12 Monkeys Music Hall and Pub

Artistry has yet to be defined thoroughly.

Craftsmanship is dependent on the art or the person.

Taste is subjective on palate and preference.

Recognition – expressed by both friends and foes.

Yet all of these words are necessary to achieve one goal – Success.

All of these can be found entering the doors of the hippest and nicest establishment to ever grace the grounds of Makati City – 12 Monkeys Music Hall.

A small flight of steps welcomes guests to a multi-colored wall of music memoirs that doubles up as a gig guide for patrons on who will play for the week. The main door of the pub provides a panoramic view of the entire hall. The bar is on the right, dining and cocktail tables all over; the stage is on the left corner and the DJ’s booth on its opposite side. Several couches are available at the foot of the stage while al fresco lovers need not fret because an access door on the left side leads to the balcony area giving you a picturesque view of the city after the sun sets and the lights go up.

The idea of building something like this can only be conceived by those who are driven by passion, love for the craft and the unwavering belief that the local music scene must (and will) survive. Two of the “Monkeys” – Chito Miranda (Parokya ni Edgar) and Champ Lui Pio (HALE) believed that it can be done and brought to life an establishment that was once thought a thing of the past.

Upon completion, Chito wrote on his Facebook account that 12 Monkeys was the realization of a dream place where people could just chill and listen to bands play their music. Champ firmly believed that Pinoy Music will always have a place in everyone’s heart. Creating a place like “12” provides a venue for fans to relive the songs they grew up listening to, at the same time, offer an avenue for up and coming acts/indie bands to showcase their stuff to a wider audience.

The proprietors, being musicians, ensured that the stage and its sound system are up to par with their standards. The lights that accentuate the stage and the entire music hall blend in perfect harmony come show time – making sure that each night provides a unique eargasmic experience.

Great music is not the only thing this place can provide when people visit this institution. They also offer one of the best tasting food selections with catchy creative names that would definitely titillate all gastronomical senses.

Midnight in Pares

Based on the Pinoy rice staple viand, this masterpiece is a mix of soft meat in savory sauce. On top of a hearty serving of rice, this is a MUST on your “to eat list” upon visiting.

Sometimes pictures do not bring taste justice.

Nacho Ordinary Nacho

A delightful take on a finger food staple; each bite provides that tang of spice mixed with textures of meat, minced vegetables and creamy sauce.

Crunchy meaty goodness.

St. Peter's Egg

Not for the faint of heart. The Filipino classic “balut” gets a grand make-over in terms of flavor, preparation and presentation.

Other notable treats from the menu are: Spam Fries, Oyster Sisig and Killer Chicharones

Enjoy these delightful treats while bands like Side A, Rivermaya and South Border render oldie but goodie classics. Grab a cocktail and chill as Up Dharma Down, Freestyle and The Raes serenade all the stress away. It is time to grab a bottle and go hard when Franco, Urbandub and Razorback belt out their aggressive lyrical beats that make you forget that there is work the following day.

The resto-bar landscape is a diverse scene that is continuously evolving. It has become a hybrid of several concepts executed in the proper time with the uncertainty of success. Many who venture in such an endeavor will find the latest pop-kid formula and sell it as the new “in” thing.

HALE graces the stage and gets shrieks from the ladies.

The future of OPM - The Raes

Gabby Alipe of Urbandub sure knows how to electrify a crowd

Just one of them nights at 12 Monkeys

Sample gig guide on their Facebook and Instagram pages

However, there are those driven by memories, moved by passion and acted for the love of what they do. It takes a penchant for being sentimental to create a haven for re-living moments. A place for remembering heartaches and joys with each line of a song; Faces gushing through every breath on the mic by a band followed through the years and enjoying the company of friends that share the same sentiment(s) with the rest of the crowd.

12 Monkeys is located at the 5^th of the Century Mall Kalayaan Ave. cor. Salamanca St. Poblacion Makati City

follow them on Facebook and Instagram. Just type in 12 Monkeys Music Hall