IN MANILA, the years 1983 to ’86 saw massive street rallies in the aftermath of the Ninoy Aquino assassination. At night, the bars in Ermita and Malate provided respite to those days of disquiet.
Today, Aug. 14, from 8 a.m. to 12 noon, many of those who had marched to Liwasang Bonifacio and Malacañang before the Edsa People Power Revolt will gather at the Lapu-
Lapu Monument near the Taft Ave. side of Luneta to participate in the Citizens’ Assembly Against the Marcos Burial in LNMB (Libingan ng Mga Bayani).
The call to this rally—which began as a post on Facebook—has gained momentum and is expected to draw thousands, rain or shine.
After the rally, in the afternoon or early evening, it might be a good idea to unwind; there are at least three bars near Luneta to cool one’s heels.
branch of his bar in Escolta. ALEXIS CORPUZ
Fred’s Revolucion,
Escolta
Named after bar owner Derek Soriano’s grandfather, Fred’s Revolucion is the place to enjoy a good variety of local and foreign beers including Pinatubo Magma and European brands Hoegaarden and Chimay. It also offers craft beers from its smorgasbord-tap station. There are also choices for whisky drinkers.
Fred’s Revolucion, First United Building, 413 Escolta St., Sta. Cruz, Manila; open Tuesdays to Sundays, 5-11 p.m.
Blue Room, Malate
Formerly named Jazz Rhythms and still operated by the same owner, Blue Room features some of the best classic rock, jazz and pop records played by its resident DJs including Sonny Tugade.
The beer is served ice-cold; there’s good red wine, too, which you can enjoy with tuna belly, pork sisig, buffalo chicken wings, and our favorite, crispy tenga.
Blue Room, 615 J. Nakpil St., Malate; tel. 5246870, 0918-9300314
Café Adriatico, Malate
This restaurant, the most prominent landmark in the Remedios Circle since the ’80s, is also a nice place to have some drinks along with its tapas and pica-pica.
The ground and second floors are always full as the night wears on, but there are al fresco tables where you can see Malate’s street life.
And if you stay longer you’ll be tempted to order from its wide and interesting menu that includes steaks, seafood, and our all-time favorite, Lola Ising’s Adobo.
Cafe Adriatico, 1790 Adriatico St. Malate; tel. 7388220
The Chainsmokers
Closely following two concerts Charlie Puth (tonight, Aug. 14, Kia Theatre) and In the Mix (Aug. 18 SM Mall of Asia Arena), is The Chainsmokers show on Aug. 19 also at MOA Arena.
This American DJ duo composed of Andrew Taggart and Alex Pall first gained fame with its 2014 single “#Selfie,” and its 2015 single “Roses.”
After releasing its debut EP, “Bouquet,” in October 2015, a single, “Don’t Let Me Down,” featuring vocals by young singer Daya, came out last February and peaked at No. 3 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
SM Tickets, tel. 470-2222; log on to smtickets.com
Whitney Houston tribute
A tribute concert, dubbed “The Greatest Love of All: The Whitney Show,” features South African singer Belinda Davids interpreting the classic hits of the late pop superstar, to be held Aug. 26, 7 p.m., IEC Pavilion, Cebu City, and Aug. 27, PICC, Pasay City.
SM Tickets, tel. 4702222 or log on to smtickets.com; and TicketWorld, tel. 8919999 or log on to ticketworld.com.ph