By:Tara Perez

At the end of the day, people look forward to a little relaxation and release of stress and tension. So what is it that most Filipinos do to achieve this? They gather a circle of friends and look forward to a night out that is full of entertainment and recreation. Usually, people go to disco houses and live band bars to ease their night away. However, a new entertainment and recreation found its way into the scene of Filipino night life — Karaoke. KTV bars in the Philippines are known to be the favorite recreation sites of Japanese tourists but it was never really known to be the scene for Filipino night life. At the turn of the millennium, the introduction of video karaoke machines in arcades captured the attention of people because these machines actually rated the singer’s talent. As human nature has it, competitiveness and persistence to beat the highest score captured the interest of Filipinos. In addition, the production of karaoke microphones provided people with home karaoke systems (so they can practice singing at home and compete against their friends in karaoke bars). Thus, people began to hang around in KTV bars.

So why do people like to hang out in KTV? Well, according to some regular KTV bar goers, its because of the way these bars are desinged. The bars are nice and “classy” and equipped with nice comfortable couches that makes the moment even more relaxing. The latest videoke machines and the latest songs (both foreign and local) can keep people up all night trying to sing all the songs that are available. Also, the bars makes the customers appreciate the place more because of its dual function as a restaurant and KTV bar.

There’s nothing like pigging out and singing each other away. No more singing and conducting your own bathroom concerts. Bring your friends, ready your money and head towards the nearest KTV bar and have in ming the moto, “If I sing, you sing!”

Leia Medina explores the CCP Complex - bikes,starstruck lovers and all. Tan Ramirez tries to dissect what makes comedy bars so appealing. Mao Obaldo proves that children can be night prowlers as well . Rachel Quinto delves into the metamorphosis of restaurants into hip dance places. Tara Perez vicariously lives out her karaoke dreams. Zeri Yulo gives a drink cheat sheet for the initiated. Anna Tetangco ranks the best dance clubs while getting on the groove herself while Chabeli Yujuico drinks coffee to keep awake in this flurry of activities.