#gayspaces

Club Bath prides itself as the oldest men-only gay bathhouse in the Philippines and in Asia. Established in 1977, Club Bath gained popularity as being one of the earliest safe spaces for gay men to relax and express themselves. Located in Pasay city, the travel city of Metro Manila, Club Bath is frequented not only by locals but also by foreigners visiting the country looking for a place to relax and for a local gay experience.

LOCATION

Full address: 2456 F.B. Harrison Street, corner Valhalla, Pasay, 1300 Metro Manila Google Map

Club Bath is a convenient bathhouse to visit. It is only a short ride from major streets making it really accessible. If coming from Taft, drop off at Libertad LRT station, then you may either take a jeep that would take you to Harrison street and it will only be a short walk away from the intersection (head towards Pasay City Hall and just before it you've arrived) or you may take a tricycle and have yourself dropped off there. It is located at the corner of Harrison street and Valhalla street. If your route takes you though Harrison street, then you opt to take a Balcaran jeepney and drop off at the corner of Valhalla. It could also be pinpointed on the map through various ride-hailing apps.

DISCREETNESS

The building is discreet. The facade is of an old house with a stone wall topped with shrubs. The only distinguishing feature that makes it LGBT friendly is of the gay flags proudly posted at the front side of the establishment—not entirely sure if the neighboring homes know what happens in here but I don’t really think they mind. You enter through a metal door through the side corner of the building and you'll be greeted by a spacious and decorated foyer that's moodly lit so upon entering no one would be able to see you there.

THE CROWD

So far, I’ve only been to Club Bath twice on Saturday and Sunday, as of writing this, and the crowd is quite diverse. Though leaning more towards mature patrons, there are healthy additions of youngsters who visit the facility. From what I've seen, there is a variety of body builds ranging from cubs, gym fit dudes to bears and muscle bears—with the occasional slims, twinks, and twunks thrown in.

The scene here is quiet so you'll mainly see a lot of solo hunters either walking through the halls or resting against walls. If you're a conversationalist, you might feel intimidated to speak as almost everyone here doesn't speak much—or loudly at least. Members who enter the facility seem to know who they want and it may feel a little degrading if they decide to shrug you off or ignore you through body language alone. But let that not deter you from experiencing Club Bath as there for sure is someone there that is interested in you—you just haven't bumped into them yet.

Like any facility open in the evenings, the crowd does start to pick up at around 8–9p.m. onwards. If you're an early bird and decide to visit at the beginning of their operating hours (which is 5p.m.), you'll still be able to have fun as there are quite a few people who also come around this time—plus, that means the whole space is free for you to use and enjoy.

It is a guessing game, however, to know the desired position of those you fancy so you’d have to ask and hope you guys are a match. But nothing wrong with conversing, of course. 

FACILITIES AND SERVICES

Club Bath is a three story building. But don't be fooled by the exterior, as it may seem like an ordinary house, it does hold a lot inside!

Gym (Fitness Hall)

(Image from Club Bath website)

Upon entry, you'll be handed your towel and bimpo and then escorted by personnel to your locker or room (whichever you decided to book). You'll first get to view their gym—which is a decent looking mini-gym with quite a variety in equipment. If you want to look jacked before cruising or just want to head here to work out, then make sure to use their gym.

Located within the same space is their Mini Bar and Movie Room. If you want a break from cruising, grab some snacks, a complimentary drink or two, and watch a show. There aren't many who linger in the Movie Room so there's always a table for you use.

Locker room

(Image from Club Bath website)

Your first official stop, their locker room is quite spacious. If you booked a locker for the evening, this will be your HQ. The locker they provide for you is decently sized. It will be able to hold all your belongings from your bag, clothes, shoes, etc.—your phone and another valuables are also to be stored here. Don't worry about your stuff getting lost or stolen since there is a designated staff stationed at the locker room (as well as security cameras for safety)—just make sure to remember to lock you locker. Speaking of phones, since this is your HQ, you'll be able to visit the locker area any time you want to either get something you need or check on your phone—if you spot someone you know or are too shy to approach them in person, make sure to hit them up—or if you manage to click with someone exchange details right away! There are also 2 sinks available in the locker area so if you need a quick freshening up before entering or leaving, make sure you use it.

