Makati

[QUOTE=Ajacobson]I see a few mentions of Embassy Club at the Fort... anyone been there lately? I haven't but I know it was closed. Apparently it was reopened under a new name, "Encore" - same place though. Just bringing it up to avoid confusion for a potential first time visitor.

They have a Facebook page: [url]http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=wall&ref=search&gid=6634001801[/url]

The old website is offline.

It used to be the high-class party place to go in the Philippines, but it would be interesting to hear if that's still true with the new club since the concept was supposed to be changed (kind of forced):

[url]http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/metro/view/20091106-234672/New-and-improved-club-with-tighter-security-to-reopen-in-Taguig-City[/url]

Anyone in for Jazz nights and ballroom dancing?[/QUOTE]It was closed because of a stabbing or something alike.. not sure. Havent been there since then, but even before it had a lot more pros then in earlier years. Cuisine was still ok, but few people (that is higher class Filipinos) went there anymore.

[QUOTE=Darmstadter]I'll be staying at this hotel next Friday and Saturday nights.

Will I be close to Club Havana or the Hard Rock?

Any advise for the general area would be great.

Thanks.[/QUOTE]Quite close, it's walking distance if you don't mind walking 600 meters. From Mandarin to Café Havanna which is located at Greenbelt mall you cross 2 big & busy streets and take a pedestrian underpass. You still may want to take a cab for the short ride if it's too hot during day time and/or you are averse to smog. I would always take a ride at night time and used to pay around 50 or 60 Pesos for the trip including tip (was later increased by 10 or so because of fuel price hike by official label in the cabs instead of adjusting the meters - don't ask). I prefered the hotel cars though, much more comfortable than the wrecks that are called meter taxis, no arguing during peak times, but 5 to 6 times as expensive if you are not entitled to a discount. On weekends Mandarin used to have a complimentary shuttle service including pick-up return with their hotel cars to Greenbelt/Glorietta although only until 9 or 10 pm. Ask the concierge for coupons and the current modalities.

Hard Rock Café is at Glorietta mall, which is the next mall to Greenbelt connected by overpass, so that's about the same distance.

Mandarin hotel, Greenbelt and Glorietta mall are located in the heart of Makati, Manila's traditional business district. The area feels very safe especially during day time as you hardly pass 30 meters till the next office building, hotel or bank entrance with 1 to 5 security guards.

One more thing about the Mandarin... It's an old hotel that compensates for the aged interior with great service. If you are discerning and your budget allows, go for a Club Room (at least avoid a Superior Room if you can). The rooms are not on par with Horizon Club at Shangri-La Makati (or accomodation at other Mandarin properties worldwide for that matter), but that's about twice as expensive.

[QUOTE=Ajacobson]I see a few mentions of Embassy Club at the Fort... anyone been there lately? I haven't but I know it was closed. Apparently it was reopened under a new name, "Encore" - same place though. Just bringing it up to avoid confusion for a potential first time visitor.

They have a Facebook page: [url]http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=wall&ref=search&gid=6634001801[/url]

The old website is offline.

It used to be the high-class party place to go in the Philippines, but it would be interesting to hear if that's still true with the new club since the concept was supposed to be changed (kind of forced):

[url]http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/metro/view/20091106-234672/New-and-improved-club-with-tighter-security-to-reopen-in-Taguig-City[/url]

Anyone in for Jazz nights and ballroom dancing?[/QUOTE]

You don’t see much about club Encore formerly known as the Embassy because one it is expensive for the Philippines (500PHP ($10) entrance fee. Super clubs in the States charge up to $40) but not when compared to western super clubs. Two it is patronized by the elite of the natives, actors, socialites, models etc…. Three there is also a strict dress code. You must dress to impress. Four it carries a younger crowd…. A great deal of hip hop/techno music is played. All of the above will put off the average monger you will find on these boards.

PS: The place is rife with narcotics mostly Cocaine and a lot of brawls have broke out there recently a large number of spoiled rich kids may be the raison d'être.

[QUOTE=Warbucks]You don't see much about club Encore formerly known as the Embassy because one it is expensive for the Philippines (500PHP ($10) entrance fee. Super clubs in the States charge up to $40) but not when compared to western super clubs. Two it is patronized by the elite of the natives, actors, socialites, models etc. Three there is also a strict dress code. You must dress to impress. Four it carries a younger crowd. A great deal of hip hop/techno music is played. All of the above will put off the average monger you will find on these boards [. ][/QUOTE]Yep. It's supposed to be (or was) the best there is, but I was quite underwhelmed when I went there (if I was unclear earlier, I just didn't visit the new place lately since it was reopened). The venue is not really special compared to some upscale Western clubs but it's the crowd you mentioned that attracts more crowd. I did like the desk where people deposited their. 45 firearms though. Ahhhh, sons of influential politicians, alcohol, drugs, women and guns really don't mix well if all you are looking for is partying. As you indicated the place was closed down more than once over the last years because of ongoing. Issues.

