After Hours... The Philippines: Ermita, Manila!

Was this night-out in Manila an 'After Hours' 2.0? Yes, I wanted to capture every moment of this extra part of my evening in Manila because previously I had not been so handy to document my outing. Call it 'living in the moment' or being 'free and easy', during December 2024 I meant business! Putting my fears aside, I threw caution to the wind and trusted Ermita, Manila! Yes! 

Done with 'Silong', I headed literally 'into the unknown' but I wasn't on any 'Frozen 2' hype whatsoever! Heading further down 'Maria Orosa Street' felt like the right thing to do, those beers had softened the edge slightly but I knew that I was walking into the heart of a lively Saturday night in Ermita. Known for 'Realness', I had brushed with such an energy during my February 2024 evening out but I was much too wrapped up in the 'what if' rather than the 'what was!' I didn't have any time for reservations because as I faced 'Robinsons Place', I knew there was no turning back! Manila gave me this nocturnal confidence, paired with the liquor I did really find those 'Robinsons' lights shine a rather rich shade of red, it was giving 'Manila' energy!' The darkness of 'Ma. Orosa' made me feel as if I was in 'Grand Theft Auto' but I was living for that 'video game' reference and mean it with love! I had no idea what mood would greet me around the corner but I knew Ermita better since my initial Feb 2024 visit. 'Padre Faura Street', who???

Meeting 'Padre Faura' and 'Adriatico' streets, I kept on walking down 'Padre Faura' once I saw several jeepneys pass me by. The energy on that Manila street was like sipping on my very own drink with the perfect view, culture was being served in every direction! Of course, I kept a close mind on my belongings not because it wasn't sketchy but I wasn't going to be noticed as one of those 'mindless' YouTuber's because I am not, no clout searching for me! Yes, I was getting my bearings and new the bar that I saw across the road would be a good fit. Now, life where I am based right now doesn't come close to serving the 'Realness' that Ermita did that night, for that I lapped up every single ounce of energy like a thirsty cat with their bowl of milk! Respectfully, I knew that I was the cat who had been served that infamous serving of cream! Malate? Had I entered another part of Manila? Yes, I was on the boundary of Ermita that met Malate, in that moment I had no idea of that change because I was living my life! Manila, I was a little peckish! 

My next stop had been scouted, I had clocked my first up-close passing jeepneys of the trip but I needed something to eat! Yes, I was hungry! I was feeling daring, in that moment I should've just gone to the bar and ordered a rum and coke but did I know any better? No, I walked further another that mentioned street with a curiosity like never before, I headed further into the night with more of Manila on my mind! I headed onto 'Del Pilar Street' like an excited child who had just woken up on Christmas Day! Talking of 'Pasko/Christmas', there was a distinct party vibe in the air even though this part of the city looked pretty pedestrian, I knew something special would pop up! I was able to see from a short distance something random, it was a party of some sorts? Yes, it was giving a celebration and with 'Pasko/Christmas' on the way, it made a lot of sense that a certain 'fiesta' was kicking off! I remember seeing lots of bright lights, hearing music and definitely 'singing' would be on the cards for them! Singing is like a sport in the Philippines! 

'Del Pilar Street' was like no other, I had definitely shrugged off the tourism nightspots of 'Makati' and 'BGC' and that was absolutely fine with me! I found 'Marino', a very unassuming looking bakery that was open 24 hours! Now, on any night-out there comes a time when you need to eat something sweet and stodgy! I bought myself a couple of doughnuts that set me back less than £1 in my home currency. The men who were standing outside of that bakery were shocked to see a foreigner like myself in those parts at that late hour, I still wanted to get a photo of those sweet treats as a blog memory! To be honest they were shocked to see a non-Filipino person and I wanted to be that shock for them! I knew it was time to head back towards 'Padre Faura Street' because I wanted to be somewhere nearer 'Jorge Bocobo Street', where my hotel was located. Taking my sweet treats to go, I headed back towards where I saw those jeepneys pass me by. I was cautious but truly I had nothing to worry about, I needed a rum though! Go!

Back to the beginning, well almost! I ordered myself a strong drink to toast my venturing out past 'Silong!' The vibe of the bar was subdue because the entertainment had not yet started, I was half expecting some live music with a singer! I surveyed the venue, I was pleasantly surprised to see they had a 'Pasko/Christmas' menu for the upcoming holiday. Being a little delirious from the snatched naps that I had grabbed that day, I had to remind myself that I was back in the Philippines with it having the largest Catholic population in Asia! Of course, a 'Pasko/Christmas' menu would be a normal thing to see in that Manila bar! Was I mad? Did that bar match the sports bar that I previously visited, no it didn't but to be honest I wanted something new. The barmaids took no prisoners, they made sure the patrons paid their cheques and in return the service was fast! Realistically speaking, a few drinks and then bed sounded like a plan? Soon after the musicians arrived, confirming the Philippines is the songbird of Asia! Po!

The drinks were going down well, the venue was filling up nicely with a certain demographic building. As I sipped on my strong mixed drinks, I did notice that a certain mix of Filipina women and older white men, predominantly 'American'. Whatever their connection, that wasn't my business but I couldn't help noticing this vibe. The singer started belting out a string of sublimely belted hits with her guitarist by her side, it was amazing to soak up that essence of Pinoy entertainment! I could hardly believe that I was still going, I had landed early that same morning after working a whole day at school and with two naps secured I had forgotten what hour I was on? Nevertheless, I finished my drink and walked back to my hotel and with some miracle I was only a few streets away without realising it. I clocked a string of 'fiesta-style' bunting in the street near my hotel, that really made me feel closer to a certain Hispanic energy! Making this 'After Hours' happen felt correct, I felt content with my Manila return! A new era?

I Love Ermita! 

Desperately Seeking Adventure