Let the games begin

MANILA, Philippines - For a good month, once every four years, the World Cup comes with a double purpose: first, to wreak havoc on sleep cycles and throw entire schedules out of whack; and second, to bring hours upon hours of quality bar time with strangers from all walks of life, all obsessed with one thing: football. There will be fist bumping, arguing, celebration, screaming, nail biting, and of course, crying. (Not to mention face paint, spilled beer, greasy and delicious bar food, blood, sweat and tears.) As one of the most highly anticipated sporting events of life (yes, life, because it only happens every four years), we show you that despite this year’s crazy Brazil schedule of 3 a.m. and 6 a.m. games, halfway around the world, you still need to show off your team’s colors in style.

Bar Roundup

Looking for a place to catch the World Cup? Looking for a place to catch the beautiful game? We’ve rounded up six of the best spots around the Makati area to watch the matches with fellow footie fans, a drink (or two… or three) and some delicious bar food. The World Cup opening ceremony was at 4 a.m. today (and we hope you caught it).

So…you ready for kickoff?

Bugsy’s

Named after infamous mobster Bugsy Siegel, Bugsy’s bar in Salcedo Village is anything but frightening. A classic corner bar and restaurant (literally situated on a corner lot), Bugsy’s boasts comfortable booths with multiple views of their many giant flat screens, perfect for your World Cup viewing comfort. Chow down on their specialty Buffalo Chicken Tenders, and wash it all down with, of course, beer (local beers at P75-P110, imported beers at P165 and up).

Bugsy’s, Unit 1, Paseo Parkview Suites, Valero corner Sedeño St., Salcedo Village, Makati. Tel no. 501-5203

Cable Car

The best thing about watching the World Cup at Cable Car is not only the chill bar vibe, but also that one can always make their way upstairs to play a short game of beer pong during half-time. Pig out with a plate of their delicious Sisig Rice and find yourself a comfy spot at the bar because with their special World Cup promo of liter mugs of local beer at P120 and imported beers at P130 after 2 a.m., you won’t be leaving anytime soon.

Cable Car, 924 Pasay Rd., San Lorenzo 1223, A. Arnaiz Ave, Makati

Skinny Mike’s

One of the biggest (and only) sports bars in the Fort, Skinny Mike’s is the top choice to go on a major World Cup watching binge (meaning 12 a.m., 3 a.m., and 6 a.m. games all in a row) with a giant plate of their signature chicken wings. Open 24/7, not only are local beers just P65/bottle (amazing for The Fort!) and imported beers at P165-P220, but their World Cup promo includes P30 shots, a selection of imported beers at P99 as well as all liquor bottles at 50 percent off.

Skinny Mike’s Sports Bar, 2/F F&B Building, 32nd St. corner Justice Drive, The Fort, Taguig. Tel no. 551-1853

Heckle and Jeckle

Looking for a spacious bar for a big group of friends? Well, Heckle is it. With flat screens and several projectors situated conveniently, well, everwhere, you're sure to have every minute of the match covered from every vantage point. With local beers at P80-90, and P275 for a bucket of four, it's the ideal place to sit down (with their best-selling chili chicken and pizza) and squish in with your old friends, and new ones as well.

Heckle and Jeckle, Felipe St., Bel Air, Makati. Tel no. 954-1130

Handle Bar

A true-blue biker bar, Handle Bar is probably the best choice to watch the games, providing you can manage to find parking. We suggest you head over a few hours before the game for a classic steak dinner (theirs is fantastic) and park yourself in the sweet spot right in front of the giant projector screen and watch the bar fill up with fans like nobody’s business. Handle Bar takes the World Cup seriously, even printing a giant tournament bracket (hung right outside the bar) to keep track of all the games, winners, points and qualifiers.

Handle Bar, 31 Polaris St., Bel Air, Makati. Tel no. 898-2189

Bowler

Fashioned after a good ol’ British neighborhood pub, Bowler in Salcedo is the perfect place to sit down with a giant serving of their classic Fish and Chips and watch the first English match against Italy. With local beer at P90, imported beers P160-200 and a special promo for unlimited Margaritas and Piñacolada (at P395), you can’t really go wrong.

Bowler bar and restaurant, Unit 2-B Paseo Parkview Suites, Valero corner Sedeño St., Salcedo Village, Makati. Tel no. 894-3589

Photos by INEZ MORO, Makeup by EMMAN CONCEPCION for MAC Cosmetics, Hair by ERIC LLAVE of Bench Fix Modeled by SAM RICHELLE