Everything I Did on My Weekend in Manila: Nightlife Edition
In contrast to Davao, Manila is a place that never sleeps, especially for certain night spots like Makati or Timog, the current top two party destinations in the metro. I have been going to Manila almost every month, for at least four days, for my beloved artists’ concerts. It would be economically practical just to fly in and fly out, but as a single girl, I find it a waste to do so, especially since there is a lot of stuff to enjoy there.
On my trips to Manila, I almost always opt to stay in Makati for several reasons. One is that it’s a vibrant and buzzing city with infinite things to do—everything I want and need, I can do and buy in Makati. Secondly, it’s generally a safe place to hang out compared to other cities in NCR. Next is that it’s near other hotspots in Manila, like Pasig or BGC. Depending on where you’re staying in Makati, the MRT is only a one-jeepney ride away if you’re going to Quezon City or other stops. Lastly, it’s only a few minutes from the airport by car, so it’s convenient.
Since I don’t have many tight-knit relatives and friends who have the luxury to offer me free accommodation (and to be honest, I don’t want to disturb them) in Makati, my go-to place to stay is Red Planet Makati Avenue, right in the heart of Poblacion, the center of Makati nightlife. This hotel is always my base for an unforgettable weekend of fun, relaxation, and some serious partying.
Red Planet Makati Avenue is only a a few walks away from Makati’s central business district (well, it’s a part of the CBD) and Manila’s red light district, Burgos St. There are countless bars and clubs in the area, as well as topnotch culinary delights you can enjoy.
Checking In at Red Planet Makati Avenue
I kicked off my weekend by checking in at Red Planet Makati Avenue. This budget-friendly hotel exceeded my expectations with its clean and modern rooms, equipped with all the essentials I needed for a comfortable stay. The beds were cozy, the air conditioning was perfect for Manila’s humid weather, and the Wi-Fi was fast—a must for any traveler.
Friday Night First Stop: The Fun Roof Poblacion
During my weekend in Manila, my 23-year-old niece Kuisha was also in the city. Since our trips were synchronized, we made plans to meet up. It was she who introduced The Fun Roof, which is one of the hottest spots in Poblacion.
By the name itself, The Fun Roof is a neo-lit rooftop playground where you can play games like golf, star blaster, indoor baseball, and many more. When we got there, there was no door fee, but you have to pay for the games you want to play. It costs anywhere from ₱100-300 per game. I was the one who treated Kuisha to every game she liked, and we enjoyed them!
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Apart from the games, you can eat and party because they have an in-house DJ. We came to the place pretty early, so the party had not really started, but my niece and I bonded over the games and delicious food (we ordered pizza and tacos).
The Fun Roof is just a 2-3-minute walk from Red Planet Hotels Makati Avenue.
Next Stop: 123 Block, Mandaluyong
Bonding with Kuisha was actually spontaneous. The main plan for that night was a gig night with my friend Janice at 123 Block in Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong. Kuisha and I ended at 10 p.m., which was a bit late, considering I still had other plans.
I’m huge on nightlife, and apart from clubbing and drinking, I enjoy watching local bands. Whenever I’m in Manila, I check out weekend gigs in some of the hottest art and music spots. One of the current trending places is 123 Block, an open space in Mandaluyong, only a 12-minute ride from Red Planet Hotels Makati Avenue.
Janice and I were supposed to see the full line-up of that night’s gig, which includes Blaster Salonga, Ciudad, Ebe Dancel, and Itchyworms. However, upon my arrival, it was the end of Ebe Dancel’s set. We were lucky to have witnessed Itchyworms, the main act for that night’s gig.
Janice is originally from Davao, so she hardly knows anyone in Manila. She’s not knowledgeable about curfews in the city. Apparently, there’s an ordinance in Mandaluyong to stop noises like parties or gigs by 11 p.m. The gig organizer meant it when they said the gig starts at 7 p.m. Regardless, it was nice that Itchyworms extended their set for a bit due to the fans’ request.
