What Is the Best Bar?

Whenever people learn about what I do for a living (although my parents argue that it’s what I do for a dying because they claim that partying kills me) their ready question would always be: “what is the best club in Davao?” Some even ask me what the best club in the Philippines is. This question is the KILLER for a partyphile like me. I feel like I should have a ready answer because everybody expects me to (and then they proceed to criticize my choice) and because, well, it is kind of part of my job to know the ins and outs of partying. But this all changed when I visited the capital city recently.

During this recent trip in Manila, I discovered one thing: certain partyphiles belong to certain types of party places. I, for one, frequent Starr in Davao. Why? Because I know the people. I am comfortable with the crowd. And when I party anywhere else in the Philippines, I only tend to enjoy bars that house the same crowd as that of Starr. Why? Because I am comfortable with that crowd. In a sense, partyphiles pick out their favorite bars not because they like the place or the music, but because they can relate with the crowd. Of course, other things factor in, but at the end of the day, the crowd dictates the whole party experience and it is important that you feel some sort of solidarity with the group that parties in some bar to make it your preferred bar.

As I always say, partying is all about politics. It is about finding your own status in the social ladder and enjoying your stay. It is not about looking down on others, or idolizing and trying to be one with the chosen few who are “up there” in the partyphile ladder of success; it is about enjoying where you currently are.

So what is the best bar? I can’t say. It all depends on your crowd, your type of party, and your mood when you go there. Because at the end of the day, the one thing that really matters is your desire to party.

Catch Confessions of a Partyphile on the radio every Wednesdays from 6 to 9 in the PM on 105.9 Mix FM or www.mixfm1059.com. You could also follow the columnist on twitter.com/zhaun or facebook.com/confessionsofapartyphile. For comments, suggestions, and more confessions from this partyphile, log on to http://party.i.ph

It's MID SUMMER babies!

It is MID SUMMER partyphiles! Time to go deep into your Summer State of Mind and start finding a SUmmer fling!!!!! Toodles!

My Top 5 Ways to Cool Down This Summer

5.) Bring a small Spray Bottle filled with water wherever you go and feel free to spray it on no your face whenever you feel like it.

4.) Mint Cosmetics and Toiletries: Try using mentholated shampoo, lip balm, facial masks, conditioner, soap, and (my latest discovery) MENTHOLATED TOOTHPASTE. LOL. Ok, so I was being sarcastic. But you get the idea right? Use everything mentholated!

3.) Sparkling Water: Again, is the most refreshing type of water there is. The tiny bubbles and the fizz allow you to enjoy good old water in a more refreshing form.

2.) Wet a towel and put in your freezer. You can use this to pat yourself down and cool yourself off.

1.) Make some instant slush. All you have to do is fill ice cube trays with some fruit juice (you could also add alcohol if you want) and then pop it in the freezer. Simply pop out the frozen juice cubes and blend them in a blender until it resembles slush.

Drink of the Week: Cool Collins

Because we're mid-way through summer, I decided to give out a recipe that is both easy to make and refreshing. Unlike most of the drinks I share, this is NOT alcoholic. SHOCKER!!!! Alcohol dehydrates the body, so its not a good idea to bask in the sun with some alcohol in hand.

Now, here's a piece of trivia not many people know.

Fact: the most refreshing type of drink is water. But not just any old kind of boring, flat, tap... sparkling water is hands down the most refreshing drink for summer. So, here is a mocktail recipe with a lot of sparkling water.

Here is the Cool Collins:

• Pour 2 oz of lemon juice in a glass
• Combine it with a teaspoon of refined sugar or powdered sugar
• Add 7 mint leaves (or more if it's an extra warm day

Then crush it with a bar spoon or a small pestle then add some ice. Top it off with A LOT!!!!!!! (said in a high-pitched, semi-sing-song voice) of sparkling water... Sip. and Enjoy.

*note: You could buy sparkling water at Starbucks, Coffee Cat, or any good grocery. Look for San Pellegrino or Perrier Vittel

Summer Esentials

Summer. Oh Summer. It is like an old friend we somehow remember during the Holy Week or after our first case of sun burn for the year. Summer may not be the Glutha-addict’s favorite season; but it is definitely one of the most relaxing times of the year. Although not everybody may have the chance to have a grand vacation in some far flung city; a person’s craving for a hot vacation should not be stomped. There are many ways to enjoy summer without having to travel far or spend gazillions of pesos. There are many worth destinations within your city or island. So, let us assume that you have actually started to plan your destination. What is next? Planning what you have to bring to your trip.

Now, although this may seem to be quite an easy task; everybody always seems to forget something, and the last thing you would want is to hit the shower to rub off the sad from your hair only to find out that you do not have shampoo or soap. So here is a list of my must-haves when travelling.

1.) Wet wipes: wet wipes seem to be God’s gift to germ-freaks everywhere. It keeps your hands clean; it refreshes your skin when it feels dry and oily; and it is able to wipe off all the sticky, and grimy stuff in your hands. Even if you have alcohol or hand sanitizer, nothing does the job as well as wet wipes.

