I missed going out in Manila. While the Berlin gastronomy scene was its own exciting animal, there’s really no place like home – or so the song goes. I found myself at Futur:st, with my friend (and fellow self-confessed “fun tita”) Regina, on a fine Thursday afternoon. It’s one of her usual haunts and when it comes to a place for great drinks, I fully give her my trust. Also, this is how you meet a friend over drinks in the middle of a pandemic – safely and way before curfew.
It’s located in Poblacion, an area that’s just a stone’s throw away from the Central Business District (CBD) of Makati. Poblacion is rather familiar among expats living in the capital as pre-pandemic, it’s where the Manila nightlife scene used to thrive. Currently, businesses in the area are fighting for survival and should you get brave enough to venture out, I encourage you to visit and support the establishments there. Just don’t forget your masks and shields.
Pivot? More like going back to its roots
Futur:st is not your usual drinking establishment. With the pandemic giving business owners opportunities to explore new ways to stay afloat, the women behind Futur:st have gone heavy on turning it into the other aspect of their business. Focusing on being an art space and allowing their food offerings on the menu to shine as well.
This isn’t entirely new for the team, seeing as modern art and culture has always been a part of the brand at Today x Future, Futur:st’s older and now-defunct sibling which used to be in Cubao.
“We want people to see Poblacion as more than just a place for nightlife. There’s so much to explore in the area. It’s also a place for art and getting to know our culture,” Futur:st co-founder Samantha Nicole shared as my dog Juancho tried to get more attention from her.
Yes, they are dog friendly. And when I say friendly, they don’t just tolerate their presence – they are absolutely welcome and loved here. She and her co-founders are also leading the charge in helping out the whole community in Poblacion by bringing in more daytime business.
Every two weeks, Futur:st showcases an artist or hosts a pop-up. It makes day time drinks productive and cultured, I tell you. My recent favorite was that of vintage and gorgeously re-worked clothing brand Glorious Dias and EC Manila which offers stylish, unisex pieces.
Photographer Mac Jayson Villaluna‘s photo exhibit last February.
(For those who don’t wish to leave their homes just yet, pieces from their pop-ups and exhibits can be ordered via their website.)
I could keep going on but it’s best you check their own socials for their calendar and to see which pop-ups and exhibits will tickle your fancy. What I can share with you today are my favorites from the menu. With the magic words “Regina take the wheel”, we proceeded to try the menu so I can tell you what you should order when you do go and visit.
These are a few of my favorite drinks
Breath of Khaleesi is made of cinnamon whiskey, ginger ale, and dried orange. It’s a whiskey drink that’s great for those looking into their big break into the world of whiskey. Meanwhile, it’s also something long-time whiskey lovers can also enjoy without going all snooty about it.
“This one’s familiar,” I said. Well, My Shirota is more than just familiar. It was my drink of choice about a decade ago when I spent almost every Friday in Cubao. Today x Future was one of my favorites as a university student and while lots of mistakes were made during this time of my life, drinking My Shirota was never one of them. It’s soju based with rose syrup but it also has Yakult which, if you believe it enough, makes it a healthy drink.
Their famous shot now comes as a cocktail because why settle for a little bit when you can have more? The Coffee Nipple Cocktail is a creamy concoction that goes down smooth, perfect as an aperitif.
Eat, you must
Most Filipinos know that drinking on an empty stomach hardly ever ends well. As a society that loves to eat, we take the concept of pulutan or bar chow seriously.
The Szechuan Beef Kebabs are a tangy delight that comes with a chili-soy sauce. I heard that it was Samantha who came up with the dish and it got me thinking if there’s anything she couldn’t do. She’s also an amazing DJ according to Regina so when all this is over, I’ll get out of my PJs on a weekend and definitely come for her set.
The kebabs go so well with Breath of Khaleesi and if you’re someone who’s not a fan of a flaming mouth, don’t worry. The spice levels are manageable. Yes, even for Europeans.
This beauty right here is a Kilawin. It’s not the Filipino ceviche. It’s Kilawin. Please remember that. Filipinos normally use vinegar for this. Fair warning: The acid cuts the taste of fish meat so well that it makes alcohol taste even better. Pair it with the My Shirota for a sweet kick and to balance your palate. Dish is for pre-order so make sure you message them that you want to have it, about two days prior to your visit.
Now that you know what to order, I hope you do make time to visit or even get takeaway.
Futur:st is only open from Thursdays to the weekend and you need to pre-register to dine-in. They take safety protocols seriously, keeping the number of people present to a minimum.
Futur:st
5062 Guerrero, Makati, Metro Manila
Thursdays-Saturdays, 1400-2200h.
Call: +63 928 520 9102
Website
Instagram
