There’s something that feels indulgent about ordering a cocktail—and no, I’m not talking about the Rum and Cokes that you down on Saturday nights at dive bars to get drunk. Mixing cocktails, as it turns out, is a little bit of an art and science. There’s a certain combination of the right, premium ingredients that brings out the flavors of a spirit, creating one that pleases your taste buds as much as it gives you a good buzz.
Thankfully, Cebu’s cocktail scene has changed. There’s a continuously growing number of restaurants that offer specialty cocktails, bringing their own spins to classic concoctions, or coming up with something entirely new. For one, Jan Rodriguez at The Weekend presents some incredibly delicious takes on the Gin & Tonic that make you feel like you’ve never actually had a real one before.
But sometimes, more than just the taste, cocktails can create a feeling, whether it’s boosting your energy, encouraging conversation, or calming you down. It can even complete an experience—after all, what would an afternoon at the beach be without a refreshing glass of your preferred poison? Aside from the aforementioned mixes at The Weekend, here are my favorite drinks in the city.
photography by Gia Mayola
Caipimara at Ibiza Beach Club
Perched on top of Mactan’s blue waters, the Ibiza Beach Club is one of the best spots to enjoy a drink on a sunny afternoon. I particularly enjoy the Caipimara—vodka mixed with passionfruit and lime juice, with some brown sugar. Fruity and sweet, it’s the kind of summer refreshment to enjoy while lounging on one of Ibiza’s net beds.
Of course, Ibiza offers a number of other delicious mixes to enjoy. There’s the Ibiza Sour and Ibiza Mojito, elevated versions of the classics. Something even fruitier is the Sangria, with chunks of fruit that add another level of flavor to the drink.
Movenpick Hotel & Resort, Punta Engano,
Mactan Island
Open from 6:00 PM to 10:30 PM on
Mondays to Thursdays, and 6:00 PM to 2:00 AM on
Fridays to Sundays
photography by Gia Mayola
Mantegalo Seco at Enye
When Enye opened at Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan, locals were excited to sample Chef Chele Gonzales’ modern Spanish cuisine. A pleasant surprise, though, were the offering of handcrafted cocktails that could be enjoyed on their own for happy hour, or to complement the dishes served.
Enye has a number of signature cocktails, but we have to highlight the Mantegalo Seco. Especially popular during the restaurant’s launch, the cocktail has chardonnay, lime, brown sugar, pineapple and cachaca, a spirit made from sugarcane. It’s a play on sweet and sour flavors that make for a refreshing afternoon drink.
Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan,
Seascapes Resort Town, Mactan Island
Open from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM every day
photography by Tristan Laput
Burning Bush at Morals & Malice
Definitely with its own flair, the Burning Bush gets plus points for presentation. The drink is served with a burning rosemary twig, its smoke enclosed under a rounded glass that is removed upon serving. The rosemary scent is a nice prelude to its flavors—single malt whiskey and Makers Mark bourbon complemented with ginger liquer, fig syrup, Yoichi salinated herb, and lemon.
Aside from the Burning Bush, Morals & Malice offers a number of other delicious cocktails that were created by Manila-based mixologist Kalel Demetrio. It’s the kind of drink that best kicks off a night on the town.
The Tinder Box, Gov. M. Cuenco Avenue,
Kasambagan, Cebu City
Open from 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM on
Mondays to Thursdays, and 4:00 PM to
2:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays
photography by Kim Mercado
Dill or No Dill at The Pig & Palm
I have to admit, part of this cocktail’s appeal is its cheeky pun of a name. In fact, The Pig & Palm’s cocktail list, which was crafted by The Social Company’s bar executive Jamie Jones, reads like a wordplay exercise: Rum DMC, Coff Medicine, Notorious P.I.G, among others.
The Dill or No Dill is made with gin, lemon juice, elderflower cordial, cucumber dill and smoked salt. It’s one of those selections whose popularity boils down to personal preference; some people I know find the dill too strong for their liking. As for me, I love the sort of herby taste it brings to the cocktail, and it’s a light, refreshing one to enjoy with dinner.