Communal Showers and Wet Area

(Image from Club Bath website)

Behold, the showers! Holding at least 10 (i think) total shower spaces, there's never a line to wait to freshen up. It also is a hot spot so don't get frightened when you happen to pass a few patrons getting it on in the open showers (you’ll mostly see me hanging out around here too). If you're too shy to show off fully nude, there are a few shower options that have a door installed for privacy.

There is also a toilet in the middle of the room for booty cleaning purposes with a remarkably pressured bidet. There isn't a lock on the toilet, so make sure to hang your towel on top of the door to show that your occupying it.

Around here is where the steam room is also located though you need to ask the times they turn it on since it alternates between being off or on. It is a standing steam room, however, and only a single spot where you could probably sit down on in the corner. I haven't frequented the steam room just yet since I often head down at the wrong time when it's turned off.

The Labyrinth

(Image from Club Bath website)

Located at the second floor, you'll encounter the maze of endless rooms and a few free cubicles. Here, you'll get to see the crowd either just hanging about, looking for their pray in the main corridors of the maze, or in darker spots waiting to pull you in. It will take a while for you to get to memorize The Labyrinth as it is very confusing—hence the name. I personally have visited 2 days back-to-back and still managed to get lost. If ever you do get lost, just look for the central restroom area. It will be your guide to know where you are. Here, you'll also be able to find your way to staircases leading upstairs or downstairs. If you need a quick water break, there is a water fountain placed inside the restroom as well.

If you are a little claustrophobic, I believe some of the spaces here isn’t for you. There are no windows and the corridors are dimly lit with some of the display cases lighting up some parts brighter than others. Some of the corridors are somewhat tight so make sure to take care of yourself or have someone else accompany you just in case.

Rooms

So if you decided to book a room instead of a locker, then this will be your first stop essentially. You'll be given a key to your room and all your valuables will be kept in here. They have a drawer beneath the bed for your belongings and a mini wall-mounted shelf for easy access to your cruising essentials. Your phone is also allowed to be brought up here—though remember you may not bring it around the building. The room is quite small, however, as it basically is a square big enough to house a small elevated bed and a little walkway for you to move around in. If you'll be able to fit 3 or more people here comfortably then kudos to you, my friend. 

Third floor

This also is a hotspot for people who want to eye their pray as it is the biggest space they have within the building. Upon reaching the top floor, you'll have your mini dark-room maze for you to do some group activities in. On the other side will be the lounge where one of the smoking areas is located. In between them is a dark room where many patrons get to chill as a long bench spans across 2 of the walls and on the other side are 3 cubbies you could play around in—yes, cubbies (or cubicles) as they are small rooms you could comfortably fit only you and your playmate in. Between them are glory holes so if someone is down to using them, then go right ahead. 

Smoking areas

Of course, smoking areas are in place for those who need a quick relaxing session with their vapes or cigarettes. These spaces are semi-open to be ventilated but still discreet enough that no one from outside will be able to see you using them. This is also another hot spot for group activities as they could hold a few people. Even if you don't smoke, and is not bothered by it, make sure to take a quick look because you'll never know what activities are happening in there. The largest smoking area is located at the third floor with plenty of seating. There are 2 others located at the second floor at the fire escapes. They can be easily missed so make sure to keep an eye out for them when cruising around The Labyrinth. 

MEMBERSHIP, RATES, and RESERVATIONS

Upon entering, a few steps away from the front door, is the counter. Here, you'll be able greeted by handsome personnel as they guide you through the rates and any other inquiries you may have. If you're a member already, and your card hasn't been expired, you'll only pay the entrance fee. If you're a new member, you'll have to add in the membership fee or renewal if your membership needs to be renewed. Like any other facility, weekday and weekend rates are different. Also, becoming a member is required. NOTE: Make sure to bring cash. They don’t accept cards. Listed below are the rates as per their website.

New membership fee: 350

Membership renewal: 200

Weekdays:

Locker p350 (no time limit)

Room p500 (5 hours only) p100 per hour will be charge per hour of extension (grace time of 5 minutes, going beyond that will automatically be counted as another hour of stay.

Weekends and Holidays:

Locker 450 (5 hours)

Room 600 (4 hours) p100 per hour will be charge per hour of extension (grace time of 5 minutes, going beyond that will automatically be counted as another hour of stay.