Laughter comes to the park

Think of beautiful Manila Bay sunsets. Think of tall trees that give shade. Think of a vast grandstand and grand June 12 parades. Think of an amphitheater that has free performances by some of the country’s best talents. Think of wide-open spaces where you can walk freely, except on weekends when the place is packed. Think of honor guards keeping watch over Rizal’s monument. Think Rizal Park.

By this weekend, one more thought will come to mind when you talk of Rizal Park. Tomorrow, Laffalooka Comedy Bar opens its doors to offer park goers rib-tickling comedy and variety acts to liven up nights at this side of town.

Laffalooka food and beverage manager Ina Matias says the comedy bar offers Baywalk goers an alternative air-conditioned venue with the same brand of bawdy humors they have come to know at Blue Bay Grill. Because of the mature content of the jokes delivered at the open-to-the-public Blue Bay Grill, the restaurant management decided to move its line of stand-up comics to Laffalooka, which is a more private venue.

"What makes Laffalooka different from the outlets at Baywalk is that we have an air-conditioned venue. There are no bars along the Baywalk strip, so we offer the public a different experience," she says.

And to complement Laffalooka’s brand of entertainment is a menu of pica-pica, pulutan, grills and steaks that are everybody’s favorites.

"We have baby back ribs, Hungarian sausages, fresh and baked oysters, pizzas, tempura, sashimi and rib-eye steak, prepared by a chef from a popular membership-only resort and golf club. And they are all reasonably priced," she adds.

The Blue Bay comedy acts move to the new venue this Friday. Fans of Ate Shawie, Ate Glow and Ethel Baba comprise the bar’s opening acts. Matias says acoustic bands and performers and show bands will also be signed up to provide the public a variety of entertainment. Of course, live karaoke singing will always be part of the evening’s shows.

Unlike other comedy bars in Malate, Laffalooka has no problem when it comes to parking, since Rizal Park is just outside. The bar seats 150, and there is a private room good for up to 10 guests with its own karaoke machine. A big plus is that the bar has no cover and service charges, and doesn’t have a consumable amount per hour.

"I’m sure that when it comes to drinks, we will be offering lower prices than those in Malate," she adds. Happy hour from 5 to 8 p.m. offers drink-all-you-can on some beverages.

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Laffalooka Bar opens on July 1. Open from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m., it is located at the corner of South Rd. (T. M. Kalaw Ave.) and Parade St., Rizal Park, Ermita, Manila. For inquiries, call 400-7437, 525-0514, 400-7439 and 0920-9093630.