MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Prepare for an unmissable pub crawl experience as Poblacion brings forth an exciting event. The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has announced “SingaPob,” a remarkable two-week bar takeover. This event showcases a stellar lineup of Singaporean bars acclaimed as among the finest watering holes in both Asia and the world.
The Lion City’s drinking scene is as diverse and eclectic as its cuisine. Both locals and visitors in search of creative libations will find no shortage of spots. From speakeasy cocktail bars to craft beer purveyors, two neighborhoods that masterfully showcase Singapore’s vibrant array of nightlife destinations are Chinatown and City Hall. Tucked in between their heritage sites and historic buildings are many of the country’s award-winning bars which the STB has handpicked to bring to Manila.
This penchant for unique experiences is shared by Makati’s Poblacion neighborhood which has become one of Manila’s prime nightlife locations in recent years. For SingaPob, beloved Poblacion hotspots The Spirits Library, Bar55, Run Rabbit Run, OTO, Buccaneers Rum & Kitchen, and Banter & Jive will host a lineup of inventive and award-winning Singapore bars ready to delight Filipinos with their memorable concoctions.
Discover the world-class drinking joints STB will be mixing into Poblacion from August 17 to 26.
Week 1 (August 17 to 19, 8 pm to 11 pm)
Republic Bar
Currently 16th among Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023 and 90th among The World’s 50 Best Bars 2022, Republic Bar pays homage to the freedom, expression, and individuality of the 60’s, the decade when Singapore became an independent state. Since opening in 2021, Republic has quickly gained recognition in Singapore and abroad with an innovative menu that is inspired by the hallmarks of pop culture in the 1960s and centered around the themes of Art, Cinema, Fashion, and Music.
Republic Bar will be hosted by The Spirits Library.
Nutmeg & Clove
Established in 2014, Nutmeg & Clove currently holds the 74th spot among The World’s Best Bars 2022 and the 7th position among Asia’s Best Bars 2023. Nutmeg & Clove is a restaurant and cocktail bar that incorporates elements from Singapore’s diverse cultural heritage to create an astonishing lineup of modern Singapore cuisine and progressive cocktails.
Nutmeg & Clove will be hosted by Bar55.
Smoke & Mirrors
Perched on the rooftop of the National Gallery Singapore, through the years, Smoke & Mirrors has earned various citations such as the 60th spot among Asia’s Best Bars 2022 and the Best Rooftop Bar in SG Magazine’s Nightlife Awards in 2020. Known for its creative cocktail program and its stunning panoramic views of the Singapore skyline, the destination rooftop bar offers an elevated dining and cocktail experience grounded on thought-provoking flavor profiles.
Smoke & Mirrors will be hosted by Run Rabbit Run.
Sugarhall
Sugarhall’s story began in 2014 in an Amoy Street shophouse next to their big sister bar Jigger & Pony. During this time, Sugarhall made its debut on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2016 list at Number 48 and returned the following year at Number 38. Forced to take a break after four years, the rum-focused cocktail pub reopened its doors in Singapore’s central business district in 2022 where they continue to share their love for rum, well-crafted cocktails, and good vibes. Sugarhall will be presenting signature cocktails from its playful new menu titled Not Too Sweet, launched in June 2023.
Sugarhall will be popping up at Buccaneers Rum & Kitchen.
Last Word
Despite opening only last year, Last Word won Best New International Cocktail Bar at the Spirited Awards in 2022 and debuted at #61 among Asia’s Best Bars 2023. Sister bar to the highly acclaimed Nutmeg & Clove, Last Word’s offerings certainly live up to the lofty expectations. The minimally designed space offers classic cocktails served alongside a selection of Japanese cuisine.
Last Word will be serving up drinks at OTO.
Week 2 (August 24 to 26, 8 pm to 11 pm)
Sago House
Sago House is 51st among The World’s Best Bars 2023, 10th among Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023, and bagged the 2023 Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award, a special award given to bars with memorable hospitality experiences. Opened during the 2020 lockdown in Singapore by three industry veterans, Sago House is a cocktail bar for those with adventurous tastes. Despite serving classics like the martini and the old fashioned, guests can expect twists on these core offerings as Sago House’s cocktail menu changes weekly depending on available ingredients.
