Live music is back in full swing and so are the live music venues that host gigs and concerts.
With the pandemic, we sadly lost some of the places we grew up with (Route 196, you are missed)., Thankfully, a few standards have remained standing strong like SaGuijo, Mow's, and 19 East. Throughout the past year or so, more venues that cater to live music have popped up across the metro, giving fans more choices and access to gigs.
From familiar names in new locations to brand-new spots waiting to be discovered, here's a list of venues for live music you need to check out.
NoKal
Where: Basement 1, Makati Central Square
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NoKal has found a new home in Makati Central Square, and with it, they've also found themselves a brand new audience. While NoKal may be known for its DJ nights and dance parties, the club has also played host to live music. The likes of Pictured Resort (JP), Party Pace, Gabba, The Nameless Kids, Taken By Cars, Pedicab, Cheats, Basically Saturday Night, and Curtismith have all graced the NoKal live stage. City pop band PREP (UK) has even held their official afterparty at the club. More acts are set to take over NoKal every Thursday with their new live music series – Basement Sessions.
Balcony Music House
Where: Singian & Molina Sts., Poblacion, Makati
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Helmed by Filipino rock music icon Rico Blanco, Balcony Music House is the newest addition to Poblacion. Situated on the other side of the popular nightlife district, the unassuming bungalow transforms into a live music house come night time with acts ranging from Rico himself to Balcony Music artists like Zild and Ebe Dancel.
123BLOCK
Where: Mandala Park, Mandaluyong
One of the first open-air venues to open when the pandemic started, 123BLOCK has become a quick favourite among gig organisers and live music fans. The Mandala Park-based venue has hosted numerous events since its relocation – from Reese Lansangan's homecoming show to over 1,500 fans for American post-hardcore act Movements.
12 Monkeys Music Hall & Pub
Where: Estancia Mall, Capitol Commons, Pasig
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Third time's the charm. 12 Monkeys is back and has arrived at its brand new home at Capitol Commons in Pasig. Located at the Ground Floor of Estancia Mall, the live music hall is easily accesible to casual mall goers, yuppies who just finished their long work days, or anyone looking to unwind with live music. Open from Tuesday to Sunday, the 12 Monkeys stage will always have something for everyone. The establishment routinely hosts the likes of 90s and 2000s favourites MYMP, Freestyle, Side A, True Faith, Urbandub, Parokya ni Edgar, Hale, and more.
Pardon My French!
Where: Jupiter St., Makati
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A supper club along Jupiter St. in Makati, Pardon My French! is the place to go for dinner and dancing. Bands like the The Plug, Juan Miguel Salvador, 'M Town, and Sabor Latino keep live music fans company as they enjoy their oysters and bubbly or themed dinner menus.
MONO
Where: 9654 Pililia St, Makati City
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The not-so-secret record bar opened its doors last year in Queon City, and has since moved to its new home in Makati. While intended to be a listening bar, Mono is also an intimate space for live music. Artists like Filipino jazz duo Project Yazz, electronic music duo Tarsius, Singaporean singer-songwriter lewloh are just some of the acts who have performed here.
Seltsam
Where: Rooftop, Gervacia Building, Amorsolo St., Makati
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Situated on a hotel rooftop in Makati, Seltsam is glasshouse bar and restaurant that occasionally hosts live music gigs. Since opening in 2021, the venue has seen performances by the likes of Pikoy, Tim Awa, Rachel Coates, La Crema, Ysanygo, Earl of Manila, and more. The rooftop bar has also been seen in numerous local music videos like Cheats' 'Kapit' and Zack Tabudlo's 'Asan Ka Ba'.
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