Like anywhere else with a strong line of Latin ancestry, Manila is all about the rhythm. You can find live music almost any night in Malate; Cafe Havana (1903 M Adriatico St, +6325218097) is probably the most enduring symbol of the neighborhood's late-night salsa scene.

With its collections of office blocks and shopping centres, Makati caters to the needs of businesspeople who seem to be under the impression that happy hour goes on way past midnight. Trend-seeking young professionals spend their nights motoring, with Forbes Park residents, from Giraffe (6750 Ayala Ave, Makati) to Fat Willy's (Fort Bonifacio Centre, Taguig, +6328875103) to V Bar (Glorieta II, Ayala Centre, Makati, +6328928303) and back.

San Miguel the beer spawned San Mig the pub, which has quickly replicated itself around the city. Traditional pub life finds its incarnation in Heckle & Jeckel (78 Polaris Street at Jupiter Street, Makati, +6328906904), the only place to catch live English Premier League action. Or if your taste runs more to girlie-boys, Politixx (574 J Nakpil Street, Malate, +6325249819) hosts stand-up comedy and live drag shows on a revolving schedule throughout the week.

Despite valiant efforts at filtering out the sleazier elements from the city's entertainment quarters those, uh, titillation bars are here to stay. We'll leave the listings, often in exhaustive descending order from 'classy', to the experts.

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