Nectar Nightclub invites everyone to its last party at BGC

In the 2010s, there weren’t many spaces dedicated to making the LGBTQIA+ community feel safe and free. But in 2016, a new spot emerged at Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Taguig City, inviting everyone not only to dance and have fun but also to unite with the community. Nectar Nightclub arrived at a time when Manila’s gay club scene was in a drought, a far cry from the heyday of Malate’s queer clubs.

“The gay community didn’t have a club,” says David, one of the owners. Weekend in style. “There were drag theaters or comedy bars. It’s more of a place to watch a show. We really wanted to bring back the gay club experience.

The launch of Nectar Nightclub in 2016 was a proud moment for the LGBTQIA+ community, as it became one of the pioneering queer establishments in a major city at the time. Since day one, the rainbow Pride flag has adorned its facade, proclaiming the place a safe space and marking the end of the community’s secret existence.

According to David, only a few elements are needed to create club magic: the music, the interiors and the venue, among others. Although Nectar nightclub offered all of that, what really set it apart was its inclusive nature. It’s the perfect place to meet new people, not only queer people, but also community allies, creating a unique weekend experience for everyone who walks through its doors.

“Nectar came at a time when people were going out again. There was a physical place to make new friends and meet potential dates again,” says David. “Our target market was our employees. We weren’t trying to generalize. We were trying to find our own community, which we did.

Drag Artists’ Playground

Believe it or not, during its first few months, Nectar nightclub did not feature drag performers. It wasn’t until they hosted American drag queen Alaska that they decided to incorporate drag shows into their nightlife. Alaska had just won RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 2.

“We booked her thinking she would do a full hour-and-a-half show. Turns out she only did two numbers,” David recalls. “So to create a complete show, we asked Jon Santos to host and hired local drag queens that we knew in the community. We put on a show very quickly.

And it was a huge success. From that point on, Nectar Nightclub began cultivating its own drag community, transforming its scene into a platform for aspiring Filipino drag artists. It also marked the creation of the Nectarines, the club’s group of drag artists that he nurtured and supported.

One of Nectar’s major contributions to the local drag scene is the Drag Cartel, a drag competition held during its Poison Wednesday Nights. For many Filipino drag artists, the competition was instrumental in elevating Filipino drag to new heights, ahead of shows like Drag racing Philippines And Drag the lair entered the scene.

“That’s where we discovered Marina Summers, Minty Fresh and Odasha,” David muses. “They were all baby queens who first hung out at Nectar.”

One for the road

Last November, Nectar nightclub announced it would close its doors by the end of 2024 due to the planned closure of The Fort shopping complex. But the party isn’t over yet. For the remaining days, the club has planned a series of events. Highlights include his Last Dance on December 30 and his 2025 New Year’s Eve party on December 31.

Besides seeing stellar drag shows and dancing the night away, one of the best ways to get the full Nectar experience is to try its cocktails. Its signature blend, Blue Frog 2.0, is for the brave, a legendary drink originating from the Malate’s Bed club. Another must-try is the Poisonous Nectar, a refreshing cocktail made with mango, coconut and rum.

When asked about the legacy that Nectar leaves behind, David said that they are not leaving anything behind because the club will be back soon.

“When we started, our goal was to be an LGBTQIA+ nightclub, a vibrant, full-service, fantastic, fabulous nightclub,” he says. “Now, as we prepare to close, we see ourselves as the epicenter of LGBTQIA+ culture in the country. We have become a cultural institution within our community.

“We’re not just a nightclub,” he adds. “We are now part of the shared experience of the city’s queer community. We don’t leave a legacy because we don’t leave. We’ll be back right away.

Hello readers! Do you have a story you’d like us to feature? You can reach us via (protected email) or on Facebook, InstagramAnd TikTok.