To continue with our Poblacion update (“Poblacion’s hottest club is not even fully open,” PDI Lifestyle, Aug. 12), here are three more new places worth visiting in Makati’s old town center that has become the metro’s nightlife capital:
Boogie
8483 Kalayaan Ave. corner Matilde St., Poblacion, Makati
Formerly known as Bar Mathilde, Boogie looks dark and mysterious from outside, and feels a bit creepy inside due to the all-black interiors. But the mood turns bright upstairs, where lady DJ Cedez spins a delightful mix of R&B and hip-hop tracks.
There’s a friendly, relaxed vibe—most guests seem to know each other as they do small talk while sitting in sofas or huddled in groups by the terrace.
Downstairs, another group of buddies sits at a long, narrow table, the scene resembling a London pub with Filipino habitués.
Concepto
6234 Mañalac St., Poblacion, Makati
Concepto, like NoKal, is still on dry run but has been drawing its own following for two reasons: the food and the music. Open for lunch and dinner, the place serves an interesting fare, including its large pork chops that pack a flavorful taste because they’re marinated for 48 hours before grilling.
Co-owner Migz del Gallego says I should try Bruno Mars’ venture into spirits, SelvaRey, a made-in-Panama dark rum infused with natural chocolate flavor. I love it!
As for the music, Concepto, like Boogie, has a DJ dishing out upbeat R&B tunes.
Agimat
5972 Alfonso corner Fermina, Poblacion, Makati
Described as a “foraging bar and kitchen,” Agimat is known for its original Filipino cocktails, using local ingredients and having distinct names.
One such drink, Ritwal ng Agimat, has calamansi liqueur, lambanog, gin, tomato purée, melon tomato mint shrub, tamarind, lime and rose citrus aromatics. It has a refreshing taste, but pretty soon I feel its heady kick.
The ambiance has a continental air, the crowd composed mostly of foreigners and a few locals, one of whom is a mestiza sporting red hair.
What makes Boogie, Concepto and Agimat great additions to Poblacion’s thriving nightlife is their owners’ youthful energy, imagination and adventurous spirit that keep guests awake past the wee hours.
MMI Live concerts
MMI Live has three coming concerts, all happening at MOA Arena: Chance the Rapper, Aug. 22; Paramore, Aug. 23; and Dua Lipa, Sept. 14.
The latest word from MMI staff is that tickets to Paramore are absolutely sold out; for Dua Lipa, fast running out; while those for Chance the Rapper are still available.
SM Tickets, tel. 4202222; smtickets.com
Fernando.
Planet9 at Minokaua
Mon Espia, Dave Delfin and Tony Fernando, the trio of musicians aka Planet9, will perform on Aug. 21 at Minokaua, 1951 Adriatico St., Malate, Manila. The group’s repertoire includes acoustic versions of rock and pop classics.