Tabu Bar

Get Shareaholic

One of the hottest places to see and to be seen in Makati is Tabu Bar in Legaspi Village. From a bar initially intended for lounging and cocktails, the club is now the retreat of Manila’s hip party-going crowd. It might be small and frequently jam-packed, but it has been called “the cheers of Makati” for its live DJ music, Thursday Brazilian beats, and much talked-about Tuesday models night.

The Cheers of Makati (Photo from Tabu’s Facebook page)

Highlights

Tabu is adorned with velvet couches and modern lighting fixtures, but its crowning glory are its publicity stunts and the crowd pulled in by these gimmicks. The bar’s Tuesday models night, featuring local and foreign models, is a regular attraction not only for a chance to meet new beautiful faces, but also for the opportunity to dance at the cue of chart-topping tunes and house music.

Wednesdays at Tabu, called “Twisted Wednesday,” feature a mix in music: from hip hop to reggae. Thursdays, dubbed “Brazilian Night,” feature samba, salasa, RnB, and house music that attract expats and Brazilians alike. Fridays, called “Birthday Fridays,” hails a birthday party atmosphere at Tabu, sometimes complete with cakes, balloons, and party poppers. Saturdays are the night full of independent music, a chance for unknown DJs to showcase what they’ve got.

(Photo by Indi Samarajiva)

Opening hours and fees

Tabu is open from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m., Tuesday to Saturday. There is no cover charge, but since the place can only accommodate a limited number of guests, it is recommended to reserve a table before 6 p.m. If the bar is full, it does not allow entry to people who are not in the guest list or those who did not make a prior reservation.