Homosexuality is accepted in the Philippines, but equal rights remain a struggle for some. The country hosted Asia’s first pride parade in 1994 and has a large gay scene, especially around the intersection of J Nakpil and Maria Orosa streets in Malate.

F Club is a massive gay hub combining bathhouse, sauna, dance club, and restaurant. Alternatively, head to Pineapple Lab for a more artsy experience.

Adonis Gay Bar

One of the best-known host bars in Metro Manila is the Adonis gay bar located on Scout Rogelio Ybardolaza Street. The place is not difficult to locate since its signage is prominently displayed on a covered walkway that leads up to it. Unlike the decades-old Adonis in Quezon City and Big Papa in Pasay, this club is relatively new but has already garnered a loyal clientele.

A group of two or three persons is manning the entrance area and frisking male guests before ushering them inside the hall. Those who are regular patrons, however, are exempt from the routine body check – an indication that management trusts them.

Inside the club, the interior looks unattractive and cramped. There are sofas arranged around the stage and steel chairs grouped together in the back of the hall. The macho dancers are not eye-candies but they are adept in staging hip-hop and production numbers. The erotic dancing they do, on the other hand, is dull and boring. Some dancers even try to touch or probe the crotch of their male patrons.

Apollo Nightclub

If you’re looking for a night of top-notch entertainment, Apollo is the place to go. The club hosts everything from drag shows to exotic dancers. The crowd is just as diverse, so you never know who you’re going to run into at this fun bar. Google gives the club a 4.3 rating, so it’s definitely worth a visit. The staff is knowledgeable and provides cool service, which is something that most guests appreciate.

Apollo is also known for its Las Vegas-type production numbers. While the club was originally “for gays only”, it has become more open-minded over time, and now women as well as men patronize the establishment.

Malate District

While the Philippines is a predominantly Catholic nation, people here are generally very receptive to gay travelers. A 2013 survey by US-based Pew Research Center named the Philippines as one of the most gay friendly nations in Asia, with 73% of Filipinos declaring that “society should accept homosexuality.”

Manila’s gay scene is centered around the area known as Malate, with many bars and clubs scattered throughout the city. Traditionally, the intersection of J Nakpil and Orosa Street has been home to many of the city’s best gay bars, but the scene is now spread across the city. One of the best ways to experience the Manila gay scene is to join a gay tour, where a fabulous local will take you bar-hopping through the city’s best spots.

Those who enjoy a good party will love the pulsing nightlife of the Philippines, with plenty of bars, clubs and parties to keep you entertained all through the weekend. The Philippines also boasts a growing art scene, with galleries such as Pineapple Lab showcasing stellar works by local artists.

Conrad Hotel

Unlike many luxury hotels where they highlight their grandiose chandelier or lavish floral arrangement at the main lobby, Conrad Manila opens its doors with an unobstructed view of the bay. Its high ceiling and glass walls make it stand out from the rest. Check-in was easy and fast. Hilton Honors members do not need to fill-in a registration form upon check-in as the hotel already has their personal details in their system.

Opened in 2016, the 347-room hotel is connected via walkways to SMX Convention Center and SM Mall of Asia. The ritzy S Maison mall is just downstairs while the SM By the Bay amusement park and numerous restaurants are across the street.

Guests can enjoy luxurious amenities such as a high-end spa, an outdoor pool, and a well-equipped gym. It also offers several dining options such as China Blue by Jereme Leung, C Lounge, and Bru Coffee Bar. Guests can earn Hilton Honors points when they dine in the hotel’s restaurants and bars. Moreover, they can relax at the beachfront infinity pool inspired by coastal seas of the Philippines.

Grab ‘n’ Go Hostel

If you are a big fan of parties and drinks, then this hostel is definitely for you. It has a fun, lively atmosphere and is located right in the heart of Manila’s business district. The staff are very friendly and will make sure that your stay is as comfortable as possible. It also has a great selection of restaurants and bars, so you’ll never run out of places to eat or drink!

The rooms are spacious and clean, and the staff is very helpful. They also offer a free breakfast every morning, which is a nice touch. They have a variety of different types of room, including private doubles and 4- and 8-bed mixed dorms. They also have a roof deck bar that puts on events and parties every night.

You can easily get to the hostel from the airport by using Grab, which is a service that lets you book taxis and other vehicles. It is very easy to use and is recommended if you don’t want to pay too much for your transportation.