Nightlife in the Philippines

By Alex Smith

After exploring the rich historical surrounds of the Philippines, it is only natural to unwind by delving into the local nightlife. The natural charm and surrounds of the Philippines allows you the total escape package which is complimented by the daily wind down phase of visiting the unique night time offerings. This is the place where you can dance the night away, lounge in comfort driven lounge bars or indulge in feasts fit for a king. The nightlife starts late and ends even later so you can be assured of finding the night time activity which will meet your every need.

Being a country which embraces contemporary advances and historical charm, you will find a wide selection of nightlife establishments both old and new. Most travellers find that the older style bars and clubs in the out skirts of the major areas provide not only a fine drinking location but also one where you can satisfy your hunger with ‘pulutan’ also known as bar chow. Pulutan is similar to tapas and ensures that you stay well nourished for your night of activity and fun. It is customary for bars and clubs to provide free meals to its patrons as the culturally rich customs which don’t condone drinking on an empty stomach. This is one country where you will receive free grilled meats, vegetables and nuts for simply purchasing a drink from the bar.

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The Philippines is unique in the sense that it is host to some of the seediest and most upmarket bars in the world. When visiting Manila you are likely to find more of a nightclub scene than you will find in the other areas such as Cebu, where you will find a more relaxing environment in the confines of the local night spot. The nightlife in the Philippines is somewhat different from western society. It is not unusual for a bar or nightclub in the Philippines to cater to a more relaxed atmosphere with substantial comforts as opposed to the standing environment western nightclubs usually provide.

Manila is the place to be if you want to find lively pubs and karaoke bars. When you enjoy the Philippine nightlife you will quickly learn that beer is the drink of choice. The Philippines has a large selection of international beers but unfortunately for the spirit drinker you may have to rely upon the local Ginebra which is a localised version of Gin. For those who are a bit more adventurous you may like to try the customary drinks such as Lambanog and Tuba. Both of these drinks are made from coconut sap. Funnily enough, these drinks are also the base for a number of well known bubble gum brands.

The Philippines is an extremely cheap place to visit and you can expect that all of your nightlife adventures will be well below what you would expect to pay back at home. Theatres and cinema’s are not dominant in the Philippine nightlife but with the low cost of food, alcohol and entertainment it is not necessary. The local population who also visit the night life spots are the ones that will make your journey complete. The Philippines offers you the opportunity to indulge in the historical sights during the days and learn the unique culture from the locals at night.

After leaving, you will not think of nightlife in the Philippines as a visit to the Opera. You will be left of memories of spending time with the locals, learning their customs, talking over a few drinks and enjoying the fine local cuisine that is part of the entertainment scene. The Philippines is unique in its ability to make your stay about the person, and the local memories it provides you with.