MANILA (National Capital Region) -- area code (63-2)

The intersection of Maria Orosa St and Julio Nakpil St in Malate is the "X marks the spot" center of gay Manila. The whole street is lined with various gay establishments. Bars are within five minutes from each other, very similar to the Silom area in Bangkok. There are of course other gay establishments in Metro Manila widely spread over this mega city.

• Aura Sing-Along & Comedy Bar
  92 C. Raymundo Ave, Sagad, 091-5711-7873, email. This gay-friendly sing-along and comedy bar welcomes everyone. Good food at a good price. Utopia Member Discount
• Butterfly
  265F Tomas Morato (corner of Sct. Fernandez), Quezon City, 091-6895-0933, email. You'll spot the blue butterfles on the glass frontage. A cozy gay-owned hangout where everybody gets to know everybody. You don't have to be somebody else, just come as you are. No hang-ups here! Dress up or dress down. They also feature art exhibits, movie nights and weekend dance parties. Private parties welcome. Social connections here are on a friendship basis. Utopia Member Discount
• Che'lu (mixed)
  Ma. Orosa cor. J. Nakpil St, Malate. A convenient and cost-friendly venue for sing-alongs, private parties and lots of booze. Popular joint to start up or cap off your night life. Same owner/management as of Jefz Café & E (Epitome) Men's Club.
• Club One Heart Bar and Restaurant
  59-A Timog Ave, Quezon City, 412-5543, email. A gay-friendly bar in the heart of Quezon City. Performers include stand-up comedians, gay impersonators, singers and dancers. Utopia Member Discount
• El Notre
  1810 Orosa St, Malate, 092-9296-6937, email. Gay-friendly bar with acoustic gigs Mon-Sat on 2/F, plus free karaoke on G/F. Utopia Member Discount
• The Library (mixed)
  Orosa St., between Malvar and Nakpil St. Upscale and non-commercial meeting place. Live music and karaoke sing-alongs. The place is jam-packed with a trendy, young crowd of mostly straights. Not really much of a place for gays anymore although there are still some who hang out in and outside of the place.
• O Bar (mixed)
  On the corner of Nakpil and Orosa (under Top and Bottom). Crowded, especially on weekends. The waiters are hunky. Lots of gays. There are drag shows four nights weekly and go go dancers all weekend.
• White Bird Disco Theater and KTV
  715-B Boulevard Galleria, Roxas Blvd, 851-2088, 851-2089, 855-2622, email. White Bird is an all-male entertainment bar located at Roxas Boulevard. Shows and entertainment nightly. Utopia Member Discount

• Amazing Philippine Theatre
  Manila Film Center (Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex), Roxas Blvd, Pasay City, 834-8870, FAX 834-8871, email. Nightly transgender extravaganza at the refurbished Manila Film Center.

• Bed
  Oroso Courtyard (Orosa/Nakpil intersection, next to the New York Café), Malate, 404-3662, email. Getting to Bed from Makati by cab is cheap. This is the place for drinking and dancing away the weekend. Sexy and wild party atmosphere with stylish interiors. Two floors, each with its own bar and DJs spinning progressive house and trance. Friendly and attentive staff. Drinks are moderately priced and entry includes one drink. The crowd is a mix of hip professionals, expats, and tourists. Open Wed-Sat, 10pm until sunrise, but busy after 1am on Fri and Sat. Closed Sun.

  Comments from Utopians:

  "Surviving the longest and still doing fine. Newly renovated and now in top shape." -- kjell, Oct 9, 2008