The New Quintessential Sinulog Pub Crawl
by Drew Sarmiento
For millennials and those who came before us, the tradition of partying and getting intoxicated in the streets with paint all over our clothes and faces has long been relegated to historical tales, waning appeal in present times. These days, Sinulog festivities still include partying, of course, but preferably in a comfortable (as comfortable as one can get in a crowded place) indoor venue with air-conditioning, clean toilets, great service staff, and ample parking. I recommend some must-visit bars and clubs on Sinulog weekend or any weekend in Cebu if you want to party.
VERIFIED LOUNGE
22nd Floor Avenir Condo,
Gov. Cuenco Ave. Cebu City
(+63) 956.504.4253
Begin your Sinulog sojourn at this chill rooftop lounge for a sunset session and unrivaled views of the Queen City of the South. Always get a table by the edge and indulge in their unique cocktails and decadent food. I believe their Amaretto Sour is one of the best in the city. Verified is incredible unless you’re afraid of heights. Cheers from the top!
X/X (Ten Over Ten)
G/F, 88th Avenue, Gov. Cuenco Ave., Banilad, Cebu City
(+63) 985.287.0960
If you’re in the mood for great food and creative cocktails, not to mention unlimited Sangria, then X/X should be your next stop. Just a few meters from Verified, you can enjoy their pad thai, Korean fried chicken, or spicy salmon sushi nachos. Thirsty? Order the Matcha Geisha and Purple Dragon. These two drinks are unique to X/X and are my personal favorites. The music is always good here, with some of Cebu’s finest DJs taking the helm. You’re in for a pretty great time.
PROOF CEBU
Streetscape, Paseo Saturnino, Banilad, Cebu City (+63) 927.800.0019
Time check; it’s close to midnight. Head down to Proof because it’s time to bust out the moves you’ve been practicing. Proof plays the best music, with today’s top hits and your all-time favorite tracks from the 90’s and 00’s. You’re always guaranteed a good time with the best DJs in Cebu and beyond. Proof is a local favorite, and when you get there, you’ll see why. I’d recommend booking a table way in advance. Order a bottle or two of your favorite libations, and you can order any food you want via your favorite delivery app because there are no food corkage fees here either. Hot tip: Some guests have a whole lechon delivered, the ultimate Cebuano pulutan.
THE DISTILLERY
Crossroads, Banilad, Cebu | (+63) 917.110.6001
After more than a decade of being a staple in the Cebuano night scene, Distillery has become a true local legendary watering hole. If you want to sit down with your friends and your favorite drinks, Distillery is the place to be. It’s almost right next door to X/X. How convenient is that? They have a wide alcohol selection if you want bottle service, and you can order any food you want via your favorite delivery app because they charge no corkage for food. It’s the perfect pre-game, game, or post-game spot on any day of the week—no frills, nothing fancy, just alcohol and all your friends.
The Sentral Cebu
2 Norkis Cyberpark, AS Fortuna Street, Mandaue City | (+63) 915.888.8090
If you’re really in the mood to party with all your friends and all their friends, then your next stop should be THE undisputed party central spot in Cebu. Sentral has a great space, an incredible location, the best VIP tables on the second floor with a view of the whole venue, and of course, hands down (or hands up?) the best hip-hop and R&B music on the island. You’re in good hands with Cebu’s finest DJ talents and artists from Manila coming over for weekends like no other. Now, you can let it all out on the floor with your whole crew. Best of all, they never charge a cover or entrance fee. I highly recommend getting Sentra’s unofficial official drink, Vodka Redbull. They have the best wings in town, too.
LAST
2nd floor JCA Building, Salinas Drive, Lahug, Cebu City | (+63) 922.866.7333
All the rest of the clubs and bars are closed, but you’re still feeling sober and awake? Don’t fret. Last is the party place to end all parties and rave far beyond sunrise. While the rest of the city is starting their day, you can cap off your Sinulog party weekend here with the rest of the night owls. And when you’re done, you can head down to a nearby café or brunch spot to eat up before finally going to bed.
And there you have it, your quintessential Sinulog Pub Crawl list. Remember to drink responsibly, hydrate, and behave. Nobody likes a rowdy visitor. Cheers! Or, as we say in Cebu, Pit Señor!