After Hours... The Philippines: Puerto Princesa, Palawan!

I had dried out from my rum fueled drink-up in El Nido, I owed it to Puerto Princesa to try out the nightlife! Knowing that Manila will have another chance during a future return visit, I made it my mission to secure those photos, regardless! From a craft beer or three, I wasn't ready for that dinner singing extravaganza but you know 'Red Box' turned it up louder! Yes! Gusto ko pa! 

I did my research because Puerto Princesa's night-scene fared to be elusive, even those internet searches had me looking around those Palawan street corners. I headed out with my evening meal yet to be consumed, that was already a choice because El Nido had obviously taught me nothing! No tricycles would take me to the location that I showed them, it was due to the restriction they had to adhere to accessing the city centre. I saw that as an opportunity to walk from my hotel to 'Palawueño Brewery' because I was feeling adventurous, armed with my Google Maps I was able to locate that hidden beer bar. Needless to say, I was already getting a vibe for those roadside bars because they served 'Misteryoso Realness!' Ordering a few pints had to be done, I enjoyed sitting at that open air bar with those locally brewed drinks flowing. There was a nice mix of foreigners present, the local bar guys were friendly and it was very refreshing to have conversations in English. It was early and I wasn't going to get boozy! That was a bare faced lie! 

I felt that I could let lose because I had made it to the final point on my trip and had completed all parts of my predetermined 'Corazon Tours' package, the night was mine! Making mine another locally crafted beer, I made sure every sip was enjoyed to the fullest. I had some interesting conversations but you already know I was enjoying that night for myself and that only! I knew that the bar would close earlier than I had wanted it to, using that early departure as another opportunity for growth, I headed back onto the streets. It was an experience walking through those Puerto Princesa streets at night because there was a certain 'flavour' being served! You already know that I adored the roadside life that the local businesses were serving, I felt a certain essence of Latin America or a Hispanic neighbourhood in the USA. San Juan, Puerto Rico came to mind as the heat and architecture passed me by during that evening moment. As I headed closer towards 'Red Box', I had a feeling there would be a better vibe later on. Tulong, P! 

Those 'Red Box' directions led me to 'Rizal Avenue' with the quickness, I clocked the turning and knew that it would be fine for later on. I saw a huge venue with an alluring vibe, I had found my core entertainment source with ease! Walking into 'Avenew Bar & Restaurant' showed me a then quiet venue, it was still early and the 'Valentines Night' entertainment programme of singers had not started yet. I took my seat without thinking, one of the servers took my order in rapid motion. I ordered a portion of fried chicken and fries with lashings of banana ketchup. Now, I had heard all about 'banana ketchup' but had not yet tried it, honestly it was delicious! The prospect of having a large rum and coke became much too tempting, for £2 I was able to get a double! The liquor was hitting and my tea had secured a nights worth of drinking anything that those Pesos could order! Of course, I kept sipping as the singers warmed up! Getting on with the entertainment, I was already liking with those live vocals! Puerto Princesa impressed me much! 

Ozone 10 took to the stage, it was like a Filipino version of Mariah Carey had taken over the lead female vocals! That live band moment sounded great, it was different to have a night-out with live entertainment! I saw two performers who were sitting near the bar, I knew that we were in for a camp old time by the looks of their get up! Welcoming the compares and Videoke masters for the night, 'DJ Tootsie Givana' and 'Tita Queen Fit' were ready to put on a show and a half! I was living for their show tunes and shimmering outfits, it was beyond entertaining! The rum was going down famously, it was bliss getting those drinks brought over to my table! I already knew that the bar bill wouldn't scare me, the measures were generous and the prices were rock bottom! Frankly, I had no rhyme or reason to complain about anything! 'The Corrs' are big in the Philippines? Yes, that Irish band were requested more than once! Where's 'Zamboanga?' Puerto Princesa had turned the night up but I had one more venue to clock! Let's go, Princesa!

With my senses almost intact, I vacated 'Avenew Bar' at just the right time because it seemed like their entertainment was going in a different direction. Walking up a sketchy side street had me feeling the energy of that Puerto Princesa scene! I was able to find 'Red Box' without any issues, it was a place that the internet suggested would be entertaining for a different reason. It was absolutely popping inside there, I couldn't believe the energy that could be felt inside 'Red Box!' The music was turned up loud and it was heaving, I ordered a 'Red Horse' because I needed to distance myself from rum. I wanted to take in those vibes because Valentines Night had sent people onto a mad one, it was another case of 'live entertainment' if you ask me! From out of nowhere this beautiful guy sat opposite me at the bar, I later found out that he was curious to see a foreigner in the bar and I wasn't mad about that. The energy felt in that moment was electric, for a brief few moments I didn't know what to call that feeling! 'Red Box' gave me life! 

For me, I felt content with that momentary visit to 'Red Box' because the night was getting on by that point. I actually couldn't believe how packed the bar was, it was like nothing I had experienced for a long time! It was like I was experiencing a 'real night-out' with culture because people weren't using their phones! They were getting down to the music and carrying on with friends! I highly rated every single part of that night-out, from walking the way to the brewery, I literally had to dodge traffic! Those craft beers tasted great and set me up for the night ahead, I was ready! I loved my sitting at 'Avenew' because the live entertainment gave me something to follow other than a WeChat conversation! You already know the story about 'Red Box' but you haven't heard the worst! I had to take the lock of the hotel reception door, I was literally locked out! I didn't commit a crime, I simply wanted to get some sleep! Puerto Princesa took me away, I rated that Palawan night! Of course, I went back for more the following night! PPS served it up! 

Damn, That Hangover! 

Desperately Seeking Adventure