Bizarre in Poblacion I Photo by Star Sabroso
Looking for a great night out in Manila this February? Manila bars are gearing up for a busy month, welcoming top bartenders from award-winning bars in the region. Be sure to mark your calendars for bar takeovers and guest shifts around the metro.
Recommended stories:
The Best Happy Hour Spots in Metro Manila
Explore Filipino Culinary Heritage at This Must-Visit Degustation Bar in Poblacion
Discover Shochu: The Japanese Distilled Spirit That Deserves a Spot in Your Bar
1) Keefer Bar Vancouver at The Curator
When: February 4, Tuesday
Time: 9pm onwards
Where: The Curator, 134 Legaspi Street, Makati
Filipino bartender Zenon Santos from Keefer Bar, an apothecary-inspired cocktail bar in Vancouver and No. 49 on North America’s 50 Best Bars, will take over Manila’s award-winning bar, The Curator—ranked No. 33 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024—on February 4. Starting at 9pm, Zenon will be behind the stick crafting signature drinks using Asian flavors.
2) Robbie Milan of The Secret Mermaid Singapore at Fat Cat
When: February 5, Wednesday
Time: 8pm to 11pm
Where: Fat Cat, Makati Central Square, Legazpi Village, Makati
Robbie Milan from the popular Singapore speakeasy-style cocktail bar, The Secret Mermaid, brings new excitement and energy to Makati Central Square’s hidden jazz bar, Fat Cat, as he takes over the bar for one night only on February 5. Sip on Robbie’s handcrafted drinks and enjoy the bar’s laid-back, jazzy atmosphere. They have limited seating, so make sure to book ahead to secure your seats.
3) The Opposites’ Antonio Lai and Samuel Kwok at The Back Room
When: February 6, Thursday
Time: 7pm onwards
Where: The Back Room, 30th Street, Shangri-La The Fort, Manila, Taguig

Hong Kong’s award-winning bartenders Antonio Lai and Samuel Kwok from pioneering bar Quinary (ranked No. 26 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024) and one of the city’s latest hangout spots, The Opposites, are heading to Shangri-La BGC’s hidden bar, The Back Room.
Antonio, renowned for his innovative approach to bartending, creates imaginative cocktails that incorporate playful molecular mixology techniques, transforming familiar flavors into extraordinary experiences. Meanwhile, Samuel, who takes pride in his mastery of classic cocktails, offers straightforward yet elegantly refined creations. Swing by on February 6 as these two incredibly talented mixologists whip up drinks for discerning drinkers.
4) Hidden City Taiwan at The Spirits Library
When: February 11, Tuesday
Time: 8pm onwards
Where: The Spirits Library, 4963 Guerrero, Makati

Taiwan’s cinema-themed bar, Hidden City, located in Da’an District in Taipei is heading to Poblacion’s popular hangout spot, The Spirits Library, the purveyor of rare bottles and bar paraphernalia in Metro Manila. Be sure to catch Hidden City’s resident bartenders, Perry Chang and Kevin, as they will be slinging their signature cocktails behind the bar from 8pm onwards.
5) Neil Hsu of Speedrun by VG Taipei at Raion
When: February 11, Tuesday
Time: 8pm onwards
Where: Raion, 455 P. Guevarra Street, Barangay Maytunas, San Juan, Manila

San Juan cafe and cocktail bar Raion is welcoming Neil Hsu, the bar manager of the popular Taiwan retro arcade-themed bar, Speedrun by VG Taipei. Catch Neil behind the stick on February 11 and get to taste signature drinks, each crafted with precision and flair.
6) Bar Pine Taipei’s Ariel Hou at The Curator
When: February 12, Wednesday
Time: 8pm to midnight
Where: The Curator, 134 Legaspi Street, Legazpi Village, Makati

Stylish Taipei hotspot Bar Pine, named after the old pine trees that had grown inside the space, is flying to Manila for a one-night guest shift at Legazpi bar The Curator. Bar Pine’s founder and head bartender, Ariel Hou, will seduce the local Pinoy crowd with an impressive lineup of crafted cocktails. Don’t be afraid to go bottoms up with her boozy creations.
7) Taiwan’s 90s Dining Bar at Bizarre
When: February 13, Thursday
Time: 9pm to midnight
Where: Bizarre, 925 Algier, corner Jacobo, Poblacion, Makati

Retro-themed bar 90s Dining Bar in Taiwan is taking over Poblacion’s premier degustation bar, Bizarre, on February 13. 90s Dining Bar’s founder, Zack Chang, will be slinging drinks starting at 9pm, promising an elegant evening of curated cocktails. Expect a seamless blend of art and culinary science in every sip.
8) Reka:Bar’s Joel Poon and Nick Choo at Bizarre
When: February 22, Saturday
Time: 9pm to midnight
Where: The Bizarre, 925 Algier, corner Jacobo, Poblacion, Makati

Joel Poon and Nick Choo, the masterminds behind Kuala Lumpur’s award-winning Reka:Bar (ranked No. 41 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024 list), are flexing their mixology skills behind the bar at Bizarre on February 22. Don’t expect any safe bets as Joel and Nick aim to push boundaries and take you on a journey of incredible sips and flavors.
9) Fat Cat 2nd Anniversary Block Party
When: February 23, Sunday
Time: 8pm onwards
Where: Fat Cat, Makati Central Square, Legazpi Village, Makati

Come party and let loose as jazz bar Fat Cat turns two. Join the crowd at the fun block party, which starts at 8pm, and enjoy endless cocktail specials courtesy of Pernod Ricard. Expect a fun vibe at the bar, complete with groovy DJ sets throughout the night.
10) Toast to Solaire’s 12 Years
When: February 28 to March 16
Time: Visit sec.solaireresort.com for updates on schedule
Where: Solaire Resort Entertainment City, Entertainment City, 1 Aseana Ave, Parañaque

To celebrate its 12th anniversary, Solaire Resort Entertainment City invites award-winning Japanese mixologist Shingo Gokan (proprietor of bar’s SG Club in Tokyo, The Odd Couple in Shanghai, Gokan in Hong Kong), sake master brewer Akihiro Igarashi, tea master He Jia, and global specialist for The Dalmore whisky, Craig Swindell, to collaborate with renowned chefs Jun Yukimura, Sun Kim, and Heinz Beck for extraordinary dining experiences at the hotel’s finest establishments. Catch these masters from February 28 until March 16 at Solaire’s Yakumi, Waterside, Finestra, Baccarat Room & Bar, and Whisky Bar. Shingo will take over the Baccarat Room and Bar for a one-night guest shift, and whisky lovers can join Craig Swindell’s whisky masterclass on March 15 at 4pm at the Whisky Bar.
Follow DrinkCollectiv on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, and Youtube for more drink news and all the latest sips and tips!