MSY Tower, Pescador Road, Cebu
Business Park, Cebu City
Open from 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM on
Sundays, Tuesdays to Thursdays, and 11:00AM to 2:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays
photography by Tristan Laput
LG Campbell Punch at Circa 1900
If you haven’t already noticed based on my choices, I have a preference for the sweet and citrusy.
Another drink that brings that together wonderfully is the LG Campbell Punch from Circa 1900. The old-fashioned house is the perfect place to enjoy this summery cocktail, which is made with dark rum, fresh calamansi juice and coconut sugar. Enjoy with one of Circa’s delicious starters: the Ube Ravioli with Shredded Pork Lechon and Apple, or the Crispy Spice and Pepper Squid are great savory choices that counter the sweetness.
Sanjercas Ville Extension Road, Gorordo
Avenue, Lahug, Cebu City
Open from 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM every day
There’s something that feels indulgent about ordering a cocktail—and no, I’m not talking about the rum and Cokes that you down on Saturday nights at dive bars to get drunk. Mixing cocktails, as it turns out, is a little bit of an art and science. There’s a certain combination of the right, premium ingredients that brings out the flavors of a spirit, creating one that pleases your taste buds as much as it gives you a good buzz.
Thankfully, Cebu’s cocktail scene has changed. There’s a continuously growing number of restaurants that offer specialty cocktails, bringing their own spins to classic concoctions, or coming up with something entirely new. For one, Jan Rodriguez at The Weekend presents some incredibly delicious takes on the Gin & Tonic that make you feel like you’ve never actually had a real one before.
But sometimes, more than just the taste, cocktails can create a feeling, whether it’s boosting your energy, encouraging conversation, or calming you down. It can even complete an experience–after all, what would an afternoon at the beach be without a refreshing glass of your preferred poison? Aside from the aforementioned mixes at The Weekend, here are my favorite drinks in the city.
Check out the gallery to know more!
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Beach party (Photo courtesy of Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu)
Zee Lifestyle‘s newest contributing writer Rachel Arandilla gives the lowdown with a three-part series on How to Drink and Party in Cebu.
There’s this widely known credence that Asians ‘can’t drink’… but this does not apply to Filipinos! A lot of guys have beer as drink accompaniment with their meals—breakfast, lunch or dinner. Whether you are in the city or the province, you can walk around and will see groups of men huddled in a table, drinking together. If you pass by, whether you’re an acquaintance or a stranger, it is expected to get an invite to drink with them.
Filipinos love their beer and alcohol. Beer is the poison of choice for most Filipinos. In more formal occasions such as family gatherings where the titas and titos are sure to make an appearance, then they will take out their wine glasses. Otherwise, gin, rum and beer are a safe bet. Filipinos drink to get drunk. Period.
- The top five reasons to visit The Tinder Box (via ZeeLifestyleCebu.com)
- Cebu’s young and most vibrant hit up Morals & Malice (via ZeeLifestyleCebu.com)
It’s amazing to see the range of activities Filipinos can do intoxicated–they can drive, cook, go to work, and do their errands while under the influence of alcohol!
‘Tagayan‘ is popular especially among Vis-Min area, a manner of drinking wherein instead of separate glasses for every drinker, only one cup is used and passed around. I know, it sounds very unsafe and unsanitary, but this is how Filipinos bond and show camaraderie.
Filipinos like to drink with some food, known as ‘pulutan‘. These are often fatty deep-fried foods like chicken skin, sisig or nuts.
Karaoke is another popular nightlife activity, as majority of the Filipino population aspire to become famous singer-celebrities someday. A lot of visitors complain that Filipino bars and clubs tend to be ‘too loud’, where you can barely hear or speak to each other.
Cebu parties start late and end late. The clubs start getting packed by midnight. The party usually starts to subside by 3AM, although on high peak season party could last until 5-6Am.
It’s customary for partygoers to eat post-party in order to regenerate some lost energy. Cebuano’s favorite recovery food of choice is bulalo. Other favorites include siomai and puso, ramen or noodles, Silogan ni Gian or fast food like Jollibee or McDonald’s. Cebuanos don’t care much about eating healthy to be honest.
