October 26, 2009

Shaken, not stirred

From October 21 to December 16, Sofitel Philippine Plaza is hosting themed parties at its luxurious 7Pecados by the Bay bar and club. Last Wednesday's theme was "Casino Royale" and I think even James Bond would have approved of the booth that my husband and I chose. Instead of seats, it has a lounge chair for two. And don't you just love those crystal-beaded walls?

lounge chair for two at 7Pecados

The cover charge, amazingly tiny at only 200 pesos (about US$4), not only gives you entrance to the club. You also get two drinks of your choice, peanuts and wasabi peas are already on your table, and servers with trays laden with various hors d'oeuvre walk around the room offering more filling treats to all the guests. The theme was also applied to the drinks—you have to choose your drinks from the bar list at the entrance and instead of drink stubs, you're given playing cards which correspond to your choices. I used my 6 for the Mai Tai (dark and white rum, curacao, grenadine, pineapple juice, orgeat syrup and lime juice) and the 10 was for a Long Island Iced Tea (sweet and sour mix, vodka, tequila, rum, gin, triple sec and Coca-Cola).

drinks and bar chow at 7Pecados

The smaller aces of spades in the photo above, each labeled with a face value of 1000 pesos, was for one of the night's main attractions: casino games. The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) lent 7Pecados a Black Jack table with two dealers (cute dude—I like his dimples)…

Black Jack table at 7Pecados

and two slot machines. Of course, this was all just for fun so no real money was involved.

slot machines at 7Pecados

The casino games were very popular that night. I'm glad I got photos before the crowds arrived. The handsome 27˝ iMacs were quite popular too. Just for World Wide Wednesdays —WWW@7Pecados, which is the party series' name—the bar also becomes a mini internet hub.

www7pecados Casino Royale themed party at 7Pecados

And what's a party without music? The band was good—they had everyone swaying to the beat even as they were playing games or chatting away with friends. I asked the girl at the reception table their name, but my liquor-soaked brain didn't retain it. (Thanks to a friend in Sofitel, I now have their name: Blind Curve.)

band at the www7pecados Casino Royale themed party at 7Pecados

I couldn't resist this next shot. The ceiling of 7Pecados is completely covered with mirror tiles and I found it fascinating. So now I have an unusual portrait of me and my husband. And the guy in the next booth.

self portrait using the mirrored ceiling at 7Pecados

The next World Wide Wednesdays themed party at 7Pecados by the Bay is on November 4: Knock Out Night. (I just hope that's not what I'll be like—knocked out—at the end of the evening.) Who wants to come? Everyone's invited!

sign of 7Pecados by the Bay

33 comments:

Anonymous said...

This is not my cup of tea.

marley said...

What a fantastic night! This right up my street. Stylish and glam and lots to do and see and drink!

You've got some super photos Hilda :)

Don and Krise said...

Hilda, you and your husband are some party animals! What a wonderful place and a perfect theme. I feel like I was right there with you, but my head probably feels a little better than yours.

Great post and I can't wait for Knock Out Night.

Lowell said...

So incredible. Great food, drinks, entertainment in a beautiful setting...superb.

And your photos are superb, too. I feel like I've been able to get a real sense of the place and the event!

I'd go if I didn't live so far away!

VP said...

The name 7 pecados is not bad as a start! Like all the images, a favorite is the one reflected in the ceiling...

Leif Hagen said...

COOOL evening report! Did you tell everyone your name, "Hilda, Manila daily photo Hilda!" Was James Bond there?!

Kaori said...

Sounds like you had a great night! The crystal beaded wall is really beautiful! Love the colors :)

Anonymous said...

What an interesting place you seem to live.

A wonderful new week for you.

Julie ScottsdaleDailyPhoto.com said...

i love the first photo and what a fun place and experience you had.

George said...

It sounds as if you had an interesting and exciting night out. I really enjoyed your pictures.

FA said...

It sounds like quite a place. I'm glad that you got to enjoy yourself.

James said...

That sounds like a wonderful time. I loved the pictures. :)

Mirela said...

Only $4 the enter?! WOW! I think I'd somehow manage to survive such a night... and suffer through cocktails, relaxing, ..... ;-D

Ineke said...

love that mirror shot!

magiceye said...

fascinating

Lois said...

That sounds like so much fun Hilda!

Halcyon said...

It looks like a cool place, although I'm not keen on gambling.

Andreea said...

Wonderful series of photos. Love the crystal-beaded walls (they would look perfect in a James Bond movie) and the ceiling shot. Looks like you had a great night.

Photo Cache said...

with the very affordable cover charge, i am sure this was well attended. how fun could that be!

SH -ic said...

the second last one is funny

@leif HELLO

Lachezar said...

All in all sounds like a night out to be remembered, and beautifully illustrated at that! Cheers to you and your husband!

Ken Mac said...

i always knew you were a super sleuth!

Neva said...

I love your photos today....looks like it was loads of fun!!!

gogouci said...

Just a beautiful, artistic series of photos to represent a fun-filled evening. Manilans sure do now how to party in style.

Lee Spangler said...

I really thought that was an increwdible series to show night life in Manila. It really is exactly what a city daily post is all about. Thanks for making it so meaningful.

escape said...

actually one of my favorite hotel in manila. oh casino theme! nice.

Anonymous said...

Hilda
amazing photos..they are worth to be proud of..

thanks for sharing to us!

filipina in sweden

Anonymous said...

I just cannot imagine going to a place with so many distractions. lol It is absolutely beautiful.

Cezar and Léia said...

Charming and elegant, just like you dear Hilda!
Fabulous pictures and I think you enjoyed this night a lot!
Wonderful event!
Léia

Small City Scenes said...

Hilda what a fun way to spend an evening. Love the mirrored ceiling shot. everythings looks neat. Great shots. MB

brattcat said...

Great fun! Thank you for taking us along. But I think I have a bit of a hangover.

Anonymous said...

Looks like a perfect place to heat up the emotions with a husband. I've never seen that kind of tables - looks comfy and intimate.

Tussy said...

Casino is not allowed here legally, but I bet someone might sneak to do it.

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