Gay Manila
Philippine Gay Bars and Spas in Malate and Quezon City
Formally entrenched views in this strongly Catholic country are breaking down and there is an emerging and growing acceptance of homosexuality. In consequence the 'pink peso' economy is burgeoning.
Metro Manila
Metro Manila is not a discrete city but a collection of a number of cities and municipalities that have grown up around the City of Manila and Makati City - the main business area and the seat of government. There are a number of pubs and venues that are either gay owned or gay friendly in and around Metro Manila. However the district of Malate is probably the "hub" of the gay scene.
The immediate district centred on Julio Nakpil Street and Maria Orosa has concentration of gay pubs and other venues sitting cheek by jowl with each other nestling into a tight-knit pink business district. Many of the businesses make no bones about their gay credentials by conspicuously flying the rainbow flag outside advertising for all to see their affiliations.
Unlike other Asian cities the action in gay Manila does not kick off until the early hours of the morning and 1 am is generally when the scene comes alive.
Two of Manila's Gay Bars
Two of the most popular gay pubs and bars are found in this crowded area, that on weekend nights is vibrating with colourful activity and clients; so much that it is reminiscent of a Latin American carnival. The Bed Club spread over two floors is in Malate, the predominant music is house and trance, the action starts at 10 pm and continues until sunrise.
Contact
Maria Orosa Street, corner Julio Nakpil Street, Courtyard, Malate.
Tel: +63 2 536 3045
Email: info@bed.com.ph
The second bar of good repute is Club Government at Makati, this attracts a predominantly younger clientele the musical genre preferred here is house and sometimes the classic 'gay anthems'. Because they are within 30 minutes of each other there is a lively trade between both the Bed and Club Government with revellers frequenting both bars during the night's carousing.
Contact
7840 Makati Avenue, Makati City, Manila.
no phone number
no email address
Manila's Gay Spas
There are an increasing number of gay spas in Manila but most are located in Quezon City, two of note are the newly opened Hilom and the Sanctuary both in Quezon.
The Hilom comes highly recommended and is cosy and comfortably designed with modern clean-lines it can safely share the accolade of being one of the best spas not just in Quezon but in Manila too. The non-hanky-panky mood is set by the provision of clean pyjamas and dressing gowns for their clients, so preserving modesty and decorum.
Open from 5 pm to 3 am
Contact
2nd Floor, Moomba Plaza Mother Ignacia Avecor A. Roces Ave Quezon City, Manila.
Email: info@hilom.com
The other spa of repute is the Sanctorio and is the only spa to advertise itself internationally. Their speciality is a technique unique to the Philippines called Hilot. This gay owned spa has two branches in Quezon City and in Malate.
Open from 3:00 PM to 12:00 AM Sunday to Thursday
3:00 PM to 3:00 AM Friday and Saturday
Contact Malate
1829 Jorge Bocobo Street,
Malate Manila, 1004 Philippines
Phone: +632 4501127
Quezon City
30 Sgt. Esguerra Avenue
South Triangle, Quezon City 1100 Philippines
Phone: +632 9209969
Both the Hilom and the Sanctorio offer a complete range of therapies and massage styles but more importantly they are both very clean, well managed and the masseurs and therapists are trained, courteous and gracious.
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