Nightlife in the Uptown Bonifacio area, on the other side of Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, is on the upswing. Beside Uptown Mall is Uptown Parade, whose second floor has a row of restaurants and bars—including a mysterious-looking place with a bright red door and a stylized sign for its name: Studio 28.
As its name suggests, Studio 28 is designed like a workspace—a music studio with a real audio mixing board and music instruments, but also furnished with couches and a bar.
In fact, it’s available at daytime for band rehearsals or recording.
By night, it’s a full-fledged lounge—its cosmopolitan design, cozy ambience and high ceiling highlighted by a chandelier at the center.
UP schoolmates
The people behind Studio 28 are likewise the folks who own Unit 27, also in BGC until it moved to Eastwood, Quezon City.
Two of the business partners, lawyer Ping de Jesus and Jollibee global brand chief marketing officer Francis Flores, grew up together as grade-schoolmates in University of the Philippines. They kept in touch even after they pursued their respective careers.
They also liked getting together with other friends to eat and drink—hence, the idea to open a bar.
Studio 28 specializes in gin, Flores says, because gin is the preferred drink these days. It has an interesting list of craft gin cocktails, plus a gin happy hour package.
Lately I’ve been appreciating gin tonic for its smooth taste. Among Studio 28’s craft cocktails, I like Royals—gin, homemade grapefruit cordial, fresh lime juice and homemade citrus bitters.
But its bar is also well-stocked with leading brands of whisky and bourbon, rum, cognac, vodka, tequila, wines and champagne and beer.
The bar chow—created by chef Kiko Tolentino—has good items, too. Standouts from the sample fare are Tuna Tartare in Fried Bao Buns, Gambas Al Ajilo and Ox Tongue Salpicao.
Parties
The soft jazz music wafting from the speakers relaxes the mind and induces animated conversation.
But a few nights later, Studio 28 is pumping with energy from dance music. Two parties are in progress, one of which is for top concert promoter Rhiza Pascua, MMI Live CEO.
Flores and Pascua are friends, and they talk intimately amid the noise.
Behind them, at the other celebration, millennials are all smiles as they offer toasts and sip their drinks.
Studio 28, 2/F, Uptown Parade, 36th St. corner 9th Ave. Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
‘Magic on Ice’
“Magic on Ice,” a show that combines circus, figure skating, magic and grand illusion, goes onstage Dec. 25 until Jan. 1, 2019.
MasterCard Credit or Debit card holders may avail of a 20 percent discount until Dec. 24 at all Ticketnet outlets and the box office at the yellow gate of the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Online ticket buyers through www.ticketnet.com.ph may use the promo code MCMOI2018 to avail of the discount.
Tel. 9115555; visit www.ticketnet.com.ph
