Search and You Shall Find

by Bianca Salonga and Angela Atayde

In a city that never sleeps, it comes as a little surprise that cool jaunts are starting to open up and enhance the urban experience. As Circuit Magazine’s resident night crawlers, we checked out the newest hot spots in town that are ideal for after-work drinks and a full-on girls’ night out. A weekend warrior adventure is also in the running. Make way for Clubbing TV Lounge and Red Rabbit; definitely these up-and-coming nightspots are defining everything chic and sophisticated in the nocturnal scene as of late. Although these places are somewhat inconspicuous, discovering them provides the thrill. Finding these hangouts will surely make the difference in the nightlife equation. Just take our word for it!

Angela at Clubbing TV Lounge

All Clued Up. “The first franchise of the famed Clubbing TV in Paris; Clubbing TV Lounge in Manila offers 100% dance music. Associated with the Clubbing TV channel, which is dedicated to the world’s top DJs, electro music, and everything club culture. This cool lounge is the perfect place for dancing and enjoying the latest electronic music—straight from France! Sometimes, in the case of its soft opening, you can even spot famous DJs working up the crowd! During its opening, for instance, we really enjoyed the sounds of French superstar DJ Dim Chris!”

Don’t Be Left Out. “Weekends at Clubbing TV Lounge are loads of fun. Every Friday, Clubbing TV celebrates Feel Alive Fridays featuring DJs Nicadraus and Toons Canoy. Chic denizens are most likely to be seen at Clubbing TV dancing elbow to elbow to the latest beats by the world’s most celebrated DJs. Every once in a while, you will also probably run into good old friends whom you thought were not in the party scene anymore—until Clubbing TV opened. Complementing the beautiful crowd are flowing drinks and friendly servers. Clubbing TV is slated to have its grand opening soon so more surprises are bound to be unveiled by then!”

Tips be told. “Their interiors are cleverly done such that you can lounge by the couches with good friends and do some quality catching up. For me, Clubbing TV is the perfect first-stop to chill before you go on your all-nighter. I suggest that you go here with your whole crew—the more, the merrier! And since this is, after all, Clubbing TV, make sure that you’ve taken your disco nap and have your dancing shoes on. As for the dress code? Glam up! During the VIP soft opening guests were dressed to the nines and ready to have fun. Many of the ladies were on full glitz mode while the men had on their sleekest coats. If there’s one place where you want to make a fashion statement, it would have to be here. ”

Move Downward. Head out to the lower ground floor of New World Hotel and surely, you’ll see the stairs leading down to Clubbing TV Lounge. If you happen to have plans of traveling abroad, you may want to note that the original Clubbing TV Lounge is at the Pullman Hotel, Paris, France. New franchises are also slated to open this year in Tel Aviv and Ibiza.

Bianca at the Red Rabbit

Fuss No More. “Personally, I love it when a place is intimate and hidden. That’s exactly what Red Rabbit is all about. With its discreet façade and secret doors, the place is what I can consider the newest best-kept secret of Manila. But more than it being hidden, I think what makes this place special is the close attention to detail that its owners pour into the place. From the chic yet cozy interiors, down to every specialty cocktail on the drink menu. I was thoroughly impressed!”

The ‘Never Miss’ List. “First off, you definitely have to try their specialty cocktails! I dare say that Red Rabbit serves the most irresistible concoctions in town. The bar carries the most premium spirits and liqueurs and uses only the freshest ingredients for its cocktails. Whisky drinkers will definitely love Red Rabbit’s Elderflower Fashion (a nod to the Old Fashion drink but with a twist of Elderflower liqueur). To refresh the palette, you’ll want to try their Gin Garden (a beautiful mix of Hendrick’s Gin and fresh juices). Plus, there’s a wide variety of cocktails on the menu each carefully curated to cater to your cravings.”

“Apart from cocktails that you won’t find anywhere else in this town, I also love their food. There is nothing at all pretentious about their menu, which I appreciate. But if anything, it is certainly hearty and cooked to perfection. During our visit we had deadly servings of truffle fries (and I’m talking about the real deal truffles), roasted lamb (with four mouthwatering sauces) and their sinful cheese platter. If Red Rabbit is on your agenda, I strongly suggest you make room in your tummy for a hearty dinner and lots of cocktails!”

Forget Hush-Hush Feel. “Since the place is really conducive for catching up with friends, you might think that that is all there is to it at Red Rabbit. When you’ve reached your second or third drink, try squeezing in by the bar to get a glimpse of the bar tenders doing magic tricks for guests! You’ll wonder whether it’s the buzz that’s gotten to your head or simply the magic and convivial ambiance.”

Keep Under Wraps. “There are is no signage or over-the-top neon light that will direct you to the hidden doors of Red Rabbit. Head out to Bugsy’s Bar in Salcedo village and ask around—you’ll surely find your way. As for the dress code, a lot have been led to believe that you need to be in your weekend best to get in. On the contrary, we’ve been told that you can come in any outfit you please. Naturally, I’d still encourage you to dress appropriately and leave your flip-flops where they ought to be—at home.”