Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest The idea of the bar crawl is simple and straightforward: a group of people go from one bar to the other and drink at each one. Lush Nights, a weekly bar crawl event conceptualized by Craig Wosahlo and Noreen Claire Efondo, aims to offer something more than the tried and tested bar crawl formula. They’re giving a more dynamic experience to their client base. “We constantly try to innovate,” says Craig. “We add new ideas, new bars, new themes and integrate different parts of Manila lifestyle in the events. “When we began these events, each one was our research, seeing what worked and what didn’t, and we used this to create the future events and the program we currently use,” he shares. Here are some things that you can expect from Lush Nights. 6 Pubs and Clubs Valkyrie Lush Nights will take you to several places throughout the night. The bars change periodically to mix things up. Most of their bar crawls take place in BGC, which has countless bars clumped together. Perfect for strolling from one bar to the next. Lush Nights has a good mix of bars and clubs to give people a well-rounded selection of venues. We won’t tell you which ones they are so as not to spoil it for you. Tap Station Free Shots and Entrance With their fee (usually P800) comes at least five shots/drinks from each of the establishments plus free entrance to the clubs that charge them (normal entry price is P1000). That is a great deal! Also, Lush Nights doesn’t charge you in advance or even when the crawl starts. They will charge you at the second stop, once the tone for the evening has been set and the fun has started, so that you know that you want to see the whole thing through and you have an idea what you’re paying for. Themed nights Craig Wosahlo Lush Nights has themes for most of their crawls. It creates some sort of cameraderie because it binds you as a group. They’ve had a zombie-themed bar crawl (and even had a professional makeup artist zombie-fy guests if they arrived early) and a masquerade theme, where everyone was provided with glittery masks. But they don’t limit the themes to just something physical you put on, they also have themes that create a unique experience. “We have a Speed Dating Bar Crawl,” Craig shares. “I don’t think that’s ever been done before. And a KINKY bar crawl on February 4, where we have teamed up with the BDSM community in Manila to create something for the people who are interested in learning about BDSM or would just like to try something completely different to the norm.” Games and Prizes Another thing that sets Lush Nights apart is that they have games and prizes. “When we began, I wanted the events to be able to break the ice between strangers without delay,” says Craig. “Filipino time never did me favors here. But the games that we use on the events helped massively. Separating friends to instantly be on a team with strangers gave them no choice but to interact.” They have Minute To Win It-type games (usually three rounds played at the first three bars you visit) that are played by group that get the energy pumping, especially for those who are super competitive. Cheering for your team is encouraged. It’s a great ice breaker and it reinvigorates the energy level, as there is a lull when walking between bars. Apart from the bragging rights you get from winning the games, you also get cool prizes (you need to join and win to find out what they are). New Friends Some people get friendly when they drink. And going through new experiences bonds people together. Since Lush Nights provides both drink and experience, people are bound to form connections. “That’s what’s important for me. Offering something that most people wouldn’t necessarily consider going to,” says Craig. “Doing something different. It’s not just drinks with friends then going to the club. It’s coming out with complete strangers, getting to know them and have a totally random night.” They have a tagline: No Strangers, but FRIENDs. By the end of the bar crawl, you certainly feel like you’ve made some new friends, having shared a memorable night with them. Reminders and Tips They do have a few reminders for their guests who would like to join the bar crawl. Dress to impress but make sure you can move and walk in what you’re wearing. This is not the time to wear your sitting shoes (the shoes that look great but kill your feet) or clothes that can cause a wardrobe malfunction or are made for a way colder climate than humid Manila. Men are asked not to wear shorts or sandals and women are asked not to wear open-toed shoes or sandals (to accommodate the clubs’ dress code). Also remember to bring a valid ID. We also have some suggestions to make your drinking experience more enjoyable. Since the bar crawl typically starts at 8:30 p.m., please make sure you’ve had something to eat. It’s going to be a long night and a lot of booze is involved, so going in on an empty stomach is not the best idea. Also, remember to hydrate at every stop (most of the bars serve filtered service water). Play the long game so you can enjoy (and remember) every part of it. Lush Nights is a welcome addition to the landscape of the Manila nightlife. It’s a creative spin on the tired bar crawl template and it provides a variety of experiences to those who are looking for something fresh. The team behind it is very engaging and passionate in their desire to create something out of the ordinary every time. “Every weekend is different and I love it,” says Craig. Lush Manila They’ve recently branched out to form Lush Manila—which Lush Nights is under—which offers diverse, new, fun concepts for visitors and locals alike. They are soon starting Lush Days, their venture into day trips and adventures. Definitely something to watch out for. Join Lush Nights’ next event, Lush Manila Presents: Lush Nights KINKY Bar Crawl on February 4, 2016. Visit their event page. Lush Nights Hotline +63 939 9135695 / Email: thelushword@yahoo.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lushmanila/ Photos and video coverage by Star Sabroso