A trip to the infamous MALATE, Philippines

     Last night, I wanted to go out so badly that i practically texted most of my contacts on the phone to ask if they're awake and if they wanna go out. 90% didn't answer because it was basically 1 in the morning. 3% said they're not in Manila and 5% said they were staying indoors since it was monday, and practically there almost wasn't anywhere to go to. There was this one person though, that replied that he felt the same. He was gay.

     There was much debate on where we would go, which place would be more fun and convenient but in the end, we decided to go to MALATE. The infamous gay capital of the Philippines. I was nervous and excited at the same time but we were desperate and my friend seemed to have made up his mind.

     Unluckily, the taxi driver didn't really know where to go because he didn't go to that area much. We had to go in circles asking bystanders "where's the direction to O-Bar?". It was half embarrassing but i guess everyone in that area were used to that kind of crowd. We finally decided to go down the taxi because the bill was starting to hurt my pocket.

     We roamed around the streets of Malate for about 30 mins, basically covering most of the area. While we were aimlessly walking, we bumped into a movie set that was on break! (yipee) It took great strength not to stop and take pictures because we would look like ignorant gawking fanatics, when all of a sudden, PIOLO PASCUAL and ANGELICA PANGANIBAN were walking a few INCHES beside me! Shocker.
I'm not a fan, but it was my first time to actually see a celebrity up close without wild fans beside me.

     During those 30-45 mins walk around Malate, we passed by so many clubs that were practically gay-exclusive. There was no written sign but 98% of the crowd were gay/maya*. The streets were dark and creepy but nothing bad or threatening really happened.

     In one of the last corner, my friend suddenly squealed, he saw the sign of O-Bar. At last! It was practically 3 almost for in the morning and although the walk was fun, i really wanted to go in somewhere that I could start feeling safe. OMG. When the doors opened, everyone inside was male in gender and they were dancing with each other. Some guys were even topless and hugging each other.

     I wanted to walk away but at the same time couldn't because I was so amazed at the new and different side of the Philippines that I haven't witnessed. We went in. The guys were looking at me like I was an alien, but after a few more minuets, I felt at home. There were no sleezy guys that was hitting on me, I could dance the way I wanted for as long as I wanted and nobody really cared. The music was also great. It was actually quite good to think it was 4 in the morning.

     It was FUN. The people were decent and minded their own business. Nobody made me feel like i didn't belong. I finished one and a half bottle of Tanduay Ice when I started feeling woozy. At around 5am, they started to turn on the lights. That was our cue to leave the place. FYI: the place was still packed. I've been to SuperClubs in manila but I have never seen them partying later than 3am.

     We ate then went home. I'll be  blogging on the eating part later, because I HAVE TO BLOG ABOUT THE SIOMAI. :)

* Maya - a guy who likes a guy. They don't cross dress, they don't talk gay, they don't act gay. I think this is just a coined term by Gay people to distinguish themselves from them.

Entrance of O-Bar**

** picture taken from the internet