Gay Manila - a pink guide
Che'lu is one of Manila's favourite gay venues
Equanimity Spa (Tel: +63 (0)2 415 8099) is open 24 hours while Rondalle Spa (E. Rodriquez Avenue, 2F Don Graciano Bldg. Tel: +63 (0)2 701 6231) is a relaxing Manila spa near Farenheit.
A fairly liberated city, Manila and the rest of the metropolitan area is generally very gay friendly. You will spot many openly-homosexual individuals everywhere you go – in the streets, the malls, on TV, in bars and clubs and even in church. Manila has an active gay scene, although admittedly not quite as popular as the gay scenes in other Asian cities such as Bangkok. Accommodations, bars, restaurants and other social places are pretty much gay friendly, while others also offer exclusivity to the gay and lesbian community.
The Manila gay and lesbian scene stages lively and glamorous 'pink parties' regularly, and it is usually received well by the public because these parties are highly entertaining, complete with gay beauty pageants. There are also plenty of gay and lesbian establishments catering to the community everywhere in the metro. Everything from gay massage parlors, gay bars where 'macho dancers' perform, as well as more refined restaurants and spas are easy to spot.
Despite religious issues, Filipino society is generally accepting of homosexuality, due largely to media influences, gay celebrities and other contributing factors. Filipinos are used to gay stand-ups and comedians who perform on television and in bars for weekend comedy shows, which are almost always sold-out.
The lesbian scene is a lot more discreet but is not unheard of. Unlike gay men-exclusive places, it can be hard to find all-lesbian social areas. The lesbian community is more known for their pride walks and other cause-related marches, pursuing LGBT rights. Filipino lesbian support groups are online.
Gay friendly venues in Manila
There are four areas in Manila where the gay scene is concentrated, namely Malate (which is considered as the country's gay hub), Makati (where the up market gay crowd is), Fort Bonifacio (dominated by a chic cafe ambiance), and Quezon City (the 'Hollywood' of Manila and also where the lot of comedy bars are located).
Manila is a very relaxed city
Malate
Known as the 'heart of queer Manila', Malate is home to Orosa Street where many different gay establishments can be found. Wednesday is a great day both for partying and chilling out, although Fridays and Saturdays are also packed with great events, comedy shows and club nights. Special occasions call for drag shows or street celebrations with lively and entertaining go go boys.
There are also several restaurants that are popular among gay people, including the: 3rd X Cafe (82 Tirona Hiway, Mabolo, Bacoor, outside of the metro), Campus Diner (Taft Avenue, near De La Salle University), Deutsches Haus German Restaurant (105 Scout Castor Cor. Tomas Morato, Quezon City, Tel: +63 (0)2 410 5927 Open, 11:00-23:00) The Library Comedy Club (1779 M. Adriatico St, Malate, Tel: +63 (0)2 522 2484) Sala (610 J. Nakpil St., Malate, Tel: +63 (0)2 524 6770) and Cafe Havana (M. Adriatico St., Malate).
There are also popular gay hangouts around Makati, especially along Makati Avenue, which draws a great mix of crowds from young professionals, tourists, college students and even celebrities. Greenbelt in Makati offers great strips of bars and clubs where the pink crowd usually swarms.
Quezon City, on the other hand, has the best concentration of nightclubs, massage houses and go go bars. The Fort Bonifacio Global City is also the place to be when looking for a more hip and young crowd. Many gay friendly establishments, chic bars, restaurants and clubs are also on site.
Some gay-friendly accommodations in Manila include: Baywatch Luxury Condos (MH Del Pilar St., Malate, Tel: +63 (0)2 316.5320), Rodello's B&B (126 Armstrong Ave, Lovell St., Moonwalk Village Paranaque City, Tel: +63 (0)2 776.9576), Stonehouse Hotel (1315 E. Rodriguez Ave., Quezon City. Tel: 724 7551), Stone House Manila (1529 A. Manini St., Malate, Manila. Tel: 524 0302), Rainbow Pacific Suites (M. Adriatico St., Malate, Tel: +63 (0)917 500 5700), Century Park Hotel (599 P. Ocampo St., Malate +63 (0)2 528 8888) and Tropicana Apartment/Hotel (1630 Luis Ma. Guerrero St., Malate, Tel: +63 (0)2 525 5555).
Gay bars in Manila
There are plenty of fun gay bars in Manila including Che'lu (Ma. Orosa cor. J. Nakpil St., Malate) which is a gay-friendly venue for private parties and sing-alongs, Clarke Quay Comedy Bar (405 Lopes St., San Joaquin, Tel: +63 (0)917 821 6858) which is gay and lesbian friendly and boast top gay entertainers, good food and great music and El Norte (1810 Orosa St., Malate, Tel: +63 (0)929 296 6937) which a great venue popular for its acoustic gigs.
The Library is a famous comedy bar on Orosa Street while O Bar (cor. Of Nakpil and Orosa Streets in Malate) is often crowded on weekends. Mr Piggy is right next to the Library while Jefz Cafe (1811 Leon Guinto St., Malate +63 (0)2 524.8641) is a 24 hour bar popular with a mixed crowd.
Gay saunas and massage parlours around Manila
Amanjaya Spa (103A Hillcrest Condominium, E. Rodriguez, Ave., Tel: +63 (0)2 386 5401) is a gay-owned spa house perfect for reflexology, turkish baths, and body scrubs while Farenheit (E. Rodriquez Avenue. Tel: +63 (0)2 474 6457) is a popular café and fitness centre.
Equanimity Spa (Tel: +63 (0)2 415 8099) is open 24 hours while Rondalle Spa (E. Rodriquez Avenue, 2F Don Graciano Bldg. Tel: +63 (0)2 701 6231) is a relaxing Manila spa near Farenheit.
Lesbian Friendly Venues around Manila
There are also some interesting lesbian-friendly venues to visit around the metropolis, including Raia Wellness Center (646-C Severina 18 Village, Km.18 West Service Rd, Tel: +63 (0)2 824 6765) which is a cozy and relaxing therapy and wellness centre and Komiks (Maria Orosa Street, Malate) which is lesbian friendly restaurant. New York Cafe is another lesbian friendly restaurant right next to Komiks while Peoples Place (612 J. Nakpil St., Malate, Tel: +63 (0)2 523 4561) is a lesbian-friendly Thai restaurant. Pride Exchange (Orosa and Nakpil Street Courtyard in Malate, Tel: +63 (0)2 522 9429) is a specific gay and lesbian shop.