- Eats in Cebu: Row’s Batchoy House (via ZeeLifestyleCebu.com)
- Ramen Kamekichi: Ramen for the Rain (via ZeeLifestyleCebu.com)
Cebu nightlife is colorful, friendly and chill—you’re bound to have a good time.
- Part II: How to Party in Cebu: When is Best to Come and Party? (Coming soon on ZeeLifestyleCebu.com)
- Part III: How to Party in Cebu: Best Nightlife Spots (Coming soon on ZeeLifestyleCebu.com)
Here are top five reasons to visit The Tinder Box.
A stylish, sophisticated lifestyle destination in the heart of the city
The Morals Lounge
The Tinder Box features a clean modernist architectural design, with all-white interiors serving as the perfect backdrop for the delicatessen and grocery’s colorful offerings. The wine cellar portion has an ambiance that’s both cozy and luxurious.
On the second floor, Anzani Prime continues the place’s pristine look, with conversation-starter bull heads of varying finishes mounted on one side and splashes of color in the form of murals.
Adjacent to Anzani Prime is Morals & Malice. The Malice Bar’s interiors were designed by Kenneth Cobonpue—the world-renowned designer’s first full-scale installation over a decade ago. The organic cocoon, created using steel and hand-tied bamboo with rattan, is complemented by a lit onyx flooring by Archt. Ed Calma. On the other end, the Morals Lounge gives a Garden of Eden vibe with accents ingeniously made out of up cycle blinds. It has trees springing from tables, and glass walls to allow natural light to come in.
The most comprehensive offering of steaks in the city at Anzani Prime
The Black Angus MB3 flat iron hanging tender from Anzani Prime (Photography: Oliver Echevarria)
Chef Marco and wife Kate Anzani’s latest venture is dedicated to highlighting meat in its best element. Anzani Prime, at the second floor of The Tinder Box, offers the most comprehensive listing in terms of cut, grading and aging. The beef is sourced from the finest cattle in the U.S., Australia in Japan, including the U.S. Ribeye Special, the signature Certified Angus Beef, MB3 Grade Wagyu Tenderloin, and the utterly indulgent Full Blooded MB 7 Grade Wagyu 600 Day Rotation Rump.
Quality cold cuts and sumptuous dishes at The Tinder Box
The Tinder Box
What started out as a smoke shop specializing in imported cigarettes and cigars has evolved into a whole new dining experience fusing elegance and comfort. There is an ample selection of cold cuts to go with your wine, and The Tinder Box also has a menu that caters to the tastes of both foreigners and locales. Additionally, the grocery is bountiful in international goods, from condiments to jams and more.
Craft coffee and cocktails at Morals & Malice
The Malice Bar
Morals is a lounge that highlights craft coffee and coffee cocktails. A first for the local scene is the craft coffee using beans specially chosen by coffee connoisseur Glenn Soco, and coffee cocktails which are harmoniously blended cups of caffeine with a hint of alcohol. They use customized blends from Brazil and Indonesia. A must-try is the Pumped Spice Latte which is a crafted white pumpkin rum with coffee liqueur and steamed milk topped with whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon.
Malice pioneers a craft cocktail culture which is already a hit in Europe. The bar has a wide selection of handcrafted signature cocktails made from plant-based home infusions and local ingredients, all creative exclusively by mixologist Kalel Demetrio and Lee Watson. The Burning Bush, comprised of ginger liqueur, fig syrup, Yoichi single-malt whiskey, Makers Mark bourbon, salinated herb, lemon, and a burnt rosemary twig, is definitely one of the most unique cocktails this side of the country.
An impressive array of wines from Bibendum at the wine cellar
The Bibendum Wine Cellar (Photography: Oliver Echevarria)
Another recent addition to The Tinder Box is the Bibendum Wine Cellar. Bibendum Wines is a leading source of a wide selection of quality fine wines from across the globe, meaning there’s always something for whatever occasion you may find yourselves in The Tinder Box for.
