A popular haven for sleaze seekers, random peepers and after-party drunken crowd in Makati is P. Burgos, or Padre Burgos – named after a martyred Filipino priest. Unfortunately for that priest, his legacy ironically lives on as the premier red light district in Makati. However, this is not your Amsterdam-style window-shopping district. Hotels, motels, and cafes are staggered up and down the avenue between the variety of girls bars and massage parlors.
During Burgos’ Halloween street party (Photo by Buck Pago)
Perks and perils
Inside Burgos are the themed go-go bars of Divino, Wild West/Grand Prix, Flamingo, Bourbon Street, Rogues, Pussycats, Ivory, and Rascals, among others. They may look the same from the outside, but inside, they feature different gimmicks like rotating stages, pole dancers, dance groups, “ladyboys” (transvestites), boxing midgets, VIP lounges, Halloween costume parades, and other circus-like antics to tempt customers or to keep loyal clients happy.
But buyer beware: behind the glimmer and the pretty faces, Burgos is notorious for its thefts, scams, and girls with unchecked health problems.
How to get there
The easiest way to get to Burgos is through a taxi from anywhere in Manila. You may also ride any jeepney plying along Makati Avenue or Kalayaan Avenue. Look for the ones that are bound for Burgos if you are taking a ride in Kalayaan, or Ayala/Guadalupe if you are to ride a jeepney anywhere else in Makati. From the Buendia station of LRT, you may also take a jeepney bound for Guadalupe or MRT Buendia, get off in Makati Avenue, and walk your way to Burgos, which is just across the street from Jupiter Street.
Tags: Café, Entertainment, Makati City, Manila, Nightlife
