For times to come

2003 was a year of the new, the old, and of several sweeping changes in the nightscape. Technology has permeated every facet of our socializing but ironically, we have gone back to basics.

We saw the popularity of hubs that became one-stop shops for entertainment. You can wall-climb, go bowling, watch a movie, dine, sip coffee, shop, dance at a club, enjoy your favorite band and drink all night, without having to leave the complex. Lately, malls have added late night establishments to satisfy a fickle market.

Surprisingly, in this our "city of malls," al fresco areas are fast becoming popular with places such as Rockwell, Greenbelt, Shangri-La Mall and Podium now sporting this ambience. Intramuros and the Roxas Boulevard baywalk have become a destination for people of all walks of life. Eastwood in Libis still commands a following while Taguig’s Fort Bonifacio area has been rejuvenated with several new establishments. Makati’s smoking ban in enclosed areas has also significantly contributed to this trend.

Have we had enough of large-scale parties? Big events have become few and far between. Even foreign DJs are now playing in smaller bars and intimate lounges. Is this a result of limited sponsorship budgets and dwindling disposable incomes? Or is this to fulfill people’s need for more exclusive venues where they see familiar faces and have in-your-face rapport with DJs?

Welcome to a new age!