THE TINDER BOX
Archbishop Reyes Avenue, Banilad
Open 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
6332. 234 1681 | Facebook | Instagram
ANZANI PRIME
6332. 888 7921 | Facebook | Instagram
MORALS & MALICE
Open from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (Morals),
6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. on weekdays, 3:00 a.m. on weekends (Malice)
6332. 412 1922 | Facebook | Instagram
Zee Lifestyle’s July 2016 Men’s Issue: Mandani Bay (Photography by Jan Gonzales/grooming by Arnauld/model: Christopher Pfeffer of IM Agency/clothes by Yvonne Quisumbing and Filippo/styled by Clint Holton Potestas/shot on location at the Mandani Bay Showroom)
Helmed by editor-at-large Melo Esguerra, this month’s cover puts the spotlight on Mandani Bay. An exciting collaboration between Hongkong Land and Taft Properties, this visionary development is set to reinvent Cebu into a world-class lifestyle destination.
The Men’s Issue introduces key male players involved in Cebu’s various industries, from politics to fashion, music and nightlife. Tommy Osmeña and Luigi Quisumbing disclose their future plans for the cities of Cebu and Mandaue respectively, while the polarizing charm that catapulted Rodrigo Duterte into the highest position in the country is dissected. Meanwhile, LIV Superclub’s Kenneth Dong, Brian del Solo and Raymond Go; Morals & Malice’s Paco Rodriguez and Michael Yu, musicians John Bosque and Genes Tapales, and Elated Industries’ Michael Walls, Ralph Lapus, Carlos Canga and Don Frasco share their passion for what they do.
The Bachelorettes of 2016: Shaira Berame, Christina Santos, Yumny Mariot and Pia Tenchavez (Photography by Toni Marie Despojo/makeup by Raisa Bercede and Janice Barillo/hair by Shyra Qyumbi and Cris Villacorta/clothes from Forever 21/shot on location at Wish Cebu)
Alongside the dashing gentlemen are the beautiful and whip-smart ladies heralded as this year’s most eligible women in Cebu. Shaira Berame, Christina Santos, Yumny Mariot and Pia Tenchavez get together for happy hour and dish on relationships, men, and which political son they’d love to date.
Menswear also takes center stage, as this issue goes behind the scenes of the Michael Kors, Coach, Lacoste and Tommy Hilfiger fashion shows in New York City.
Read all these and more on Zee Lifestyle’s Men’s Issue, out next month. Grab your copies at National Bookstore and Fully Booked. For subscriptions, click here or download Magzter on your mobile device.
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Reflecting the city’s dual nature and electric vibe, Morals & Malice exhibits two distinct and contrasting personalities, a creative fusion of two visually captivating spaces. From Morals’ relaxing garden-like features to Malice’s striking, cocoon-like setting and lit onyx flooring, the entire place is an art installation in itself.
Morals lounge is the ideal place to spend a cozy afternoon catching up with friends while its more adventurous counterpart, Malice bar offers a unique nightlife experience with a wide selection of handcrafted cocktails that tickle and tease the palette. In attendance at the establishment’s launch weekend recently were Cebu’s young and vibrant personalities who reveled in the bar’s signature tropical house dished out by guest Manila DJ Khai, complemented with an open bar on specialty craft cocktails in partnership with Grey Goose.
Morals & Malice is the brainchild of a dynamic group of gentlemen, Paco Rodriguez, Joseph Michael Yu, Glenn Soco and Kenneth Cobonpue who designed the combined 115-square meter lounge and bar. With craft blends already a hit in Europe, Morals & Malice is set to be Cebu’s purveyor of great libations by bringing a taste of this budding culture to the city while keeping with its Cebuano roots by using locally sourced and endemic ingredients and plant-based house infusions exclusively created by one of Manila’s best mixologists Kalel Demetrio with bar consultant Lee Watson.
“Morals & Malice is a journey of the senses that starts with the artistic design that speaks volumes of world-class Cebuano creativity to the burst of flavors in each handcrafted signature concoction to the sparkling tropical house and jazz playlist,” shares Paco Rodriguez, Morals & Malice’s Marketing and PR Director.
Morals lounge is open every day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Malice bar is open from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. on weekdays and until 3 a.m. on weekends.
MORALS & MALICE
2F The Tinderbox, Archbishop Reyes Avenue
Banilad, Cebu City
6332. 412 1922, 63. 915 200 7625
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