Photos from Kenn Bartolo
In Barangay Poblacion, Makati City—an area often associated with noise, constant foot traffic, and sensory overload—it is rare to discover a place that understands the value of pause. Yet tucked discreetly above its busy streets is a rooftop café–lounge–bar that feels purpose-built for today’s entrepreneurs and professionals—those who prefer conversation over commotion, and connection over spectacle.
This is not a venue that demands attention. There are no loud signages or aggressive branding along P. Burgos. Entry is understated, located inside a startup building, with the experience unfolding only once you reach the fifth floor. That sense of discretion immediately sets the tone.
Inside, the atmosphere is calm, measured, and intentional. Music is present but restrained. Lighting is warm and composed. The layout encourages dialogue rather than display. It is a setting where meetings can happen organically—over coffee in the early evening or cocktails later at night—without the pressure of formality or the distraction of nightlife theatrics.
What distinguishes this space is how naturally it accommodates both professional and personal exchanges. Conversations flow easily. People lean in, not to be heard over noise, but to engage. During its opening, the crowd reflected this balance: entrepreneurs, executives, creatives, and advocates exchanging ideas, insights, and possibilities. It felt less like a social scene and more like a neutral ground—where partnerships can be explored as comfortably as personal milestones.
The rooftop vantage point adds another layer of appeal. Guests can move between air-conditioned interiors and an open balcony overlooking the Makati skyline. The view offers a moment of perspective—an unspoken reminder of the city’s energy and ambition—while the space itself provides room to slow down within it.
Behind the concept are documentary filmmaker and advocate Rhadem Musawah and Filipino-Dutch businessman Mark Kooijman. Their combined experience in storytelling, development work, and enterprise is embedded in the venue’s design and intent. This is not a bar reacting to trends, but a space shaped by a clear philosophy: meaningful conversations require the right environment.
The interior reinforces this vision. A large video wall allows for presentations and screenings. A stage furnished with couches resembles a discussion forum rather than a performance area. An indoor balcony doubles as an exhibition space for visual work. Every element feels adaptable—suited for private briefings, panel discussions, creative launches, or informal corporate gatherings.
Accessibility also plays a strategic role. The menu features reasonably priced coffee and lattes using beans sourced directly from farmers in Sulu, alongside locally produced food items and well-crafted cocktails. The pricing encourages repeat visits, positioning the venue as a regular meeting place rather than a one-time indulgence.
In an era when business leaders and professionals are increasingly intentional about where they spend their time, this rooftop space offers a compelling alternative. It understands that today’s most valuable ideas often emerge not in boardrooms, but in relaxed environments where trust, clarity, and openness can develop naturally.
Within Poblacion’s evolving social landscape, this venue does not attempt to compete on volume or spectacle. Instead, it succeeds by offering something more enduring: an elegant, well-considered setting that serves as a perfect tryst—for business discussions, creative exchanges, and the conversations that quietly move things forward.