Ok, not to get you confused or anything, but what I'm saying is that I’m gonna share with you a secret and I know you’ll be excited to hear about it (or read about it ha!). I’ve found my 9th secret bar! Clearly, secret bars in Metro Manila are not so secret anymore. But still they get people like me who likes the speakeasies undoubtedly enlivened. I saw this secret bar in Cubao Expo one day on my Facebook feed and right there and then, I knew I gotta visit.
INT. Bar hides behind a photo booth inside the Cubao Expo compound in Quezon City. Cubao Expo is a well-known place for artists, creatives, musicians and foodies especially those hipster millennials who have a thing for the old-school or the anything vintage. Cubao Expo to this day, still exudes that vintage feel and still attracts youthful vibe.
There’s no sign outside, just the photo-booth (and it’s a working photo booth, you can get your photos from their Facebook Page) with walls covered with black and white posters of movies, plays, books etc. Enter the photo booth, take some photos and push the door on your side and get transported to a different world altogether. INT. stands for or the short version of the word “interior”. I don’t know what is the story about that but the bar staff, who attended to us, told us that all their drinks and food are named after or inspired by movies, books and other literature and arts.
Bucket of Popcorns - this is a complimentary snacks that you can snack on while waiting for your drinks or while drinking.
Murmur of the Heart - Bulleit Bourbon, Laphroaig 10 y.o. Islay Scotch Whiskey, Curry Leaves, Lime, Zanthan Gum Syrup. This was probably based from the movie with the same title which is a loosely plotted coming-of-age tale follows the life of 15-year-old Laurent Chevalier as he stumbles his way over the burgeoning swell of adolescence in 1950s France. This was Nancy’s drink and she got curious about it because of the curry leaves. We all tried it and agreed that the curry leaves gives it an unexplainable savoury after-taste.
La Dolce Vita - Blanco Tequila, Absinthe, Lemon, Orange, Egg White, Mango Caviar. Another drink based on a movie and translates to a “A sweet life” in English. The movie La Dolce Vita is a 1960 Italian drama film that follows a journalist writing for gossip magazines, over seven days and nights on his journey through the "sweet life" of Rome in a fruitless search for love and happiness. This was KC’s drink, perfect for such a sweet and timid girl like her. This drink is quite on the sweet side but still has a pronounced liquor flavor, especially that it contains Absinthe! The mango caviar on top got us all curious and I tried bursting it in my mouth while taking a sip of the drink and that made a difference.
I like how INT. Bar has so much of that speakeasy atmosphere with its vintage dim lights, plush leather couches and just a small bar. I also loved that they played classic and jazz music. The place is quite small yet perfect for intimate conversations with friends or S.O.’s. The vibe is just so relaxed and you can just come as you are, wear whatever you want and just enjoy the night with drinks in hand. Service was great as well and the server was very knowledgeable of what their place has to offer. It’s a must visit!