Black Market / Finders Keepers (Manila)

Black Market is one of the trendiest clubs in Manila for the alternative crowd. It's a secret place with barely any entrance sign, yet everyone knows about it. It's underground yet populated only by rich people. It has a no dress code policy, yet if you don't have a proper hipster look, you feel you don't belong.

It attracts mostly foreigners and Westernized Filipinos who are tired with EDM, VIP seating and stilettos. They are obviously not tired with expensive drinks as Black Market is not cheaper than Privé for instance. To be fair with them, they do have open bar on selected nights for 600PHP (includes beer and rum coke), which is a decent deal even if you are not a huge drinker.

Owned by the same people behind B-Side, Black Market Manila is located in a warehouse and it is next to the speakeasy lounge Finders Keepers (good for cocktails, more chilled). You also have a food truck outside serving burgers. They play a bit of everything, depending on the night. Mostly you'll hear hip-hop, dub, trap, funk, disco, garage and electro. Their famous night out is on Wednesday and it is called "Bad Decisions Wednesday" (hip hop). Riot House on Saturdays is very crowded also. Finally, you have on the second floor a secret room called Mao Den with another kind of music.

In terms of design and facilities, don't expect anything but the basics. It a step up from partying on the street but not better in terms of comfort. On busy nights, it can be a bit hard to get a drink and the dance floor is really packed. On the plus side, you have a lot of pretty, educated, cool, well-off girls. You also have all the sexy girlfriends of rich youngsters and expats so it's a rather nice atmosphere for party.

Overall: I personally don't really enjoy the music, the atmosphere, the crowd and the location of Black Market as I find it very snobbish. I have to admit that it is different from most other clubs in Manila and for this reason it is worth trying at least once, particularly on Wednesdays or Saturdays.

Finders Keepers from Tuesday to Sunday from 8pm to 5am

Black Market from Wednesday to Saturday until 4am

Warehouse 5, La Fuerza Plaza, 2241

Don Chino Roces Avenue, 1231 Makati, Philippines

Phone number: +63 917 829 4162

Email: anna.bside@gmail.com

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