Located at the 45th topmost level of Marco Polo Ortigas Manila, Vu’s Sky Bar and Lounge has redefined the nightlife scene in this side of the metro, offering an unobstructed 180-degree view of Manila. It’s indoor and al fresco dining areas offer maximum flexibility and convenience for its guests who can enjoy a spectacular view of the city from sunset all the way to the evening.

Vu's is currently open from Wednesdays to Sundays from 5:00PM to 1:00AM. They have a Happy Hour promotion from 5:00PM to 7:00PM where you can enjoy 50% savings on select drinks.

Four exciting cocktails were showcased that afternoon for guests to explore the Potions of the Philippines. All handcrafted cocktails were made using Destileria Limtuaco’s selection of brands featuring familiar local flavors.

Destileria Limtuaco is the oldest distillery in the Philippines. Established in the Spanish Colonial Era in 1852, it continues to produce world-class products with a distinctly Filipino blend.

Now let’s try these four Filipino potions. I started with the refreshing Paradise Mojito. This is not your typical mojito because it comes with a fruity mango flavor that really brings out the flavors of the Philippines.

The Paradise Mojito uses a combination of Old Captain Rum, Paradise Mango Rum, and Mango Nectar. The excellent bartenders at VU’s Sky Bar and Lounge are always ready to create your favorite cocktails which is why this spot is so popular with guests.

I took a sip of the mojito and immediately loved its fruity notes. It was just a light cocktail which makes it a good companion when drinking with friends.

Next up is the Manille Basil Smash with its combination of Empire Gin, Manille Liqueur de Calamansi, fresh lemon juice, syrup, and basil leaves. This combination of gin and calamansi liqueuer is also a distinct taste that Filipinos and other guests will enjoy.

Another Filipino cocktail created from Destileria Limtuaco brands is the Manille Dalandan Margarita (2nd from the right). This one comes with El Hombre Tequila Gold, Manille Liqueue de Dalandan, agave syrup, and fresh lemon juice.

Lastly, but probably the one that packs the biggest punch of them all, is the Salamangkero. This is a very deceptive cocktail that looks quite timid from the start but will wallop you into submission after you drink it because of its San Juan Lambanog, symple syrup, and fresh lemon fruit. I do have a history with lambanog and I know how potent it can really be.

Marco Polo Manila really knows how to host an event. There was even a live saxophone player with pass-around canapés to go along with our cocktails. It was basically an open bar so guests could ask for more of their favorite cocktails or even sample some of the other options available.

After everyone entered their answers on the survey website, the winning cocktails was announced. The top potion for the evening was the Manille Dalandan Margarita! As the winning potion, it will get to be featured as the Potion of the Quarter at the VU’s Sky Bar and Lounge starting in May. We would like to thank Marco Polo Manila, Asian Dragon Magazine, and Destileria Limtuaco for holding this exciting event. Cheers!

Potions of the Philippines at VU's Sky Bar and Lounge

45/F Marco Polo Manila, Meralco Avenue and Sapphire Street, Ortigas Centre, Pasig

7720-7777

www.marcopolohotels.com