Where the hipsters hang in Manila: a guide to Poblacion, former red-light district and midget boxing magnet
From craft beers and signature cocktails to classic French wines, the gentrification of Makati’s back streets has been good for business
It used to be that when you spoke of Manila nightlife, it was within concrete urban complexes, high-rise buildings and shopping malls. But today, the slightly gritty, hipster backstreets of Makati – the once sleepy neighbourhood of Poblacion (previously known solely for its red-light district – and later on, dwarf boxing) has become the happening place in the Philippine capital.
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This gentrification, interspersed between residential areas, has birthed original concept bars (no chains here) that offer everything from craft beers to cocktails, bar bites in between – and, above all, a sense of community. Industry folk here – whether restaurateurs and chefs, entrepreneurs or artists – know and support each other.
Bar-hopping is the name of the game, so bear this in mind when choosing your footwear.
Joe’s Brew
Joe’s Brew was one of the first craft beer producers in the Philippines. They do American-style: wheat beer, pale ale, IPA, and two firsts in the country – a local stout and the California Common (a hybrid between a lager and a pale ale). These beers can be had at the steam punk-inspired tasting room, which features customised bar stools and a hanging aeroplane – a tribute to the owners’ grandfather, who was a pilot during the second world war.
A beer flight, priced at 300 pesos (US$6), gets you a sampler of four beers of your choice. Bar chow comes from neighbouring Holy Smokes (known for beef brisket, barbecue ribs, roast chicken and mac’n’cheese) but owner Marko Viray says you can bring own your food. The brewery is on the second floor. While they don’t normally offer tours, if one of the owners is around, they will happily show you the place.