What happens in Metro Manila between 4 p.m. and midnight, or before party time?

In the next two weeks, the city’s party crowd is expected to show up at the Swatch Irony XLite Pop-Up Lounge and Bar at the Swatch+Swatch Center on Pasay Road, Makati.

The Pop-Up Lounge and Bar is for the after-work crowd that wants to de-stress. Usually this crowd is found partying in other clubs around the metro. They have their own party groups.

Bicycles

Last Thursday night, many of them went to the Pop-Up Lounge and Bar to chill and soak in the atmosphere of an event—the launch of the latest collection of Swatch: Irony XLite.

Fashion designer Jerome Lorico had an idea—with the blessing of Swatch Philippines boss Virgie Ramos—to create a masculine/active personality vibe for XLite.

He said, “We built a lounge and bar and wanted the place to be interactive and yet still close-knit, following a single purpose. We wanted comfort, fun, design and the rare feeling of affinity achieved by including elements that could be relevant to the crowd.”

In place of chandeliers were bicycles. They were deconstructed, their tires transformed into the faces of the new collection of XLite to personify energy and mobility.

The message is that Pop-Up is for active people who are not only sporty but also stylish and trendy.

The furniture was composed mostly of oversize sofas. Pillows were scattered for cozy comfort. Tables were in plain geometric black wood framed in metal.

Table centerpieces were old classic books sandwiched in concrete blocks to give the idea of how important knowledge should be preserved.

Ceramic mugs    

Drinks were served in interesting ceramic and aluminum mugs—following the practice at private house parties when the host runs out of glasses and guests resort to using mugs. Apparently the guests at Pop-Up immediately noticed the mugs because it reminded them of their own intimate home parties.

The guests were a mix of celebrities, models, DJs, musicians, artists, professionals and young entrepreneurs. What they had in common: They all know, want and love to have fun.

Swatch Philippines creative director Rowell Santiago said, “A sports bar and an art gallery combined! Every piece is a conversation piece!”

Billy Crawford commented, “It was chill, and reminded me of a house party. Although there was a lot of people, it still felt intimate.”

Martin Nievera pointed out: “The look… the vibe. It looked like a New York bar in upper Manhattan … a nice bachelor’s pad, too! The red fire escape stairs leading to nowhere was my favorite and the hanging bikes gave you this ‘I don’t care what time it is right now’ vibe. I didn’t know any of the songs they played yet I was good enough to rub elbows and play ping pong and pool with those who didn’t care if they knew the music or not. Everyone had a great time!”

Matteo Guidicelli added: “The hanging Swatch bikes were so cool… Felt like I was in my den… The vibe was very relaxed.”

The Swatch Irony XLite Collection is a fusion of smooth aluminum and brightly colored plastic.

The Pop-Up Lounge and Bar is open at the Swatch+Swatch Center for two weeks.

Swatch & Swatch is at 918 Arnaiz Ave., San Lorenzo Village, 1223 Makati City. Check out Swatch PH on Facebook.