As the land Down Under celebrates its National Day on Sunday, Coconuts Manila rounds up five activities to have an Aussie good time here in Metro Manila.
1. AUSSIE BARBIE BY THE POOL.
In Australia, men are not afraid to say they love their barbie — barbeque, that is. Sun’s out? Let’s take off our shirts and have a barbie! Too cold? Let’s have our mates over for a barbie! This weekend, head over to the Poolside Bar of The Peninsula Manila and take part in this awesome tradition, featuring steamed Spring Bay mussels, white fish fillet, beef mignon, pork spareribs, a variety of pork, veal and beef snags (sausages) and lamb chops chorizo. Has the mention of all that made you peckish? Run to the hotel’s Escolta restaurant for its ongoing lunch and dinner buffet promotion (PHP1,900-PHP2,250), featuring Aussie food until the 26th. 24-25 Jan, 6:30pm-10pm. Poolside Bar, G/F The Peninsula Manila, Ayala cor Makati Ave, Makati; +63 2 887 2888. PHP950 children to PHP1,650 adults with coffee or tea.
2. CHUG A HOLGATE.
We love San Miguel’s beers, but once in a while, we seek pleasure from craft beers — and this one from Victoria, Australia, is a must-try. Established in 1999 and imported in the Philippines only late last year, Holgate is brewed with malts from Australia, Germany and UK; hops from Australia, New Zealand, US, Czech Republic and UK; and spring water from the nearby Mt Macedon. Both the Mt Macedon (American Pale Ale; PHP200) and Road Trip (Indian Pale Ale; PHP220) are available on draft at B&B Burgers and Brewskies. Pair them with B&B’s best-selling burger, Call the Nurse, made of one-third pound Australian beef patty, mac and cheese, bacon marinated in Sriracha sauce and homemade cheese sauce. Don’t just call the nurse, have a doctor on call. B&B Burgers and Brewskies, Unit E Forbes Town Center, Burgos Circle, BGC, Taguig; +63 2 4034038, Sun-Thu 11am-11.30pm, Fri & Sat 11am-2am.
3. GO SHOPPING AT COTTON ON.
Be the first to get your hands on the latest collection — mid-riff tees, anyone? — of this Australian brand for the young and casual, which landed on Metro Manila’s shores on the second week of January. The store has been around since September 2012 but we never get tired of their year-long two for PHP800 promotion for men’s and women’s basic tees. This month, you can also buy a Morrison watch (original price PHP799) for only PHP400, with any purchase. Check out their newest branch on Katipunan Avenue. G/F UP Town Center; +63 2 9552271. Daily 10am-10pm.
4. PARTY WITH DJ CALLUM
This 24-year-old model turned spinmeister was born in Queensland, Australia, and is now based in Manila. Also known as DJ Vinimal, catch him at a free, first come-first serve gig at Salon de Ning where your drinks of choice are Australian beer or Australian wine. 23 Jan, 10pm-11.30pm. Salon de Ning, G/F The Peninsula Manila, Ayala cor Makati Ave, Makati.
5. DRINK ALL DAY LONG.
Skippy’s is the only one in Metro Manila that dares call itself an Australian bar — and with promotions like Husband Day Care Center (“We look after him…you only pay for his drinks”) and an all-day, one-price, eat all you can, drink all you can promotion on Australia Day itself — we believe them. Skippy’s Bar & Grill, Forum South Global, Federacion Drive cor 7th Avenue, BGC, Taguig; +63 949 8889300. Daily 9am-2pm.
Photo from Wikipedia