Sago House will be hosted by The Spirits Library.
Tippling Club
Recognized for its innovative and progressive cuisine and cocktails since it first opened in 2008, Tippling Club is currently rated 63rd among Asia’s Best Bars 2023. Occupying three massive shophouses in Singapore’s Tanjong Pagar district, Tippling Club is a boundary-pushing gastro-cocktail destination where Chef-Owner Ryan Clift brings a touch of theater to the dining and drinking experience. Homegrown head bartender Arathorn Grey took over the helm of Tippling Club’s bar last year, earning the title in just two years. Citing music as his first passion, his latest brainchild is an inventive cocktail menu aptly named “A Guide To Modern Drinking – 6 Decades Of Music,” which features modern concoctions accompanied by a soundtrack from the 40s and the 90s.
Tippling Club will be hosted by OTO.
Night Hawk
Taking inspiration from artist Edward Hopper’s “Nighthawks” painting, Night Hawk is a retro-futuristic speakeasy that was named as Campari’s One to Watch and currently holds the 73rd spot among Asia’s Best Bars 2023. Their cocktail menu features signature cocktails such as the eponymous Night Hawks, where cold coffee infused with rum, vodka, and amaro creates a delightful warm-cold contrast with coconut and palm sugar foam.
Night Hawk will be hosted by Run Rabbit Run.
Employees Only Singapore
Originally from New York City, Employees Only opened their second outpost in Singapore in June 2016 and is currently 30th among Asia’s Best Bars 2023. Since opening, the neo-speakeasy has gained buzz around the world as a must-visit nightlife destination due to its consistent presence among the best bars in the region.
Employees Only Singapore will be hosted by Bar55.
The Elephant Room
Making its debut at the 64th spot of Asia’s 50 Best bars 2023, The Elephant Room is a bar that celebrates the people and culture of Singapore’s Little India. Cocktail ingredients are sourced from in and around the Tekka Market, a Little India landmark that houses a wet market, food center, and shops. Resulting cocktails are distinctive, thanks to a spirit selection entirely sourced from India.
The Elephant Room will be hosted by Banter & Jive.
Papa Doble
Found along Keong Saik Road, Papa Doble pairs innovative cocktails with Mediterranean flavors, and holds a spot among Time Out’s 50 Best Bars in Singapore 2023. Previously known as Old Man Singapore, the intimate speakeasy takes inspiration from author Ernest Hemingway, who was known in Cuba as “papa.” Food and drink offerings are named after Hemingway’s most famous works and were created by incorporating bold flavors and cutting-edge techniques.
Catch Papa Doble at Buccaneers Rum & Kitchen.
Ruby Liu, STB Philippines Area Director, said, “With the recognition and accolades Singapore’s bars have received both in the country and abroad, Singapore can truly claim to be a world-class nightlife destination. STB is excited to bring a diverse lineup of world-class Singapore bars to Manila. With SingaPob, we can’t wait for Filipinos to discover the creativity and diversity of Singapore’s cocktail scene and we hope to welcome them to Singapore in search of more unique dining and cocktail adventures.”
A bar masterclass featuring the Singapore bars from Week 2 will be mixed in with the SingaPob festivities. Happening on August 23 at The Spirits Library, this special event will be held in partnership with Diageo. With products sold in over 180 markets across the world, Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of over 200 brands in the spirits and beer categories. Guided by the purpose “to celebrate life, every day, everywhere,” Diageo is driven to be the world’s best brand builder in the field of premium drinks.
SingaPob is part of Serve It, Singapore!, a project by the Singapore Tourism Board that brings a slew of one-of-a-kind dining experiences straight from the culinary capital of Singapore to delight the palates of Filipino foodies. Alongside SingaPob, the STB has also worked with Angelo Comsti to organize the Asian Culinary Exchange (ACE) to showcase Singapore’s culinary diversity through a yearlong series of Singaporean and Filipino chef and restaurant collaborations. Serve It, Singapore! has also cooked up partnerships with food and travel media outlets and content creators to showcase unique and lesser-known Singaporean flavors.
