Words by Rianna Bernabe
Ever wanted the company of friends but, at the same time, don’t want to leave the house? Always called the “party pooper,” “buzzkill,” or just plain “anti-social”? Or are you the complete opposite who just can’t get your friends out of bed? We heard you. Or at least these bars have. While you’re here, you might want to check out this addition to the foreign bar franchises in the Philippines and it involves Gyoza + beer!
The typical club scene could be overwhelming for some people, especially for those who don’t feel as comfortable grooving to the beat with two left feet. It’s time to face the music and accept the fact that casual drinking with a side of awkward pounding of fists in the air isn’t for everyone.
With that, bars have evolved from electric dance music, shots, and tons of mingling, into speakeasies, and now, barcades. Nothing too fancy here, a barcade is simply a combination of a bar and classic arcade games. With the many choices available at the following bars, we are talking next-level bonding, fun competition, and happy teamwork. Who would have thought socializing could be as easy as playing your favorite childhood games?
3. i Darts DASH
If you want to test how close you can get to the bullseye, head on to i Darts DASH. Experienced or not, this bar provides resident instructors who are ready to guide you as you prove to your friends that no amount of cocktails will make you miss!
DARTSLIVE2 is an electronic soft-tip darts machine created by Sega Sammy Group in Japan. Its international franchise offers a new vibrant concept of creating unforgettable memories with the people you love by reinventing the usual club scene.
i Darts DASH opened in early 2018 and is the first ever electronic darts bar in the Philippines. They have different games, but first, you’ll need to purchase a card with a minimum load of Php 300 which includes 1 game with 10 rounds. Each machine can accommodate up to 4 players, so tug on the blankets of 3 other friends and let the fun commence!
i Darts Dash
Level 4, C3 Annex Building 7th Ave cor 30th St. Bonifacio Global City
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/idartsdash/
Instagram: @idartsdash
2. iPong
If you claim to be the king or queen of beer pong but are getting bored with red cups and orange ping pong balls, better check out iPong. It’s the first electronic pong bar in the Philippines! Moreover, it’s a sports bar where you can watch all your favorite games while indulging in some challenge, count up, or slap cup.
iPong has two electronic beer pong tables and each one has an attendant to officiate every game. Players must create an account with the PongConnect app where all their scores will be recorded. The beer pong table looks incredibly futuristic as it is touch screen, water-resistant, and has an automatic sensor for each ball that goes into the cups. What are you waiting for? Call up your friends (or meet some new ones) and toss your way into the newest throne of beer pong royalty!
iPong
Level 2, Uptown Parade, 9th Ave, Bonifacio Global City
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ipongmnl/
Instagram: @ipongmnl
1. Versus Barcade
Last, but definitely not the least, have you seen the latest trailer of Wreck It Ralph 2: Ralph Breaks the Internet? It’s awesome, but do you remember the first movie and wish you could also spend all your hours playing retro arcade games? Growing up and #adulting can make that almost impossible.. until the opening of Versus Barcade!
It’s the first bar arcade in the Philippines and is the perfect avenue to reminisce the good ol’ days while sipping on quality liquor from their extensive drink menu and taking in its sophisticated atmosphere.
Get reunited with classic Pac-Man, Mario Kart, or be a ghostbuster. Whichever game you choose from the 18 vintage arcade machines, electronic darts, pinball machines, or even a shuffleboard, rest assured you can hit pause on all the social anxiety, and press play on new fun memories with the barkada!
Versus Barcade
Ground Floor, Uptown Parade, 9th Ave, Bonifacio Global City
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VersusBarcadePH/
Instagram: @versusbarcadeph
