Walking into the Mall of Asia Arena for the first time, I remember being struck by how seamlessly it blended high-energy sports with a sense of calm—something I hadn’t experienced in many stadiums before. That’s the Philippines for you: a country that knows how to mix spectacle with soul. Over the years, I’ve visited dozens of venues here, both as a sports enthusiast and an events consultant, and I’ve come to appreciate that the best stadiums aren’t just concrete giants; they’re destinations in their own right. Take, for instance, the recent buzz around the Mall of Asia complex. The football field there, which also includes a botanical garden, is being described as Mall of Asia’s new ‘wow factor.’ And honestly, I couldn’t agree more. It’s not every day you see a pitch surrounded by lush greenery, where the roar of the crowd mingles with the rustle of leaves—a perfect example of how Filipino venues are pushing boundaries.

Speaking of the Mall of Asia Arena, it’s easily one of my top picks for major events, and not just because of its capacity to hold up to 20,000 screaming fans. I’ve been to basketball games here where the energy was so electric, you’d forget you were in a mall complex. But what sets it apart, in my opinion, is its versatility. I’ve attended concerts, corporate gatherings, and even international esports tournaments here, and each time, the acoustics and sightlines impressed me. The addition of that botanical garden near the football field is a game-changer, though. It’s like having an oasis in the middle of urban chaos—ideal for pre-event strolls or post-game relaxation. From a practical standpoint, the location in Pasay City is a huge plus, with easy access to transport and amenities. If you’re planning a large-scale event, this venue should be high on your list; it’s a crowd-pleaser that never fails to deliver.

Another gem I’ve grown fond of is the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan. With a staggering seating capacity of 55,000, it’s one of the largest indoor arenas in the world, and I’ve got to say, the scale is mind-blowing. I recall attending a international basketball friendly here back in 2019, and the sheer volume of the place made every dunk feel like a seismic event. But it’s not just about size—the design incorporates modern amenities like high-definition screens and efficient crowd management systems, which I’ve found crucial for multi-day events. On the downside, traffic can be a nightmare if you don’t plan ahead, but the experience inside is worth the hassle. For organizers looking to make a statement, this arena screams prestige and capability.

Then there’s the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila, a historic venue that holds a special place in my heart. Built in the 1930s, it’s hosted everything from football matches to the Southeast Asian Games, and walking through its gates feels like stepping back in time. I’ve watched nail-biting football finals here, surrounded by passionate fans whose cheers echoed off the classic Art Deco architecture. While it might not have the glitz of newer stadiums—the seating is a bit dated, and capacity tops out around 12,000—it offers an authenticity that’s hard to replicate. In my view, if you want an event with character and history, this is the spot. Plus, its central location makes it accessible without the long commutes.

Moving to the south, the Cebu City Sports Center is a standout for regional events. I’ve been involved in organizing a track and field competition here, and what stood out was the community vibe. With a capacity of around 15,000, it’s cozy yet capable, and the recent renovations have spruced up the facilities without losing that local charm. The track is well-maintained, and I’ve seen athletes praise its condition during training camps. From a practical angle, Cebu’s growing infrastructure makes it a smart choice for events targeting Visayas and Mindanao audiences. Personally, I love how it balances professionalism with a laid-back atmosphere—it’s less about flash and more about substance.

Last but not least, let’s talk about the Quezon City Memorial Circle’s sports facilities, which might not be a single stadium but deserve a shout-out for their innovative approach. I’ve visited for community sports festivals, and the integration of green spaces reminds me of Mall of Asia’s botanical garden concept. It’s a multi-use area that can host smaller games and events, with an estimated attendance of 5,000 for makeshift setups. What I appreciate is the focus on sustainability and family-friendly environments—it’s a trend I hope more venues adopt. While it might not suit massive international events, it’s perfect for grassroots initiatives that build local engagement.

Wrapping this up, the Philippines’ sports stadium scene is evolving in exciting ways, blending modern amenities with unique touches like gardens and historic elements. Having explored these venues firsthand, I’d rank Mall of Asia Arena and Philippine Arena as my top two for their sheer impact and versatility, but each has its own charm. If you’re an event planner or a sports fan, I’d recommend visiting a few to see how they align with your needs—because in the end, the best choice isn’t just about size or tech; it’s about the memories you’ll create there. And in a country as vibrant as this, those memories are sure to be unforgettable.

LIGHTING, LIGHTING, AND MORE LIGHTING
People are typically drawn to bars solely based on their atmosphere. The best way to knock your next commercial bar design out of the park is using the perfect amount and type of lighting. Use standout light fixtures as their very own statement piece, track lighting for adjustable ambiance, hanging pendant lights over tables, and ambient backlighting to display the alcohol. Bartenders need to serve and customers need to order, so make sure it’s just functional as it is attractive. 

CHOOSING YOUR BARTOP
What may seem so obvious, is often so overlooked in commercial bar design- the material of your actual bartop itself. While we realize stone and marble are as classy and elegant-looking as can be, the reality is that they just aren’t your best option for a durable and long lasting bartop. They crack, have no grip, and break way too many glasses. Opt for a high-quality wood bar instead. Oaks, maples, mahoganies, and ashes are sturdy and provide your customers with a firm grip for their glasses. 

THEME 
In a sea of millions upon millions of bars, how can you make your commercial bar design stand apart from the rest? The answer is to pick a unique, centralized theme and run with it. Whether it’s your next sit-down restaurant bar design, or remodeling the small, locally-favorite gem, you have to find out what your clientele wants. Survey the neighborhood of your establishment and find out what the demographics are there. Maybe a gritty, western bar would be a hit. Or maybe a more modern, sleek design is what’s missing in the area. Whatever theme you decide upon, hit it out of the park with the perfect lighting, wall art, music, and furniture. It’s all in the details. 

THE GUIDE TO YOUR NEXT RESTOBAR 
You’ve got the food, you’ve got the restaurant, you’ve got the customers, now all you need is a beautifully designed bar to top it all off.  Small bar designs for restaurants have a tendency to be a little thrown together and incohesive with the rest of the establishment. Stay on brand- create consistency with tying in the same color scheme, furniture, art, and overall ambiance of the pre-existing restaurant. Make sure the placement of your bar makes sense as well, have it in a place where it’s visible and easy to navigate but not in the way of servers and other guests. If the bar is going to serve food, be sure to consider the location of the kitchen to not obstruct traffic flow. Consider all of these small tips as you work through your next restaurant bar design. 

SPACE CONSTRAINT 
It’s no secret that bars have the reputation of being a little cramped, and in some cases- way too cramped. Consider all of the space constraints while designing your next commercial bar design and we can change that bad rap that bars have been holding for far too long. First and foremost, be sure to measure your bar, barstool, cabinet, and equipment height. Generally, a bar is 42” in height while a stool is 30” in height. Also be sure to allow at least 3’ of space between the bar and the alcohol for the bartender’s functionality and efficiency. Consider multiple register and drink-making stations for bartenders as well. Allowing 2’ between patrons is going to give them enough space to eat and drink, and most importantly, simply be comfortable. All of these considerations are especially helpful if it is a restaurant bar design, where the space is even more valuable.