Chinese and international restaurants. Early-bird bookings on Pan Pacific's website push prices down into the moderate bracket.

Sonya’s Garden

This divine slice of tranquillity is located two hours' drive from downtown Manila's hullabaloo. County vogue furnished cottages replete with lace curtains, iron bedsteads and polished wooden floors, all surrounded by herb gardens and sumptuous countryside. Sonya's organic farm ensures guests enjoy tasty and healthy food. The bread is baked on site while the garden spa offers a full range of holistic treatments.

The A.Venue Hotel Suites

Swish and trendy, this is affordable chic amid Makati's skyscrapers. Set in three towers, the suites have Asian-styled contemporary interiors and minimalist décor and feature kitchenettes and free Wi-Fi. Amenities include a gym, a spa, a swimming pool, a Mediterranean restaurant and a cafe.

Hostel 1632

Penny pinchers and night owls will find succour in this budget hostel. Its 106 air-conditioned, en-suite rooms are boxy and cramped and almost have a capsule feel. But Hostel 1632's position on M Adriatico Street is plum in the heart of Malate. There's a café in the lobby serving local and international food for those craving pasta or pizzas.

ZEN Rooms Peñafrancia

Set in a quiet residential area, this small hotel offers light, simply furnished rooms in Japanese style at a good price. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi and tea and coffee-making facilities.

Henry Hotel

Conveniently located in the heart of the city, within walking distance of the Mall of Asia and close to the airport, this boutique hotel is a tranquil escape from the city and features landscaped gardens and a swimming pool. The hotel itself is comprised of a number of buildings and includes a small museum and art gallery. Rooms are chic and spacious. Breakfast is included, and there's also a cafe.