Queeriosity Palace
Fun in Pasay
By GiGi Olorga
PUBLISHED: JUNE 2009

Here’s the deal: You cannot discuss Queeriosity Palace without mentioning the raid that happened there in April 2008 (around 1.ooAM of April 19, to be exact).  This is because the place, unfortunately for its owners and loyal clientele, has been associated with what could happen to gay/bisexual venues in the Philippines – much like the rundown cinemas of the City of Manila, or those in Baclaran in Pasay City, among others; or, the heterosexual counterparts, even the girly bars along Mabini Ave., also in the City of Manila, or those in Pampanga – which is to be “invaded” by self-righteous police (at times the same venues’ users themselves) as a show of “cleaning” of what ails the society (i.e. promotion of promiscuity through provision of avenues through which sexual contacts can happen).

Having said that, this unfortunate association takes away relatively a lot from what could be a happening venue for the MSMs in these parts of Metro Manila.

For one, somewhat of a take-off from Fahrenheit (that gay landmark along E. Rodriguez Avenue in Quezon City) – mainly because the owners are the same – Queeriosity Palace has that “clean” appeal, e.g. fresh paint on well-constructed cubicles, pebbled walkways, dramatically lit hallways, et cetera.  Not, of course, that the place IS clean – only a CSI-like check can ascertain that sans any doubts; but that there are efforts to keep the place, well, not disgusting is commendable.

Secondly, the crowd can be good – at least during the times I visited, over two, or three, or even four were do-able, which is more than can be said about many of the similarly-intended venues.  But then, much like its sister venue Fahrenheit, picking up can be tedious here, too – lots of perving and gawking and cruising and… without the supposed end-act of getting jiggy with it…

Thirdly, the staff is courteous – even the girls (!).  But then again, that is what they are paid to do, so…

Fourthly, the beer’s cheap, though this, I suppose, should be a given – they earn from the cover charge, not necessarily from the alcoholic consumption of the clients while inside the venue, so that the beer’s there more as a social lubricant to facilitate what the clients came there to happen, happen.

And fifthly, this place is convenient – just a stone’s throw away from Gil Puyat Avenue (Buendia), one of Metro Manila’s street landmarks, so that anyone can – perhaps should – just drop by to give it a try.

But only if you can rid your mind of the raid-phobia.

Visit Queeriosity Palace at 1946 F.B. Harrison St., Pasay City.