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Every college barkada has, at least once in their drunken stupor, thought of the brilliant idea to open a bar. But once the cheap booze and hypnotic spell of hip hop wears off, all plans are consigned to oblivion.
For the group of friends behind Demokrasya, the idea lingered long after they had sobered up.
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Demokrasya opened its doors on June 12 of this year— Philippine Independence Day. From the very beginning, the owners knew they wanted to create a new space for college students, one with a concept that hadn’t been done before.
The decision was made for them when they acquired a coffeehouse space with an ancestral Filipino home vibe. They decided to run with the theme, keeping much of the space’s original design. The only new additions were an imposing mural, a large mirror (to make the space feel bigger), and a coat of black paint, which completely transformed the space making it more stylish, yet intimate.
Fun Fact: One of the partners, a NY-based muralist, painted the Philippine eagle on the wall. You can see more of his work HERE.
One of the owners says the goal was always to create a place that was “sosyal na keri.” Because the space came with a liquor license, they wanted to take full advantage by specializing in cocktails and house blended whisky.
The drinks here are certainly budget-friendly; a shot of their house whisky (available in No Blend, 12-Year Blend, and Mixed Blend) is just ₱90, while you can enjoy a glass of imported Spanish wine for just ₱100.
Booky Tip: If you love craft beer, keep your eyes peeled for their Manzanas brew.
From their bar chow, best-sellers include the Chicken Skin, Tokwa’t Baboy, Chicharon Bulaklak. We also recommend the Longganisa Poppers!
Everything on Demokrasya’s menu is locally-sourced, including their coffee. In keeping with the Filipino soul, their cocktails retain the theme. Each one is brilliantly named and conceptualized:
Watawat
A vodka based cocktail that replicates the colors of the Philippine flag
Mi Ultimo Adios
Just as Rizal did, you will also say farewell to some, if not all your recollections of tonight. This lambanog, gin, tequila and rhum based drink is topped off with a kick of chili pepper.
Maria Clara
This white rum and buko lychee based drink is an ode to Rizal’s portrayal of a Filipina. Commonly misconstrued as being demure and ladylike, Rizal shows in several chapters that she is more than that; speaks her mind, is strong willed, and breaks the conservative Filipina stereotype
Other must-tries include the Tangina Mojito and Moreno Morena. The latter is a cacao-based cocktail and tribute to their friend, Juro Ongkiko, whose project (@morenomorena.ph) inspired the drink.
Demokrasya got its name because the owners wanted to create a safe space— a venue for free speech, free thought, and freedom of expression. The customers who frequent the place often speak of art, gender, and politics. The owners say they tend to attract “makata pop” and local indie artists.
Fun Fact: Pay attention to what's playing from their speakers; they only play OPM.
In the future, Demokrasya hopes to host more events that promote inclusion; they’re currently working on getting a ramp to make the bar wheelchair-accessible. In case you were wondering, they’re also pet-friendly! They’ve got a regular four-legged customer they call DemoKat.
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154 Maginhawa St., Sikatuna Village, Diliman, Quezon City
(0918) 968-6868
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