Scoreboard
By Bianca R. Salonga and Angela Atayde
As this month celebrates men of all shapes and sizes, we spill all on where the hottest place is to go for a little friendly flirtation while sipping on some of the city’s most creative cocktails.
BIANCA checks out HOOCH
Check in or check out? What I like about Hooch is that it is the kind of place where you can take a date for dinner then drinks. Subsequently, you can also do a gal’s evening cap here. If you’re doing the latter, I suggest you all get seats by the bar and don’t hesitate to chat up the first cutie you lay eyes on (better of course if he is not bringing a date with him). As I’m not really big on dates, I will most likely head to this venue for happy hour instead.
Table or Bar? Definitely the bar! In case you have not yet received the memo, their resident mixologist, Anthony, is easy on the eyes and he can also make a killer cocktail. Tell him what your preferred poison is and he’ll gladly stir up something special just for you. Apart from that, you get a decent crowd all enjoying Hooch’s signature drinks. That said, you’ll surely want to try out their cocktails: Hoochside, Cinnamon Jack, Angels and Demons and Pisco Sour.
Eye Candy Score. Definitely a 10! There is a mixed crowd of hipsters, yuppies and execs who frequent the place. During our visit there, for instance, my good friend ended up chatting with the guy seated next to us at the bar. What, you might ask, were they bonding over? Horoscope compatibility! While the place radiates chic, Hooch is every bit the relaxed, neighborhood friendly jaunt where you can make new friends or simply share funny moments with your old pals.
Who wears the pants? Although this is cocktail bar, men who prefer their whisky can still enjoy the classics—or an irresistible glass of the Old Fashioned. It’s always good, however, to meet a guy who isn’t so stuck up on their ways. While I certainly have respect for those who prefer their drinks neat, I find men who aren’t afraid to hold on to a pretty cocktail utterly sexy!
The Deal. I’d rather have a free hand to choose my poison while my date does the same. On dinners, I always feel more comfortable giving my date free rein on what to order but as soon as we hit cocktail hour, I certainly love my freedom.
Hooch is located at G/F 125 V Corporate Center, L.P. Leviste, Street Salcedo Village, Makati. For inquiries, please call 0927-3759467.
ANGELA sparkles in MOONSHINE
Unexpectedly Noteworthy. Moonshine was such a refreshing surprise for us when we went to visit. It is an ideal hangout place for friends where you can enjoy delicious cocktail drinks while catching up. The place can get a little too noisy (perhaps sound proofing has yet to be completed) so I wouldn’t exactly call it a date place. Music is good and the vibe is very friendly so it’s where I would most likely invite my barkada to do happy hour or to chill out on a Saturday night after a crazy Friday clubbing night.
Strategize positions. It really doesn’t matter to me where it’s best to sit in places that are casual and chill. More than anything what’s important is that you are having fun with your friends. At Moonshine in particular, it’s very easy to spot everyone, as the place is relatively small. If you’re planning a visit there, I do suggest you come in early or have a table reserved as it tends to be filled up with young working types from 1a.m. onwards. When you come to visit, make sure to try The Dark Horse (a deadly but delicious mix of everything) and Moonshine cocktails. Guys will certainly like their local brews like the Katipunan, which caught our attention during our visit.
What a view. Depending on whether you like the young hipster kind of guys, this is a place where you can come as you are. You’ll find a lot of guys coming in here who are in their mid 20s to early 30s especially on weekends or Wednesdays. I remember spotting several cuties during our visit who were also out with their buddies for a few drinks and to listen to good music. My friends and I like to classify this place as a “groupie” kind of jaunt meaning its where you come in with your own clique and most likely end the night with the very same bunch as well. So in terms of viewing, I’d give it a fair score. When it comes to meeting new people? This I have yet to see.
Changing the game… Set up like your quintessential pub; expect to find guys drinking local beers or whisky. Once in a while, there will be patrons ordering their specialty drinks but for the majority, it’s the typical guy beverages that you will see on the table tops. Personally, I find it impressive when a guy no matter how seemingly “macho” he is, dares to drink something slightly fancy.
Figure him out. I’ll be with a guy whom I am very comfortable with so I can be more casual and relaxed. I like a guy who can drink anything—wine, whisky, specialty cocktails or beer! For me it doesn’t matter for as long as he and I can have a great time on a night out! I don’t really respond well to being told what to drink or order from the bar. Of course if I am charmed enough, I’ll probably try something new like I did at Mooonshine.
Moonshine Bar is located at Unit 1C, Valdelcon Building, Jupiter St. Bel-Air Makati. For inquiries, please call 0927-8000920 and 478-7340.
Cover: Joyce Pring 
