Nakpil Street for Party Animals?

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Manila’s hottest district for eating, entertainment, or just plain hanging around, J. Nakpil Street is where everyone tries to outdo the others in setting the latest trends in fashion. On Saturday nights, when it is closed to traffic, Nakpil Street becomes one big promenade (or catwalk) for the young and the beautiful. On certain occasions, a stage is set up on one end of the street for a rock concert or a celebrity show promoting the newest beer brew or cigarette brand. Nakpil Street is in the heart of Manila called Malate.

Malate is a district located in the the fifth congressional district of Manila, capital of the Philippines. It lies on the southern end of the city of Manila, adjacent to Pasay City at its southern border, and adjacent to Ermita at its northern border. Malate is about 2 kilometers south of its major landmark - the American Embassy. The Light Rail Transit (LRT-1) that rolls along Taft Avenue passes through two stations located in Malate, the Vito Cruz Station and the Quirino Station.

Culture and Nightlife

The Malate-Ermita stretch used to be the central red light district of the Philippines during the 70’s to mid 90’s until the local government decided to drive up its campaign against prostitution and indecency. In a short span of time, Malate converted itself into a decent night life district of the metropolis showcasing free-access parks and fountains, series of liquor pubs, disco houses, fine dining restaurants, bars with live music, outdoor band presentations and cultural shows. Night curfew only applies to minor children.

Most of the overseas employment agencies in the Philippines have their headquarters in Malate. During the day, Malate is swarmed with Filipinos coming from all parts of the country who are processing their overseas employment papers. To accommodate tourists, it has numerous hotels, both local and international chains.

Tourist destinations

Tourist destinations include Bay Walk Park, Raja Sulayman Fountain Park, the old Malate Catholic Church, the Manila Zoo, the Ospital ng Maynila (Hospital of Manila), the consulates of Vietnam and China, the Manila Yacht Club, the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, Harrison Plaza Mall, the Central Bank of the Philippines, and the headquarters of the Philippine Navy.

LGBT culture

The district is noted for its gay village and is arguably the center LGBT activities in the Philippines. LGBT activity is centered around the area surrounding the intersection of Maria Orosa and Julio Nakpil streets, near the Remedios Circle. Numerous gay-themed and gay friendly businesses dot the area . An annual gay pride parade is held in Malate every July.