Makati bar Problem Child punched inside the latest “Asia’s 50 Best Bars” list, earning the “The Best Bar in the Philippines” title on its debut.
The relatively new bar, having opened in late 2025, located along Jupiter Street ranked No. 44 on the prestigious list, the highest among all bars in the Philippines.
A write-up for the bar credits founders Kevin Corales, Wendy Esteban and Patrick Leyble for launching the establishment as a “boundary-pushing nightlife destination” and “thriving creative haven for Manila’s alternative social scene.”
“There’s no back bar clutter here; instead you’ll find stainless steel, clean timber lines and a play of light and color that can shift the whole mood,” the write-up said. “Warm, high-intensity marigold orange may wash the room like golden hour, as streaks of electric cobalt blue and deep indigo cut through with sharp, futuristic contrast.”
Problem Child is notable for its rotating beverage meny every three months that revolve around a single color scheme, imaginative examples being Green Sticks (rum, wakame distillate, salsa verde) and Serene (Japanese whisky, green tea, jasmine, oolong, orange bitters).
Classic cocktails like Negroni and Ranch Water are given a tropical twist, all accompanied by globetrotting grazing options and moving, soundtracking music.
Earlier this month The Spirits Library located along Makati’s Guerrero Street debuted on the extended list, just making the cut at No. 98. This marks the first time another Makati bar The Curator was not on any list since debuting at No. 16 back in 2016, and cedes the national title to a new establishment.
Topping the main list was Hope and Sesame based in Guangzhou, China. The mainland China bar has frequented “Asia’s 50 Best Bars” for seven consecutive years, and last year was No. 29.
Last year’s winner Bar Leone in Hong Kong dropped to No. 3, also overtaken by Korean bar Zest located in Seoul. Completing the Top 5 were sophomore entrant Dry Wave Cocktail Studio from Bangkok, Thailand and another Chinese establishment MO Bar Shenzhen.
“Asia’s 50 Best Bars” observed 14 new entries and two re-entries across 22 cities this year. Two other Bangkok bars were the highest new entry and highest climber respectively, Lennon’s (No. 7) and Bar Sathorn (31 spot-jump to No. 17).
Faye Huggett, Director of Community for “Asia’s 50 Best Bars,” shared in a statement that this year’s ranking was voted by over 300 independent Academy members across the region.
“[The 2026 list] showcases the remarkable depth and diversity of Asia’s bar scene,” Huggett also said. “It’s a clear reflection of how Asia’s cocktail culture is being shaped not just by its traditional capitals, but by a new generation of bars redefining what hospitality looks like across the region.”