Aracama Manila formally launched Aracama Live by Radio Republic last Wednesday at the Fort Entertainment Center in Bonifacio Global City. Radio Republic is an online media platform for Filipino music & lifestyle focused on tapping the influencers, the movers & shakers in the various sub-cultures and communities. Since June 2013, Radio Republic has been regularly releasing a new Filipino song via their Daily Track from seasoned artists to up-and-coming acts. They aim to combine the spirit of radio, the energy of live concerts, and the power of the Internet all into one online multimedia platform.
Aracama Filipino Cuisine is a high-end Filipino-themed restaurant by renowned Chef Fernando Aracama. The ground floor serves as the main dining area while the second floor functions as a lounge and bar and this is where the live performances from local bands will be held. The last time I went inside this establishment was when it was still the Embassy/Encore Superclub way back when I was still a young rebellious teenager, so I was delighted to be invited to witness this special event. I’m glad that it has now been transformed into something a little less controversial, but with still the same crowd-drawing power that it had before.
The second floor has a classy indoor section and a more casual al fresco area where the live bands play. For tonight’s grand launch, an open bar featuring selected cocktails and beverages as well as signature Aracama Filipino street food created by Chef Aracama himself was available for special guests.
I was glad to see a familiar face in the crowd, foodie, blogger, and Latin Dancer Pepe Samson who can be called an expert when it comes to parties and drinks. We immediately took advantage of the open bar and ordered a few of their cocktails.
Amaretto Sour
Kamikaze
Vodka Sprite and Rum Coke
Of course, I only had a few drinks for myself and concentrated more on the special Filipino Street Food being served courtesy of Chef Aracama.
The Chorizo Kwek Kwek are deep fried quail eggs which we usually see being sold in the streets, but the chorizo adds more depth to the flavors of the egg.
The Lumpiang Sisig was a surprising treat using tasty sisig as filling instead of just the usual vegetables. Definitely better than regular lumpia.
I am a bit undecided about the Tokwa’t Bacon though as the tokwa just seems to get in the way of the bacon. Maybe I would be happier eating the bacon by itself.
The Kamoteng Kahoy Chips and Bicol Express Dip (back) is a unique creation that diners would probably like, but the Bicol Express dip was a bit too spicy for me.
Here’s another brilliant combination, the Crispy Pata Tacos. Why stick with just the usual ground beef tacos when you can have Crispy Pata instead? That’s one way to make Crispy Pata “healthier.”
A Fishball Cart was also on hand to cook and serve fish balls straight from the pan, complete with vinegar and fish ball sauces.
I then made “tusok-tusok” the fish balls with my stick, haha. This is what Filipino street food is all about!
There is probably nothing fancier and more Filipino than Fish Balls with Rum Coke.
The host for the grand launch was Ms. Joyce Pring who opened the floor and introduced the bands and performers for the night’s live entertainment.
The crowd truly enjoyed the music which continued on into the night. I had to make like Cinderella and left just before midnight since my club and partying days are well behind me and I am not as young as I used to be. It’s great that I can still attend these events and discover new locations and hotspots in the city. Aracama Live happens every day from Mondays to Thursdays from 9:30 pm onwards with local beers priced at only P80, so if you enjoy listening to live local bands, head over to Aracama at Bonifacio Global City and party through the night.
ARACAMA MANILA
Unit C-1, The Fort Entertainment Center, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
