Cover Photo: Fernando Andrade / Unsplash
Photo: Fernando Andrade / Unsplash
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Tacos, margaritas, and a whole lot of dancing—find out where you can celebrate Cinco de Mayo this 2024
Cinco de Mayo is a treasured holiday that commemorates Mexico’s triumph at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Mexico emerged as the unexpected victor with the second French empire as their opponent, and this holiday is still observed in the state of Puebla and other parts of Mexico.
Interestingly, Cinco de Mayo took a life of its own in the United States, often mistaken as Mexico’s Independence Day which is actually on the 16th of September. Cinco de Mayo grew highly commercialised as the Chicano movement gained traction in the 1940s, and evolved to become a symbolic celebration of Merican heritage and culture, not just in America but in other parts of the world, too—the Philippines included.
Keen to join the festivities? Find out where to celebrate Cinco de Mayo this weekend:
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1. Bibio
Location: Don Pedro St, Poblacion, Makati City
Quaint and cosy, Bibio Natural Wine Bar has become a popular haunt for quick bites and early drinks before a night on the town, conveniently located in the heart of Poblaicion. This Saturday, May 4, Bibio keeps the party going with DJ Aryan Magat on the decks from 9pm til late and tequila shots on special. Load up on small plates like their marinated olives, potato with ancho chillies, mortadella, and pastrami sandwich, then pick your poison and imbibe.
See also: Restaurants with the best cocktails in Tatler Dining Guide 2024
2. Izakaya Geronimo: Chino de Mayo
Location: Asian Century Center, BGC, Taguig City
Fans of Mexican cuisine will have fond memories of Chino, the Mexican-Japanese restaurant from Hong Kong that opened up shop in BGC back in 2018. While both the Manila and Hong Kong branches have now shut, Chino chef-owner Erik Idos can now be found at the helm of Izakaya Geronimo, the trendy day-to-night Japanese watering hole. This May 4, Idos revives his beloved taqueria, slinging Chino favourites for one night only.
See also: Where to order cheese and charcuterie platters in Metro Manila
Izakaya Geronimo
Japanese
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$ $ $
G/F Asian Century Center, 27th Street corner 3rd Aveue, BGC, Taguig City, Metro Manila
3. Oto
Location: Enriquez St, Poblacion, Makati City
Just in time for Cinco de Mayo, Drifter Spirits (Malaysia) heads to Oto to launch Paladar Tequila: an “authentically modern” tequila crafted by the Orendain family, who have been making tequila since 1844. Stop by on Sunday, May 5 as bartenders Marvin Yves and Callan Green head to the Poblacion hotspot and immerse guests in the exciting world of Paladar Tequila.
Read more: Tres Papas by Don Papa Rum: Celebrating home, friendship, and Filipino talent
4. Nokal
Location: Makati Central Square, Legazpi Village, Makati City
This Friday, May 3, Don Julio takes over Nokal for another rendition of Don Julio House 1942 featuring guest DJ Selecta Qure (Plural Music). Also joining the San Francisco DJ are Butta B and Uggo, setting the scene for an evening of high energy and exceptional tequila.
See also: Umami Mania: 4 savoury cocktail recipes by top bartenders in the Philippines
5. Manila House x The Tasting Club: Viva La Fiesta
Location: Seven NEO, BGC, Taguig City
Manila House and The Tasting Club join forces to present Viva La Fiesta: a convivial al fresco Cinco de Mayo celebration filled with food, drinks, and live music. Kicking off at 5pm, Sunday, May 5, guests will be treated to Mexican specialities, pure agave tequila, classic margaritas, and live performances at Manila House’s Avenue Deck. The event is open to the public (with special rates for members), allowing guests a glimpse into the chic private members club.
Related: Margarita magic: 5 non-traditional Margarita recipes to try from top bartenders in Asia
6. Dr. Wine Rooftop
Location: Algier Street, Poblacion, Makati City
Dr. Wine Rooftop in Poblacion comes alive on Saturday, May 4 to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Expect cocktails like the Oaxaca Old Fashioned, Paloma, and twists on the Margarita, plus tacos, nachos, and Latin music to keep you going from 5pm to 2am.
7. Project Vino
Location: Kalayaan Avenue, Poblacion, Makati City and Alabang West Parade, Las Piñas
From May 3-5, guests at Project Vino can indulge in their Tequila Sangri-Yeah, white wine mojito, and premium beers at special rates, all in celebration of “Drink-O de Mayo”. To sweeten the deal even further, this promotion is available at both their Poblacion and Alabang branches.
Read more: 9 Restaurants with the best mood lighting in Metro Manila
8. Apotheka & Ugly Duck
Location: Dona Carmen Street corner General Luna, Poblacion, Makati City
Supported by Olmeca Tequila and Corona beer, Poblacion nightclub Apotheka ramps up the energy on Saturday, May 4. The special Cinco de Mayo edition of Down the Rabbit Hole features DJs Jia the Menace, Polo Dino, Jiggy, Prettysweet, and Yes Chef!, with Olmeca on special all night long.
Meanwhile at Ugly Duck, catch Djs Vinced, 25Hearts, Trizzy, Moe, Pao G, and A Lot of Bugs at the rooftop locale.
See also: What to expect at chef Aaron Isip’s new Kasa Palma
9. Uma Nota
Location: Shangri-La the Fort, Manila, BGC, Taguig City
Brazilian-Japanese restaurant Uma Nota celebrates Cinco de Mayo on Saturday, May 4 with Don Julio 1942. Expect a lively evening of music and dancing with special guest DJ Shyne from Hong Kong, as well as NixDamP and Metro Manila’s Concert Orchestra.
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About
Lauren’s love for food came much later in life than one would expect— an obsession awakened in the streets of Melbourne’s multicultural dining scene. Armed with this newfound passion, she returned to the Philippines determined to discover the best eats in her home country, with a personal advocacy to champion local cuisines and homegrown talent. Nothing is off-limits; if it’s delicious, it’s worth celebrating.
Work
As Tatler Dining associate editor, Lauren covers all things food and drink, from listing the latest openings in our monthly Dining Radar to interviewing chefs and bartenders about the biggest obstacles crippling the industry today. Beyond the digital space, she also organises Tatler Dining’s tentpole events, including Off Menu and Tatler Dining Kitchen, as well as the annual Tatler Best Philippines awards night and guide launch, detailing the best restaurants in the country.
For leads and event invites, contact her via lauren@tatlerphilippines.com or follow her on Instagram at @laurengolangco.
Photo: Ralph Mendo
