Step into Run Rabbit Run’s cocktail den, and indulge in its whimsical escape
The continued gentrification of Poblacion has resulted in a thriving, constantly evolving community where the uber hip, and utterly creative (and those that fall somewhere in between) convene – resulting in a neighborhood where everyone’s looking to stand out, whilst also fitting in.
This juxtaposition might well then be embodied in Run Rabbit Run’s (RRR) façade. Fresh white paint trying its best to go unnoticed despite such a coat having no chance to last against the metro’s pollution; and eye-catching red doors, as inviting as they are intimidating.
At night, a massive “bouncer” who would otherwise encourage good behavior from even the most inebriated bros, serves as a hulking friendly invite into one of the newest doors in town.
And from the outside, RRR tries to maintain the charm of rustic Makati – with a residential home repurposed into a rabbit hole that’s part old Poblacion homage – while the doors open into an artsy speakeasy.
Cultural exchange
RRR laconically describes itself as a neighborhood cocktail bar serving a selection of the finest pre-prohibition libations, to avant-garde, modern classics. But as with any “rabbit hole,” there’s more to it than that.
“We didn’t just want to serve excellent drinks, but a memorable experience through their cocktails,” RRR Philippine partner Michael Hearn tells Expat.
And this is where the cultural exchange through libation comes in. A collaboration with popular Singaporean bar Bitters and Love, RRR infuses various elements from the two countries’ heritage into their drinks, which not only add distinct layers of flavors, but stories to the concoctions.


The Chillin’ Like a Villain, for example, is a gin-based cocktail with hints of peach that balances the sensual experience between fruity and floral by garnishing it with Sampaguita—the Philippine national flower.
“We wanted to create drinks with flavors people can relate to – creating memories and stories guests can bring back home,” explains Singaporean partner Ernest Goh.
Then there’s the plainly named Kaya Toast—a signature cocktail from Bitters and Love, it’s designed to be an homage to Singapore’s breakfast staple. Served with toast wedges with a scoop of kaya (pandan) jam, it’s ideal as a dessert cocktail.



Storytellers
And just as the drinks have stories to tell, there’s one to be found in nearly every corner of RRR. Each of the pieces of furniture (even small details like cupboard handles) was handpicked from different stores across Metro Manila – in places like Dapitan, Evangelista, and Cubao – an excursion that not only gave RRR conversation eliciting design pieces, but also served as the Singaporean partners’ immersion into the character of this bustling megacity.
“We wanted to create a homey closet space where people can escape their realities,” says Hearn.
Events and Marketing Director Fiona Fernandez calls it a whimsical capsule where clocks don’t exist, and friends are made—as much a place for stories as it is for frivolousness – depending on the night’s theme.
RRR’s cocktails were to designed to be easy to down, perfectly complementing the speakeasy’s steady vibe. But if you’re not careful, it might you deeper into an unexpected rabbit hole.
Meanwhile, for those who’d prefer to skip the cocktail’s theatrics, there are Engkanto brews on tap, along with a healthy selection of liquors and spirits.
Brave into the magical red door, and indulge in RRR’s whimsical escape.
RRR is located at 4991 P. Guanzon St., Poblacion, Makati, and is open Monday to Wednesday 6 p.m. to 1 a.m., and Thursday to Saturday 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. For more information, contact (0908) 897-0668, or visit www.runrabbit.run
 
By TIMOTHY JAY IBAY