Though Japan has been producing whisky for nearly 90 years, it wasn’t until recently that the world really began to take notice. In the Philippines, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better place to enjoy Japanese whiskies than at Lit, a cosy bar in Serendra that opened just last year.

Not many bars in South East Asia are totally devoted to Japanese whiskies, and Lit is the only one in the Philippines. It is also the first bar in the country to offer whisky flights—a combination of a minimum of three taste portions of whisky plus one highball (whisky soda)—a great way to acquaint yourself with the spirit.

The bar’s biggest asset, however, is its bartenders’ knowledge of the product. Let them know what kind of drink you’re in the mood for, and they can easily match you with the perfect whisky from their collection. Kampai!

WHO TO KNOW

After years in Tokyo, Francis Hasegawa decided to set sail for Philippine shores to share his passion for Japanese whisky and spirits. When he’s not hand-carving an ice ball or telling tales of whiskies past, Francis is busy serving as an ambassador of omotenashi—a unique Japanese spirit of hospitality that can be felt and experienced at Lit.

WHO’S BEEN SEEN

Ben Chan and KC Concepcion

Ernest Cu and Katrina Razon