Poblacion was already a hotspot in the 1980s, with trendy restaurants and bars catering to the hipsters of that era.
Among the top ‘gimikan’ then (and what comes to mind about them) were:
1. Tia Maria (Margarita by the pitcher)
2. Jalisco (frequent sightings of Phoebe Cates-lookalike actress Mia Prats)
3. Rodeo Drive (mechanical bull riding contest)
4. Tib’s (hole-in-a-wall with the cheapest ice-cold beer)
5. Italian Village (considered fine dining at that time)
6. Dean Street Cafe (dating place at P. Burgos before it became a red-light district)
7. Arnold’s Diner (‘50s-themed joint with huge burgers)
8. Di Marks (best pizzas in town)
9. Korea Garden (long before the advent of K-pop and K-drama)
10. Las Conchas (where Tommy Manotoc was abducted allegedly by NPAs after his dinner-date with fiancee Imee Marcos)
11. Casa Blanca (Sangria and tapas bar)
12. Aberdeen Court parking lot (open-air drinking)
To the Titos and Titas of Manila: If you have old photos of your ‘80s hangouts in Poblacion, please email them to editor@pob1210.com and we will add them to our list.
