Mandarin Oriental Makati has opened Layara, a new destination bar that draws on the Philippines' diverse island cultures and flavors. The venue, which opened on 27 November, is positioned above Ayala Triangle Gardens and aims to evoke the sensation of a bar in motion, reflecting the country's maritime heritage.
The name Layara is derived from the Filipino word 'layag', meaning 'sail', and the design is intended to create a dynamic, fluid atmosphere. The bar's concept is to offer guests a journey through the archipelago, with a cocktail program that will evolve seasonally to highlight different regional ingredients and traditions.
Island-inspired cocktail program
Bar Manager Kiara Opeda, who previously worked at OTO Bar and Sabi Sounds in Manila, as well as Black Sheep and Happy Paradise in Hong Kong, leads the beverage program. Her vision is to celebrate the unique character of each Philippine island, with the menu changing throughout the year.
“Layara is our invitation to experience the Philippines through flavor; not as a fixed collection of destinations, but as a living archipelago of ingredients, traditions and people,” Opeda said.
The debut menu takes inspiration from Cebu, featuring cocktails with Visayan names and stories. Highlights include Maria Cacao, which combines Orientalist Dragon Whisky with mango and jasmine tea, and Bakunawa, a blend of Martell VS Cognac with black sesame and cacao.
Beyond cocktails, Layara offers a selection of refined small plates and a live music program that blends traditional Philippine ethnic sounds with contemporary music, creating an experience rooted in local culture.
The opening is part of Mandarin Oriental's return to Manila, bringing together Filipino craftsmanship, local flavors, and the brand's signature hospitality. For travel professionals, this adds a new upscale nightlife option in the Philippine capital, complementing the city's growing luxury hospitality scene.
Layara joins a wave of recent hotel and restaurant openings across Asia, such as NHAAN Resort Hoi An's new riverside restaurant and Taj Hotels' new Bhutan retreats, underscoring the region's continued investment in experiential dining and beverage concepts.
For agents and tour operators, Layara offers a new selling point for Manila itineraries, particularly for clients seeking authentic, locally inspired experiences. The bar's focus on regional ingredients and storytelling could appeal to luxury travelers and those interested in culinary tourism.
Mandarin Oriental Makati is a key property in the group's Asian portfolio, and the addition of Layara strengthens its position as a destination for both hotel guests and local patrons. The bar's design and programming are expected to attract a discerning crowd, including business travelers and MICE delegates looking for evening entertainment.
As the travel industry continues to recover, such openings signal confidence in the region's hospitality market. Layara's innovative approach to cocktails, combined with its cultural narrative, sets a new benchmark for hotel bars in Manila.
