Playa Calatagan

Last Saturday, I went to Bluewave Commercial Center ang got to watch two bands perform: Ministick and First Five and Half, I think. The latter's vocals are two bald guys who were kind of funny because they were straight (at least that was how they appear to be) yet were really game. Plus their repertoire included lots of 80s music. Ministick also was good.

So anyway, I went to Playa Calatagan, Batangas the next day. And as you can guess, I slept the entire trip. We had lunch at the Beach Club, the area that would be made exclusive for its homeowners. They serve beer here, P70 + 10% service charge and was playing chillout, beach music. For now, people can drive here and rent water cabanas (P300 small, P500 medium, P700 large) and just enjoy the facilities while the public facility which is called Beach Resort is under development. There are garden cabanas, too. Rates start at P500, i think. The rates are good for a half-day which means either opening to 1 pm or 1pm to 6pm (closing). Great for family outings because the water is really shallow so parents don't have to worry much. If you don't want to use the pool and/or would like to bring your own food and beverage, beer included, you can still access the beach at an area called The Picnic Area where there are several benches and tables. It's still free as of now. But of course, there will come a time when Landco will have to charge entrance.

El Capitan, Club Noah Isabelle

Found on Apulit Island, Palawan, Club Noah Isabelle is the only resort being served by a small airport. Seair is the only plane you can ride to get here. From the airport, you ride a chartered jeepney and then ride a small boat that brings you to a bigger boat that takes you to the island (this takes about 40 minutes). But if you didn't get any sleep, this is the perfect time to catch some Zzzs. If you don't need the power nap, stay on top of the boat and enjoy the cruise (but be prepared to get wet when the sea gets rough).



Left is a day shot of El Capitan at daybreak which I took before we left the island. At night, it looks like what you see on the right.





Beer is $1.50 which is not bad considering it is an island resort. Must-try is Club Noah Special (rhum-based with four seasons) $5 because it's only here one finds it (I guess you can always mix your own but unless you drink it here, it's not qualified as "Club Noah Special"). The margarita, I think costs $4.50.

At El Kapitan, there is a pool table, a dart board and a nearby tabletennis table. You can also jam with an acoustic and tambol duo whose songs are mostly classics.

Kafebaresto

Found along Kamuning. From EDSA, it's on your right. Wouldn't have had the chance to learn about this place had it not been for my cousin who also introduced the place to my brother. We went here early AM of Saturday. P30 SML.

Photographs on the wall. Digital art/short films are shown regularly as indicated on the schedules posted on the wall. Cozy place. Owned by celebrities Romnick Sarmenta and Harlene Baustista.

Socialista

Was invited to look at this bar by Ray See, an architect last Saturday, February 2. Beer is at P45. House music. With good DJs. Nice interiors. Posh. Chic. Comfortable. It's formally opening on February 7. Owner says they will also serve lunch and dinner.

536 Remedios St., Malate, Manila. For reservations, call (+63)(2)4009980.

Conways

Last Saturday, went to Conways at the Second Level of Shangri-La Makati City. A band called Replay played. Older crowd. There were families who were hanging out (from teenagers to their grandparents, I suppose). A bit pricey, P180, per bottle of San Mig Light. But I guess it's one of those bars where you can bring the entire family and have a great time dancing to music that cuts across generations (read: social dance music).

It would be best though to bring a guy who knows how to "lead."

Days before, helped developed a new drink. Called it Vino Verde: cucumber, ripe mango, rhum and menthol liqueur. Try it!