Welcome to Bando: Manila’s New Premier Hip-Hop Club

There’s a new club on the block. Bando, Manila’s premier hip-hop club, has officially opened its doors to guests who have a passion for hip-hop music, nightlife, and everything in between.

Located in the heart of Makati City, at Basement 1 of Makati Central Square, Bando is a unique hidden gem that offers you solace underneath the bustle of the city. Once inside, you’re welcomed by a mini-bar and lounge with a neon sign on the wall that reads, “What Happens In Bando Stays In Bando.” The club flips the typical nightclub concept by greeting you with a cozy, homey atmosphere, but it welcomes you to a whole new world once you walk through its doors.

Even the door reflects the club’s personality, showcasing vinyl records of the partners’ favorite hip-hop artists like Kendrick Lamar, Drake, and Travis Scott. Upon entering the club, the limited space creates an intimate atmosphere rarely found in clubs with its unique, cave-like architecture further emphasizing the club’s underground location.

It’s like stepping into another dimension until the music kicks in, and the vibe suddenly feels familiar. Despite its size, Bando creates a safe and welcoming place to chill and breathe. Then, as people start to fill up the space on the main dance floor, you begin to feel the full rhythm of what the night has to offer.

Drawing heavy inspiration from hip-hop clubs around the world, Bando features a unique two-floor layout influenced by Renaissance art. Beyond what you’d typically expect from a nightclub, there’s thoughtful attention to the overall ambiance, reflecting what the club truly represents. Of course, a rap and hip-hop club wouldn’t be complete without homages to the genre’s most revered acts, as seen by the club’s Notorious B.I.G. painting that appeared in Marvel’s Luke Cage television series.

Whether you’re a rap or hip-hop music enthusiast or not, sometimes you just have to let loose and enjoy the thrill of a good night filled with music and people. “Music is the heart and soul of Bando. Our top priority is music curation. Since our soft opening in February, we have been fortunate to collaborate with some of the top local DJs […] We also plan to feature international DJs during their tours, providing Manila’s hip-hop fans with a taste of diverse musical cultures,” says Robert LaGuardia, Concept Development & Business Operations lead.

More than just a club focused on music curation, Bando also offers great food, including exciting options like sushi pizza, chicken wings, and cheeseburger sliders. Having a tasty bite to indulge in perfectly complements the kick you get from your drinks. Before the true spirit of the night sets in, trying their food makes it a complete experience, especially if you want to make the most out of your stay in Bando.

There’s no “I” in “team,” as they say. Bando’s passionate partners include Kobe Paras, Anton Yalung, Gian Hernandez, Nikko Alcalde, LJ Canavan, Benj Sadic, Robert LaGuardia, and Lawrence Rufino. It feels like the Avengers or an NBA All-Star team coming together, and despite coming from different backgrounds, they all share a common goal: to focus on music curation while creating unforgettable nightlife experiences.

When Black Market closed down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the crew longed for a club that played the music they loved. After over a year of planning, Bando is finally opening its doors to the public, operating every Thursday through Saturday from 10:00 p.m. onwards.

Paras, who oversees PR and Marketing, shared that as friends, they would frequently go out together, and their dream has always been to exclusively celebrate the music they love — hip-hop. It was Rufino, the Operations Lead, who presented the crew with the opportunity to bring their vision to life.

In addition to bringing in local and international DJs, Paras has kept the door open to invite Pinoy hip-hop artists to take over the Bando space in the future.

Having had the chance to catch a preview of what a night at Bando is like, we can confidently say that with well-curated music, great food, and a club designed with passion, community, and heart, it’s truly an experience like no other. For those looking to explore a different kind of night of partying, one that offers an intimate atmosphere with a focus on music and culture, a unique nightlife experience may be just what you need.