There were several reasons for our family to celebrate last Friday. First, we figured out that we were one step closer to making the blog much, much better for public consumption, both aesthetically and functionally, putting to rest the nightmare that happened late last year.
We also posted our first article that celebrates Filipina alcohol professionals and got overwhelmed by the positive reception, which means there’s probably more of that to come. One of the next subjects is quite excited to… Well, I shouldn’t spoil it.
That said, my husband and I decided, in an uncharacteristically anti lolos and lolas of Manila move, to go out and have a wine and music night.
On a rainy Friday payday evening.
See, there’s a saying that goes, “The only things certain in life are death and taxes.”
I personally disagree.
If you’ve lived in Metro Manila long enough, you’d know that the notion of stressful, non-moving traffic on a rainy Friday payday evening rush hour is definitely one of the certainties in life.
This is why, truth be told, we need a really good reason to be out on a Friday night.
Wine Away With Me in Shangri-La at the Fort (which happens every last Friday of the month from 8:00pm to 10:30pm in the High Street Lounge) is, quite frankly, one of the best reasons.

Carefully selected cheese and cold cuts
They feature different wines, cold cuts, and carefully selected cheeses from France, Italy, Spain, and Chile. Not a bad price tag too: Guests are treated to UNLIMITED wine, cheese, and cold cuts for PHP2,500.00 (net, per person). They change the selection from time to time, so it’s a great opportunity to try out different food pairing combinations (I personally loved the Sangiovese and Hong Kong Style Roast Duck combo I had), as well as discover new wine styles and cheeses.
Wine, charcuterie, cheese, and good jazz music in the background… All in all, the best way to chill out on a Friday night. See you at the next one. Cheers!
Special thanks to Mr. Jonathan Bailes (Assistant F&B Director), Ms. Sam Gallardo and Ms. Enah Baba of Shangri-La at the Fort