2.) Toilet Seat Sprays: since I discovered Holy Seat, an on-the-go toilet seat spray at Watsons, I have never left my home without it. How come? Because you never know when you, or someone you know, might need to use an icky public toilet. Simply spray Holy Seat on the toilet seat, wipe it with tissue paper, and you are good to go. It kills 99% of germs and smells fresh and clean.

3.) Noah’s Ark Mosquito Repellant: this battery operated mosquito repellent uses sound waves to war doff mosquitoes. So you may say goodbye to sticky insect repellents from here on end. It costs about 500 pesos and last a very, very long time. And although the sound may be annoying at first, you just have to get used to it. Moreover, I find that getting bitten by mosquitoes is still more annoying than that sound. Oh, and it protects a really wide radius, so your friends can share your mosquito repellent with you.

4.) Music Player: whether you travel by land, by sea, or by air, travelling always involves some down time. To ward off your boredom, make sure that you fill your music player with a chock full of summer ditties. This will get you in the mood to partey at your next summer destination. My favorite summer tracks include Love Song by 311, Island in the Sun by Weezer, Pu Yoru records On by Corinne Bailey Rae, Just the Way You Are by Milky, Summer Sunshine by the Corrs, Soak Up the Sun by Sheryl Crow, Just Go by Lionel Richie, and Sandcastle Disco by Solange Knowles.

5.) A Bandana or Shawl: one of my favorite travel buddies is a bandana or shawl. Think about all the possibilities of this really good textile buddy. It may serve as a wrap on the beach, it may give you some sort of protection from the sun, and it may even be used for carrying your wet clothes after swimming. In some cases, it may act as a small blanket, a bonnet, or a mat for seating or lying on the beach.

Catch Confessions of a Partyphile on the radio every Wednesday evenings from six to nine on 105.9 Mix FM or www.mixfm1059.com. For questions, suggestions, and more confessions from this partyphile, log on to http://party.i.ph. Follow the columnist at twitter.com/zhaun.

Summer State of Mind

Summer State of Mind

Although are days seem to be getting hotter; our nights have suddenly become wetter and colder as well. This is probably one of the reasons why we do not feel like Summer has definitely arrived. And this is a very sad thing. Why? Because Summer is one of the most laid back seasons; and partyphiles love carefree days of wild abandon under the sun or a dry sky at night. In fact, just thinking about the gorgeous season of sand and bikinis (and sand in bikinis) makes one conjure up some really kooky thoughts.

When Summer comes, it brings with itself a promise of a great time with friends, family, and a maybe even the prospect of a Summer fling. And sometimes, even getting yourself in a Summery mood is enough to put your mind at a more relaxed place. So how does one feel like it is Summer when it keeps on raining and the air is cool? Put on your shades, take out that neon parasol, slather some sun block, because here are some quick ways to put you in a Summer State of Mind:

1. Put On A Song: One of the best ways to change your mood is through music. I suggest that you create a Summer playlist in your mp3 gadget of choice or simply burn a cd and play it all day in your car. Some of the best summer tracks include One Look by Kjwan, Amber and Love Song by 311, Island in the Sun by Weezer, Soak Up the Sun by Sheryl Crow, Pure Shores by All Saints, Summer Sunshine by the Corrs, and whole lot more. A simple online search of the songs that get you in an island-cabana mood would help too if you do not already have your Summer staples in mind.
2. Redecorate Your Room: Your room is your most personal space; thus it is only natural that it reflects your state of mind. If you want to put yourself in a Summer state of mind, redecorate your room and add a lot of azure and aqua. These colors are not only Summery but are also very relaxing; and that is ultimately the goal to any summer get-away. You may also add items that remind you of the beach like shells or bottled sand.
3. Movie Marathon: Nothing inspires one to hit the beach better than actually seeing people bathe in a cool ocean while getting a tan on. I suggest you have a Summer movie marathon with your friends. You may choose to watch the second Charlie’s Angels movie, 50 First Dates, Blue Crush, and a host of other Summery movies. Or, why not have a Baywatch marathon?
4. Hear the Waves: Sometimes, all we really need to get us into a Summery mood is to hear the waves. What I do when I’m craving for a night at the beach (but can’t really afford one or make time for one) is hit Seawall at Matina Aplaya. These days, it is a lot more peaceful (as compared to its heyday as a spot for boozing up) but it seems to be a lot more of a hassle to get to the actual sea wall. However, if you enjoy just sitting on a bench while listening to the waves, this is a cost-free way to do just that. Oh, and the sharks in the little pool are still alive.

Catch Confessions of a Partyphile (the radio show) every Wednesday evenings from 6 to 9 on 105.9 Mix FM or www.mixfm1059.com. Follow the columnist on twitter.com/zhaun or add facebook.com/confessionsofapartyphile on Facebook. For comments, suggestions, and more confessions from this partyphile, log on to http://party.i.ph

Top Five Instances When You Can Blame It on the Alcohol

5.) When you’ve forgotten to pay the bill at your favorite bar.

4.) When you’ve just vomited all over the person beside you…in a plane.

3.) When you’ve screamed out someone else’s name in bed.

2.) When you’ve just kissed your friend’s girlfriend.

1.) When you’ve just sent your crush a message telling them that you’ve been secretly lusting for them all this time.