Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest While the landscape of Manila nightlife is evolving, what with all kinds of bars opening and happenings peppering our social calendars, there is a lack of events geared specifically to women. Rue Bourbon is trying to change that by offering a special treat for the ladies through Magic Night. Borrowing from the hit movie Magic Mike, Magic Night is a unique and exclusive experience for women, with a Rue Bourbon twist. “Most bars cater to men, and we wanted to give women something special,” says Rue Bourbon’s Brand Manager, Gino Sta Ana. The event is exclusively for ladies only and gentlemen are only allowed entry at midnight. Rue Bourbon’s Ortigas branch was packed to the rafters for the first steamy Magic Night. The air was positively humming with excitement and anticipation. Women from all walks of life came with their squads to let their hair down and have a good time. Some brides-to-be had their hen party (bachelorette party) here. This wasn’t your typical ladies’ night, and not the typical macho dancer “giling” usually available in establishments with male entertainers in Manila. Under the direction of event organizer and theater veteran Ayam Barredo Eckstein, the three-tiered, New Orleans-inspired bar became the stage for bold (literally and figuratively) performances of well-built male entertainers, to the delight of blushing and screaming women. Instead of watching performances on stage, they were set in different areas of the bar, to make sure that all the ladies were entertained. If you watched Magic Mike XXL, think of Domina, Rome’s (Jada Pinkett Smith) exclusive club for ladies where ladies are treated as queens. Apart from several sexy performances (including lap dances for a few lucky ladies), there were also some hot male models who were both eye candy and props for some sexy games (like Sneak Peek, where blindfolded contestants had to reach under the apron the model was wearing to feel and guess what object was between his legs). Winners were awarded with bottles of Hennessy and Skyy Vodka. Between games and performances, DJ Callum David kept the energy of the crowd pumping, and the male models went around giving free shots. While the ladies were all game and out to have fun, the abundance of alcohol definitely played a part in getting them in the right frame of mind. Alcohol is a social lubricant and does lower inhibitions, so the ladies who might have been shy violets at first were able to bloom. Rue Bourbon served up various drinks to the thirsty public, including Hennessy and Skyy Vodka cocktails. They were drinks that fit the sexy theme of the evening: Cherry Popper (Hennessy VS, cranberry juice, honey, ginger spirit, and topped with lemon lime soda), Green Minded (Hennessy VS, sour mix, lemon juice, Blue Curacao, apple syrup, topped with ginger ale), and the well-known Cosmopolitan, Sex on the Beach, White Russian, and Orgasm. For those who wanted something simpler, they offered Hennessy Cola and their famous flavored beers (their Caramel Beer is their most popular). Cherry Popper Green Minded Cosmopolitan Sex on the Beach White Russian Hennessy Cola The event was a rousing success. It just goes to show that women are looking for diverse experiences, and are willing to pay for them. “If you give them something that will interest them and offer something new for their night, they will come in droves,” says Ayam. “People are ready and hungry for this type of event and entertainment.” Rue Bourbon is planning on having more Magic Nights in the near future, so ladies can have a special night all their own. Magic Night at Rue Bourbon was made in partnership with Hennessy and Skyy Vodka. Photos and videos by Star Sabroso