Where to?

Christmas is in the air. And as they say, it's already the peak season for events and happenings. Without any conscious effort, I realized I, too, am in the 'gimmick mode'. Unfortunately, in several instances in the past two weeks, the question stands: where do we go? Going around Puerto Princesa's city proper is an easy route. Finding a nice place to hang out at night is extremely frustrating.

I have been hearing the same sentiments from my friends months ago. Although back then, I didn't care much. Like the season, I was off-peak. Now I see the problem.

As a singer of a band (SounDoze), my gimmicks have been our gigs. That meant once a weekend, every Saturdays at our regular gig at the We Be Sushi of Hotel Fleuris. Other than that, I stay home and watch television.

And when the urge to go out arises, I end up having coffee at Itoy's (which closes at 12 midnight, ugh) or at Dunkin' Donuts drowning myself with sugar! I also want to enjoy chatting with friends and acquaintances, watch another group's performance and just savour the sights and sounds of the local community. The best gimmick for me would be to go to Dang Maria's (the most feel-good restaurant I have been to), but that would mean pleasure until ten in the evening only. It's really frustrating! Where to?

The places I used to go to, sadly, were forced to close because of the difficulties of doing business here. I remember the carefree nights at the art haven and eclectic Pues2 (Fernandez), where musicians can just jam the night away. The small bar created a magnet for the crowd I feel so comfortable with. My kinda place. Too bad, it didn't last long. There are times when I felt like going to the Capitol Park Square but now the place looks barren with the few food stalls remaining. Seldom do I hear of performances there nowadays. And besides, it's now a meeting place for the younger crowd, younger referring to high school groupies. I was hoping to surrender to the monthly musical treat brought by the Pabilugon (Moon Festival), but that, too, has died away. Too bad.

Aside from the ever-reliable Kinabuch, as far as I know, there are a few bars you could go to here in Puerto Princesa. If you're more of a show band fanatic, you can go to Scenario Bar of Asturias Hotel (with the Addict Note Band playing every Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays) or Country Life Circle on Rizal Ave. Ext. (live bands every weekend feat. Freeplay and Patrick & the Blue Balls). Chikababe has bands like Rubber Soul performing regularly, although it's a totally different crowd out there, as far as I know. Alexis Bar on Rizal Ave. Ext. has performers nightly (singer, keyboardist), altough I really haven't checked out the place. I'll tell you about it when I finally do. Folk singers and beer galore at Backyard Grill and Kristala. If you're looking for a quieter place to unwind, the Piano Bar of Hotel Fleuris is open for you Tuesdays to Saturdays. And ofcourse, we play at the We Be Sushi of Hotel Fleuris every Saturday.

This is just how little I know of what's happening in Puerto Princesa City. I am hoping that through this blog, I can help everyone else who, like me, are absolutely clueless. Post your events and favorite places to go to in the comments section of this blog. And with a more conscious effort, I will also do my best to snoop around and get the latest cheese for you. And in the blogs to come, I'll share with you my favorites in Puerto Princesa City.