March 14, 2009

The last of the bohemians

Since the 1980s, the tiny Penguin Café Gallery in Malate, Manila has played host to many of Manila's artists, whether as performers, exhibitors or customers. The more boho ex-pats—Asians, Americans and Europeans—seem to have discovered it too. No carefully made-up, perfectly coiffed women and men here, with their designer bags and shoes. All you'll see are jeans, t-shirts, leather bracelets and lots of wooden beads. On nights when several bands perform, people spill over onto Remedios Street where hawkers sell cigarettes and a variety of street food. Penguin Café Gallery is the one with brown posts with hanging plants, under and to the right of the two large signs (neither of which is theirs).

outside Penguin Café Gallery at night

22 comments:

  1. I'd like to visit this one sometime. Seems to be like a lot is happening out there. Happy Sunday!

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  2. Looks like everyone is enjoying themselves! I like the name of this place.

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  3. As Steve Martin might say - "Wild and crazy, man!"

    Looks very interesting in this excellent night shot.

    I always enjoy a mix of humanity unless danger lurks. Is this place dangerous?

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  4. Looks like a good time for all to enjoy themselves. It's a terrific photo, Hilda. Have a great weekend.

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  5. Beautiful night shot of a active and fun time

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  6. Looks like people are having a good time. This is a wonderful picture of the night street scene.

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  7. Sometimes you need to live Bohemian.

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  8. I see black remain the eternally hip color!

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  9. Look really pictoresque! How much I'd pay to be there now...27 degrees! Wow!. Have a blessed Sunday. Ciao. A.

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  10. Looks like a comfortable, casual affair for everybody.

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  11. What fun Maybe Bohemian but a little livlier than the old coffeehouses of the 60s. MB

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  12. Jacob:
    As long as you don't go off by yourself into the darker streets, you'll be fine here. It's at one corner off a roundabout lined with many other bars and restaurants. Very bright and with lots of people, even into the wee hours of the morning.

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  13. Thanks, Hilda. I just wanted to make sure you were safe out there prancing around in the wee hours. Heh, heh.

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  14. This reminds me alot of KL, where I was born. I can almost feel the heat. Never been to Manila, but must visit!

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  15. I was staying in Malate about 2 weeks ago. I didn't know of this Penguin Cafe Gallery then. Otherwise I would certainly love to visit it. But Malate is really like what you described...more of a bohemian crowds! I love it anyway.

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  16. never heard of this place though i know a little of malate.

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  17. Street language - a superb street-life shot!

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Thanks for visiting and letting me know!