A Day Without Music is a Day Wasted – Check out These Hip Swaying Spots for Music in Manila
Taking some time to explore all the Manila has to offer will unearth a
heap of hidden gems. The old world meets the new world in a beautiful swirl of
chaos and you’ll find a mix of cheap markets and street hawkers, right up to
grand skyscrapers and expensive, glittery malls.
Wherever you choose to visit in Manila the Philippines, a
few evenings should definitely be spent cruising the music scene. You’ll find
live bands to suit all tastes including; head banging punk rockers, classic
rock, reggae, Ska, Dancehall, dream-like pop, smooth jazz and more upbeat dance
productions to name a few.
12 Monkeys Music Hall and Pub
Boasting a quality sound system and a constant stellar lineup of
Filipino bands and solo performers, you’ll be treated to a range of smooth jazz
and foot tapping rock. Alongside the entertaining performers, you can chow down
on delicious Filipino food like ‘chicharones’ and of course a few signature
cocktails like their popular Sweet Monkey.
19 East Bar Grill
Having been a favourite musical and food haunt since its opening in
2003, 19 East regularly has a popular lineup of artists. 19 Easts owner Wowee,
spent years as a session keyboardist with a variety of bands so knows how to
put on a show! Expect to listen to an eclectic curation including; rock,
R&B, soul, jazz or pop.
B-Side
The B-side venue brings the best of Jamaican tunes to a corner in
Makati. While a lot of events are held indoors, it also has an awesome open-air
rooftop warehouse where special gigs are held. Their Irie Sunday is the place
to be seen, at due to its incredible lineup of performers playing a mix of
Reggae, Dub, Dance and Skahall.
Conspiracy Garden Café
Being set in a beautiful garden venue, the Conspiracy Garden Café is a
good place to chill in the evening for acoustic oriented gigs. Expect to catch
a range of Filipino artists like; Noel Cabangon, Johnoy Danoa and Bullet Dumas
while enjoying the tasty Asian menu. If you have the guts, you can even let
loose on their popular spoken word night.
Saguijo
An old house turned into a bar, Saguijo is a super popular venue on the
Filipino music scene. It plays host to popular rock bands such as Parokya ni
Edgar, Kjwan and the Defunct Kamikazee. New, emerging rock bands also get a
chance to express themselves each week, to the ever present hard liquor
drinking crowd.