The entrance fee is indeed expensive for locals, although it included 2 or 3 basic drinks, however the "VIP" guest list line (no entrance fee) outside was usually about 10 times longer than the ordinary folks line (entrance fee) when I got there, few of those really VIPs, haha. As always in the Philippines everyone knows someone who works there and if it's only to waive the 500 Peso entrance fee to the Embassy Club. My guess was they don't make so much money on those fees, but who knows. Oh, and you can't really just sit other than on a few spots. Tables used to be 8 to 10, 000 Pesos, most of that consumable though.

[QUOTE=Ajacobson]
The entrance fee is indeed expensive for locals, although it included 2 or 3 basic drinks, however the "VIP" guest list line (no entrance fee) outside was usually about 10 times longer than the ordinary folks line (entrance fee) when I got there, few of those really VIPs, haha. [/QUOTE]

Yeah it used to be one of my boys favorite hang outs and he nearly always got in as a VIP. But there again he hangs out with some of the Philippines 'rich, young and in' crowd. Makes me jealous as hell;).

[QUOTE=Lakeside]Early February I will enjoy a business trip to Manila including a date with a girl, 22 I got to know through DIA. She is a nurse and not a pro. I am in the lower forties and would like to go out dancing with her to a place where I would not feel like an alien and getting strange looks only. Could not find any hints on the forum so are there any good recommendations in the Makati area?[/QUOTE]

Where ever you go, you'll get looks; most of the time, only your companion will notice. Some Filipinas can handle it, some cannot. I would ask her if she "would be shy to you" in public. If she says yes, stay in the hotel room or find another date. I've had a experienced this "shyness" before, and it will ruin your evening.

Hi, Guys.

Me and some friends are going to be in Makati during the Super Bowl. Would anybody know if there are any bars, more likely US expat bars, that are going to show the Super Bowl live? Of course, it'll have to open at 7 am Monday morning.

Thanks!

[QUOTE=Docwiltro]Where ever you go, you'll get looks; most of the time, only your companion will notice. Some Filipinas can handle it, some cannot. I would ask her if she "would be shy to you" in public. If she says yes, stay in the hotel room or find another date. I've had a experienced this "shyness" before, and it will ruin your evening.[/QUOTE]

Lakeside - look in the General Info area for some ideas also, but I agree with Doc, if she is shy with you in public then find another date or just enjoy shagging her day in the hotel room.

I go out with my 18 year old cutie and she is fine, we go to the Burgos bars and well as restaurants in Greenbelt. Our age gap is ayt least 10-15 years greater than your age gap

The Greenbelt area is great for the restaurants and no one will care and if they do it is likely jealousy.....ignore it but it can be uplifting seeing other cuties stare at you and her jealously :D Great boost for the ego

Take her to Havana Cafe, go up the stairs next to the cafe and you are in Greenblet and some nice places to eat. I was there with Gangles a while back - our combined ages was well over 100 and the ladies well under 50/55....

There is also an expat bar in Burgos - Handlebar - nice food, nice people - and again take her there and see if she wants to visit a few Burgos bars...you are only a 5 minute walk away from plenty, there is a floor show at Jools (I think?) very tasteful starts at 10pm and a quick walk from Handlebar. That way you can judge if she wants to see more 'interesting' bars . Did this with my 18 year old cutie but I already knew she was kinky as hell so was no hassles visiting the more interesting bars after.

So plenty to do and take her

So first check if she is shy in public with you...nbest you find out now and see if she likes to see bars as well...could be an exciting night ;)

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OralSkillz - not sure if Handlebar opens at 7am but it does show lots of sport including American stuff, so maybe you can call them and ask etc. I only go there at night so cant be sure if they ever open that early, am mor seasoned makati mongers will know and suggest other places

[QUOTE=Wicked Roger]There is also an expat bar in Burgos - Handlebar - nice food, nice people - and again take her there and see if she wants to visit a few Burgos bars...you are only a 5 minute walk away from plenty, there is a floor show at Jools (I think?) very tasteful starts at 10pm and a quick walk from Handlebar. That way you can judge if she wants to see more 'interesting' bars[/QUOTE]
I guess you didn't hear, Jools is closed by order of the BIR. The BIR claims that the club reported sales of 9M pesos for 2008 and the BIR says that it should be 40M pesos:eek:

[url]http://www.gmanews.tv/story/180481/bir-shu...b-for-tax-fraud[/url]

Robb

[QUOTE=Robbaf]I guess you didn't hear, Jools is closed by order of the BIR. The BIR claims that the club reported sales of 9M pesos for 2008 and the BIR says that it should be 40M pesos:eek:

[url]http://www.gmanews.tv/story/180481/bir-shu...b-for-tax-fraud[/url]

Robb[/QUOTE]To Robb,

I agree 9m peso is very low even with the slow down at Burgos. The owner charge high price on every thing and don't want to paid tax don't feel feel sorry for the bastard.

