Over 700 employees of 45 bars such as The Spirits Library, The Belle and Dragon, Oto, Polilya, Futurist, Kondwi, Ms. Gee, LIT, Versus Barcade, Nokal, Kampai, Bank Bar, Rue Bourbon, Sage Bar, Yes Please, Dillinger, Tipsy Pig and Reserve Fort received a subsidy from ABAPI in the form of vouchers from Grab worth over P2,000 each. From being an economic driver pre-pandemic with revenues hitting an estimated P1 million in 2019, the F&B sector faces an unprecedented situation. To revive the sector, ABAPI members support measures that will enable the sale re-opening of bars and restaurants with adherence to social distancing and safety guidelines.

Yet another bar on the list that’s dedicated to audiophiles, OTO (which means ‘sound’ in Japanese) is the place for both booze and beats. You know the bar is taking its music seriously when there’s a top-notch audio system, a good selection of vinyl records, and even proper insulation to ensure that the music won’t bounce off the walls. As for the drinks, try out some creative craft cocktails such as the Bacon Old Fashioned, a savoury take on the classic with – you guessed it – bacon fat.

One of Oto’s distinct elements, aside from the alternating line patterns covering the walls, is the massive set of speakers on the left as you walk into the bar. This multi-time entrant on Asia’s 50 Best Bars list is also a listening room, with stacks of vinyl on deck and an impressive roster of DJs manning the booth. Situated in Poblacion, adjacent some of the best places in town to get some grub, this is a great venue to enjoy a drink within the wavelengths of great music.

Oto delivers an all-vinyl playlist and striking drinks in its enticing cocktail lounge. Immerse yourself in the eclectic energy while savoring sips showcased in three sections: classics, signatures and modern classics with a twist. The former consists of timeless pours, such as daiquiris, while innovative concoctions, such as the Grey Poupon, a showstopper made with Dijon mustard cognac, passionfruit, vanilla, lime and peppers, highlight other areas.

Also by Curator’s David Ong is OTO, which he opened with other music-loving friends as a concept bar serving “bites, bars, brews, and beats.” Named after the Japanese word for “OTO” (as well as OTO-to, which means “little brother”), OTO also serves craft coffee and cocktails like its sister bar, Curator — yet its primary difference is the fact that it’s a listening room in itself, housing large speakers, turntables, amplifiers, and vinyl records.

For speciality coffee and craft cocktails over candid conversations, make your way to OTO. Nestled in one of the quieter streets of the Makati CBD, this listening-room-slash-lounge makes for the perfect hangout spot for music enthusiasts and chill vibes seekers. Apart from its intimate atmosphere and cosy furnishings, it boasts an impressive floor-to-ceiling vinyl collection and an incredible sound system that’s perfect for indulging in music.

**“Oto is one of the quieter corners of Poblacion’s energetic nightlife scene but there’s nothing sleepy about this place,” Ang says, “The cocktails are killer, the food surprisingly formidable, and the sound system almost shockingly good. It’s another cocktails-and-vinyl bar but this one’s especially good. It’s a great place to catch your breath after making your way through Poblacion’s more raucous offerings.

It’s marketed as Manila’s first listening room, which in this case means that a third of OTO opens in new windowis dedicated to the playing and listening of a carefully curated collection of vinyls. The music’s good but the real draw here is the cocktails. After all, David Ong of The Curator — number 25 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2018 — is the mad genius behind the drinks menu.

OTO – the Japanese word for sound – aptly describes this bar-cafe-and-music-lounge. Wrapped in stripes of black and beige, the interior space is decked out for quality sounds with large speakers, an impressive vinyl record collection and highend turntables. Live DJ music becomes a harmonious accompaniment to the polished mixology from the bar team.

The draw of Oto is in its ambiance—it’s a place were you can enjoy good drinks, good food, and most of all, good music. Borrowing its name from the Japanese word for sound, this concept bar boasts of an outstanding sound system and a wide collection of vinyl records to keep patrons in the perfect mood. They also offer specialty coffee by day.

OTO is another new bar in the famous downtown area of Poblacion, Makati. When it opened in 2019, the bar immediately debuted as 47th on Asia’s 50 Best Bars list. It is frequented by corporate employees and college students from all over Metro Manila because of its relaxed ambiance, high-quality drinks, and delicious food.

The Curator Coffee and Cocktails — From the creators of Oto, The curator is tucked in the quiet streets of Legazpi Makati. Though mostly praised by their tasty and exquisite coffee, their cocktails are also a fort runner and does not beat around the bush. They are straightforward and carefully described in their menus.

Who would want to miss a drinking ‘sesh’ in a music bar tied with snacks?. After a long and busy day, unwind at OTO, where good music can give you an escape from the reality and hustle and bustle of daily city life. Also served are drinks and snacks for your tummy to complete your ideal chill out.

Music lovers will enjoy visiting OTO, named after the Japanese word for “sound”. OTO is a sister bar to The Curator (another exceptional bar on this list!). The bar was conceived by a group of music lovers, and doubles as a listening room with a focus on serving up bites, bars, brews and beats.

One way to know if you’re going to have a good night when you’re out partying is when your bar of choice has good music and drinks. Luckily for you, OTO crosses all that out. One of Makati’s greatest bars, it deserved its spot on Asia’s 50 Best Bars for 2019 (#47), 2021 (#61), and 2022 (#63).

OTO is a unique bar concept that combines music and mixology. Located in Poblacion, this bar is a must-visit for audiophiles who appreciate high-quality sound systems and vinyl records. The cocktails are equally impressive, and the bartenders are known for their precision and creativity.

Another bar to make it to the 2024 best bars in the Philippines list of Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia is Poblacion’s Oto. Oto doesn’t just take its drinks menu seriously, but they take their love and appreciation for music to the next level as well.

oto – 5883 enriquez street, barangay poblacion, 1210 makati. grace park – ground floor, one rockwell, 1200 makati. Address: 5880 1210, 5880 enriquez, makati, metro manila.

If you like to chill in poblacion with great music, food and drinks either coffee or cocktails. You're in a right place. Staffs are super nice.

OTO and The Back Room at Shangri-La The Fort made their Asia’s Best Bars debut at 47th and 50th, respectively.