The Fort is the hot bed of Taguig’s thriving clubbing scene, the venue of then notorious wild parties at the Embassy Superclub. The Embassy has since been rehashed and replaced with Encore, a VIP club now featuring jazz nights, stand-up comedy, ballroom dancing, film screenings, and Sunday bazaars. Along with Encore, lesser-known clubs are now stepping into the limelight: Hierarchy Club, Prince of Jaipur, and other bars and restaurants that combine intercontinental dining with thematic ambience.
(Photo by inboundpass)
Concert central
The jewel on The Fort’s crown is NBC Tent, a massive corporate events and wedding venue that has hosted international concerts such as those of Beyonce, Christina Aguilera, and Incubus. The fully air-conditioned tent can accommodate up to 800 visitors in a sit-down dinner and up to 1,500 visitors in a cocktail set-up.
Music and booze
A Filipino DJ in action (Photo by The Pageman)
Surrounding Encore are Fuel Bar, East of St. Louis Bar and Restaurant, La Strega Bar, and other bars and clubs that offer international upbeat music to go with imported cocktails and wine.
Tea cups and harmony
For those who like it light and slow, The Fort has a number of coffee shops that may also be idyllic for after-party lounging. Among these are Embassy Caféteria, Caffe Puccini, and Segafredo Zanetti Espresso Bar. There are also snack bars like Cold Rock Ice Creamery, Fruit Magic and Umma that serve drinks and treats on-the-go.
Luxury dining
Offering a more formal, private atmosphere to business and personal meetings are the fine-dining establishments inside The Fort Strip. Restaurants such as L’Opera Ristorante Italiano, Tulipan Spanish Bar, Crystal Room French Fine Dining, Trio, Gourdo’s, Kebab! Kebab! Restaurant, Embassy Cuisine, and Oriental Chinese Restaurant are there to tease the senses with gourmet cuisine, posh interiors, fine wine, and deluxe service, but for a price.
How to get there
Taking a taxi (P30 flag down rate) to The Fort from anywhere in Manila is your best choice when going to the place. If you are on a budget, it is advised to ride the MRT, get off in Ayala station, and proceed to the shuttle terminal of The Fort. The jeepney terminal is at the back of Shell gas station along EDSA, while the bus terminal is just across the street, at the corner of McKinley Road and EDSA, on the way to Forbes Park. The bus has a big “The Fort Bus” painted on its body. A one-way bus ride costs about P15 per ticket while a jeepney ride going to The Fort costs only P7. Ask the driver to drop you off in NBC Tent.
The Fort bus (Photo by shining_daggers04)
Getting out of The Fort might be harder as taxis rarely enter the area after 10 p.m. First trip for jeepneys and buses is 5 a.m. For jeepneys, the last trip is about 11 p.m., while the shuttle buses provide service until 2 a.m.
Best time to go
To avoid heavy traffic, avoid traveling to The Fort during rush hours (8-10 a.m., noon to 1, 4:30-7 p.m.). If you have to go there on a peak hour, take the Guadalupe route or ride a jeepney from the MRT’s Guadalupe station to Market! Market!, then from there, take a long walk or ride a jeepney to The Fort.
Tags: Bars, Clubs, Dining, Entertainment, Manila, Restaurants, Taguig