Fast Eddie 48

[QUOTE=Wicked Roger]Lakeside. Look in the General Info area for some ideas also, but I agree with Doc, if she is shy with you in public then find another date or just enjoy shagging her day in the hotel room.

I go out with my 18 year old cutie and she is fine, we go to the Burgos bars and well as restaurants in Greenbelt. Our age gap is ayt least 10-15 years greater than your age gap

The Greenbelt area is great for the restaurants and no one will care and if they do it is likely jealousy. Ignore it but it can be uplifting seeing other cuties stare at you and her jealously Great boost for the ego

Take her to Havana Cafe, go up the stairs next to the cafe and you are in Greenblet and some nice places to eat. I was there with Gangles a while back. Our combined ages was well over 100 and the ladies well under 50/55.

There is also an expat bar in Burgos. Handlebar. Nice food, nice people. And again take her there and see if she wants to visit a few Burgos bars. You are only a 5 minute walk away from plenty, there is a floor show at Jools (I think?) very tasteful starts at 10pm and a quick walk from Handlebar. That way you can judge if she wants to see more 'interesting' bars. Did this with my 18 year old cutie but I already knew she was kinky as hell so was no hassles visiting the more interesting bars after.

So plenty to do and take her

So first check if she is shy in public with you. Nbest you find out now and see if she likes to see bars as well. Could be an exciting night.

Thanks a lot for the good tips and I will give it a go and enjoy myself with my cutie in Greenbelt! Can't wait to get there.

[QUOTE=Ajacobson]One more thing about the Mandarin... It's an old hotel that compensates for the aged interior with great service. If you are discerning and your budget allows, go for a Club Room (at least avoid a Superior Room if you can). The rooms are not on par with Horizon Club at Shangri-La Makati (or accomodation at other Mandarin properties worldwide for that matter), but that's about twice as expensive.[/QUOTE]How is the hotel regarding bringing girls up to the room in the evening?

I don't go to Burgos very often, but thanks for the interesting report.

When did you see the "floor show" at Jools?? A few years ago I had a long drawn out debate with someone who claimed that the place was a dump and the floor consisted of listless dancing. My experiences at Jools were always very good. X


[QUOTE=Lakeside][QUOTE=Wicked Roger]Lakeside. Look in the General Info area for some ideas also, but I agree with Doc, if she is shy with you in public then find another date or just enjoy shagging her day in the hotel room.

I go out with my 18 year old cutie and she is fine, we go to the Burgos bars and well as restaurants in Greenbelt. Our age gap is ayt least 10-15 years greater than your age gap

The Greenbelt area is great for the restaurants and no one will care and if they do it is likely jealousy. Ignore it but it can be uplifting seeing other cuties stare at you and her jealously Great boost for the ego

Take her to Havana Cafe, go up the stairs next to the cafe and you are in Greenblet and some nice places to eat. I was there with Gangles a while back. Our combined ages was well over 100 and the ladies well under 50/55.

There is also an expat bar in Burgos. Handlebar. Nice food, nice people. And again take her there and see if she wants to visit a few Burgos bars. You are only a 5 minute walk away from plenty, there is a floor show at Jools (I think?) very tasteful starts at 10pm and a quick walk from Handlebar. That way you can judge if she wants to see more 'interesting' bars. Did this with my 18 year old cutie but I already knew she was kinky as hell so was no hassles visiting the more interesting bars after.

So plenty to do and take her

So first check if she is shy in public with you. Nbest you find out now and see if she likes to see bars as well. Could be an exciting night.

Thanks a lot for the good tips and I will give it a go and enjoy myself with my cutie in Greenbelt! Can't wait to get there.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Robbaf]I guess you didn't hear, Jools is closed by order of the BIR. The BIR claims that the club reported sales of 9M pesos for 2008 and the BIR says that it should be 40M pesos:eek:

[url]http://www.gmanews.tv/story/180481/bir-shu...b-for-tax-fraud[/url]

Robb[/QUOTE]
Thanks Robb did not know that...was there early December.... but then what would the BIR know apart from the size of the contribution to its favourite charity.

Xman...by floor show I mean something that is not the somewhat listless dancing seen in many bars in Burgos nowadays, at least the girls made an effort...one of my friends took his wife there :D and she liked the show ...he did not take to High Heels etc where he was very well known and his lovely (and much younger) girlfriend knew to steer well clear for that week....

But am not much into floor shows but as Jools is closed that bit of advice is useless.

Foreigner with local girl 30 years his junior. Will not get any serious looks anywhere in the Philippines. The locals were born at night. But not last night.