Wrapping my Friday night at Agimat at Ugat Foraging Bar and Kitchen
Since it was too early for Janice and me to go home, we decided to grab a drink at Poblacion. This was a plus point because I could just walk to Red Planet for 5-6 minutes. It was a Friday night, so Poblacion was very busy. We walked around the place to check out the bars. The ideal one should not be too noisy so that we can catch up with each other.
I have been to Agimat Bar once and loved it there, but I wanted to try something new. However, we ended up going there because its atmosphere was perfect. Besides, I stayed on their first floor when I went there with my sister. With Janice, we were on the second floor, so I was able to take a video of the “ritual” their bartender does while mixing the Ritual ng Agimat drink.
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Janice and I ordered two mixed drinks each from Agimat Bar’s Signature menu, plus their Kamote ka Talaga kamote (sweet potatoes) fries with garlic aioli dip. After consuming everything, Janice walked me to Red Planet Hotels Makati Avenue, where I stayed, and where she booked a motorcycle ride service to her place. I didn’t have to buy bottled water to keep hydrated because Red Planet has free water in the lobby for all guests.
Saturday: Ang Huling El Bimbo Night at Rampa Drag Club
My friends Gem, Clea, and I have wanted to visit a drag club for over a year now. For some reason, our Manila trips have been primarily for concerts and DBS partner meet-ups, so we never had a chance to go clubbing. However, this time, we made sure to visit one, and someone suggested the Rampa Drag Club.
Rampa’s door charge is just ₱500 with one free drink, but table rates cost from P6000, depending on the area. We were offered standing tables if we ordered at least one bottle, but we didn’t take it since we aren’t heavy drinkers anymore and prefer mixed drinks to one bottle with additional Coke or juices. Instead, we just hung out at the bar and ordered an additional Sangria pitcher, which tasted really good; it was perfect for our taste.
We have been so fortunate that Rampa’s production for the night was “Ang Huling El Bimbo,” a drag queen rendition of the famous theater production. We truly enjoyed the Rampa queens’ show, which was emotional and comedic at the same time.
We’re already in our 30s, and before the night, we overextended our feet by walking around BGC for almost 2km, so we didn’t have the stamina to stand longer for the night. At least we could catch the queen’s first show and dance to the DJ’s mixes before going home.
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Rampa Drag Club, located in Eugenio Lopez Dr., Diliman, Quezon City, is a 35-minute drive from Red Planet Makati Avenue, but the fare is worth it. Staying in Makati was better than when we used to check-in in Pasay, which could’ve been farther and more expensive. Even if it was a bit far, it was nice to visit Timog, one of the top night spots in Manila, apart from Poblacion.
Sunday Night: Al Tarboosh Arabic Restobar
Just like the day before, I overextended my feet’s capabilities by strolling around Poblacion and the malls in Makati CBD. On Sunday, it was time for my friend Vince and me to bond. After dinner, I suggested going to my favorite restaurant on Burgos Street.
Compared to other bars in Burgos, which mostly cater to foreign visitors, Al Tarboosh Arabic Resto is budget-friendly. Other bars in the area tend to have consumable table reservations, which Al Tarboosh doesn’t. You order what you like, and that’s it.
Al Tarboosh is my go-to restobar whenever I crave shisha. I’m not a smoker, but I enjoy shisha because it’s flavored and tastes great. We ordered one shisha, which I believe was refillable at least once. We also ordered a cherry-mixed cocktail, cucumber juice, and one of their bestsellers, the hummus set with various dips. We were already full before going there, but we couldn’t resist their hummus because it’s our favorite.
Apart from Al Tarboosh’s good food and shisha, you can play billiards at the restobar or watch football shows on the TV. Their customer service is also excellent; I highly recommend them.
Al Tarboosh Resto bar is located at 5002 Burgos St., Makati, just a 3-minute walk from Red Planet Makati Avenue. It is open 24 hours daily.
This blog post only mentions the places I visited for my night out. If you found it helpful, check out my blog post about the 11 Incredible Eats You Must Experience in Metro Manila.
