"Halloween Madness at OZ Sports Bar: Unleashing Spooky Fun in Jaco Beach, Costa Rica"
Calling all Halloween enthusiasts and thrill-seekers! Get ready for the spookiest event of 2023: the "Unleashing Dread at the Supernatural Spectacle: 2023 Halloween Bash in Jaco Beach" at Oz Sports Bar!
Step into a world of eerie enchantment, where costumes come alive, and we embrace our fears. Witness jaw-dropping performances from incredibly talented artists and dance to heart-pounding beats from our sinister DJ lineup.
Prepare to be amazed by supernatural stage productions, and don't forget to join our legendary costume contest for a chance to win thrilling prizes.
Save the date for this unforgettable night at Oz Sports Bar. Don't miss out! Join us for the biggest Halloween party of 2023, where memories will be hauntingly made. See you there!
Chill Rooftop Vibe at Oz Bar in Holiday Inn Makati
I’m always on the lookout for classy and elegant spots around the city where friends can relax and chill while sipping on their favorite beverages. Hotel rooftop bars are usually the best because they give you that exclusivity and privacy while offering a splendid view of the city. I’m starting the year on a positive note because I just discovered another excellent hotel bar, and it’s just above one of the most popular shopping malls in Makati.
Oz Bar is the trendy roof deck pool bar of Holiday Inn & Suites Makati where you can indulge in your favorite drinks or choose from their specially crafted cocktail selection. These can be paired with their sumptuous bar snacks while listening to chill out music from resident DJs and guest bands. Holiday Inn Makati can be found adjacent to the Glorietta 1 shopping mall and you don’t have to be staying at the hotel to enjoy this refreshing site. It is open from 11:00am to 12:00mn daily and even extends until 1:00am from Thursday to Sunday.
I have been to Holiday Inn & Suites Makati a number of times already, but it is usually for the outstanding buffet selection at their all day dining cafe, Flavors. This time, I’m heading all the way up to the 24th floor to check out this relaxing poolside bar that promises to be an evening of fabulous food and drinks.
Oz Bar is right beside the swimming pool of Holiday Inn & Suites Makati where hotel guests can take a dip while enjoying their favorite beverages and snacks. There was a bit of a drizzle that afternoon so we decided to move over to the indoor area.
While the al fresco area by the pool feels casual and relaxed, the indoor area of Oz Bar has a more chic and elegant vibe to it. During weekends, DJs and guest bands play their tunes to create an energetic environment. I settled in on one of the plush leather seats and browsed through their extensive beverage selection.
There are so many drinks to choose from including red and white wine, local and imported beers, craft cocktails, as well as smoothies, juices, sodas, and non-alcoholic mocktails. We were just in time for Happy Hour which happens daily from 5:00pm to 8:00pm at Oz Bar. Guests can get an appetizer and a glass of wine, one cocktail, or one local beer for only P1,000 nett during this period.
I wanted to start with something a bit healthier for my “appetizer” so I ordered the Banana Smoothie (P225). This creamy and luscious fruit shake is topped with slices of banana and generous amounts of whipped cream. They also offer a Mango Smoothie and a Chocolate Smoothie. There goes my diet.
It didn’t take long before I went for my main course, which was this bottle of Gancia Pinot di Pinot Brut (P395 per glass) sparkling wine. Pinot grapes are used to make this fresh and floral-scented sparkling white wine and I think I had quite a few glasses.
Oz Bar also features many exciting cocktails like the Singapore Sling (P620) made with gin, cherry liqueor, triple sec, D.O.M. Benedictine, pineapple juice, grenadine, and bitters. One of the more popular cocktails is the Mojito (P450) with its combination of white rum, lime juice, sugar syrup, and soda water.
You can also choose to have a glass of Red Wine or continue your cocktail adventure with the Tequila Sunrise (P300) with its shots of Tequila, orange juice and grenadine.
If there is something you want that is not on the menu, just ask the friendly barista and he’ll do his best to prepare it for you. I had them prepare this sweet Pina Colada made with rum, coconut milk, and pineapple juice.
The evening won’t be complete without some sumptuous bar chows to go along with our overflowing drinks. Start with some crispy Mexican Nachos (P320) which come with separate dipping sauces and condiments. Their crunchy Croquettes (P320) are also great to nibble on.
I was impressed with the Salmon Rillettes (P625) which come with toasted bread and the classic French spread made with smoked salmon. Scoop some of the salmon paté onto your bread and just chomp away.
Another favorite bar chow would be the Calamares (P500) with deep-fried squid wrapped around crunchy breaded coating. They also serve a fantastic Fish and Chips (P320) combo and these appetizers are just what you need to keep you going all through the night.
If you want something heavier to satisfy your hunger, ask for their New York Pizza (P550) topped with loads of mozzarella cheese and ham. This thin-crust pizza should be enough fuel for the next round of drinks.
Our favorite bar chow that evening was the Beef Salpicao with Mushrooms and Shallots (P480). These meaty bites are just so good that you might want to ask for an extra plate of rice. Actually, I think that’s what we all did.
I would like to thank Ms. Bess Howe, Director of Public Relations at Holiday Inn & Suites Makati, for being our charming and gracious host that evening. There were so many interesting stories and conversations we shared around the table, made more fun with great friends plus all these fantastic food and beverages from Oz Bar. Until next time!
OZ Bar
24/F Roof Deck, Holiday Inn & Suites Makati, Palm Drive, Ayala Center, Makati
