MANILA, Philippines – You’ve heard the CDs. Now, Filipinos can enjoy the Buddha Bar experience live after the Paris-based bar lounge opened a branch in Makati City.
The fourth franchise in Asia after Jakarta in Indonesia, Beirut in Lebanon and Dubai, Buddha Bar opened at Picar Place along Kalayaan Avenue in Makati with a stylish party attended by VIPs, led by Philippine Vice President Jejomar Binay.
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| Image Credit: manilaclubbing.com |
“We have seen Buddha Bar’s great success globally since it first opened in Paris in 1996 and we are happy that they’ve chosen to open here in Manila,” said Sylvere Le Gall, general manager of Buddha Bar Manila.
“Buddha Bar’s expansion in the Philippines will definitely raise the bar of entertaining and dining beyond expectation, ensuring everyone a harmonious experience,” he added.
Buddha Bar Manila is fully owned by Picar Development, a subsidiary of the AMA Group and developers of the residential condominium tower, Stratford Residences.
With its chic East-meets-West concept, Buddha Bar’s interiors feature custom crafted rope chandeliers, cosseted by gold etched walls with intricate oriental patterns that set off the rich palette of gold, red and black.
The brand new three storey complex, which can seat 525 people, features the most spacious event space in the city. The bar can be found on the first floor, while the second floor is devoted to the restaurant and sushi bar. There is also an open-air rooftop, which has been transformed into a lounge area.
Chill-out music
Before opening in Makati, Buddha Bar is best known for its popular CD compilations. The original “Buddha Bar I,” released in 1999, is regarded as one of the best-selling chill-out compilations of all time.
The tracks in the Buddha Bar CDs are usually inspired by traditional music and rhythms from Asia and South America, which have been turned into hypnotic electronic music.
Frank Fortet, group head of international development of George V Entertainment, the company that owns the Buddha Bar brand, explained that Buddha Bar focuses on three elements: music, light and food.
“With the lighting and the design, and the music, it creates a soundtrack for your night, that’s why it lingers,” Le Gall said in an interview with BusinessWorld, adding that the secret to Buddha Bar’s music is the choice of songs based on the clientele at a particular time.
As for the food, the Pacific Rim menu also follows the East-meets-West theme, mixing French techniques with Asian flavors. Among its famous dishes are the chicken salad, Thai curry prawns, caramelized lemon tart, and black sesame ice cream.
This early Buddha Bar is already gaining a following among the glamorous set and celebrities.
“Partner we have it here na!” model Phoemela Baranda tweeted.
“Does anybody know the number to Buddha Bar?” tweeted Azkals member Anton del Rosario.
“I'm so happy! Buddha bar opened in makati! Used 2go (sic) there when I was in hischool (sic) /college pero Paris nga lang. Hehe. Meron na sa Manila,” tweeted KC Concepcion, who stayed in Paris for several years before pursuing her showbiz career in the country.
source: ABS-CBN
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