This New Rooftop Bar in Ortigas Promises Thoughtful Cocktails and Stellar Views

Another bonus: the food menu at Aire32 at The Westin Manila is overseen by Chef Chele Gonzalez.
IMAGE PHOTO: The Westin Manila

We already wrote about a relaxing staycation at the Westin Manila in the heart of the Ortigas business district, but the hotel isn’t done introducing new offers for guests and visitors. Earlier this month, the hotel under the Marriott International Group opened a rooftop bar called Aire32. 

Aire32 is located at the 32nd floor of The Westin Manila in Ortigas

aire32 at The Westin Manila exterior
The Westin Manila
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Located 32 floors above the bustle of San Miguel Avenue, Aire32 is named after the Spanish word for air. Open, breezy, and intimate, it has sweeping views of Ortigas that stretch all the way to the west. Get there just before sunset and you’ll get terrific views of the daily spectacle, which bathe the concrete and glass buildings in bright gold (weather permitting, of course).

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The space itself is easy on the eyes: muted earth tones, touches of natural wood and stone, and a layout that gives you options. There are bar stools if you’re here for a quick drink, low-slung lounge chairs if you want to sink in, and proper tables for those settling in for the night.

There’s also a glass-enclosed private dining room that can seat about 20, perfect for work celebrations that deserve a bit more polish. The entire bar fits around 75 guests—intimate enough to feel exclusive, but open enough to keep the energy lively. And then there’s a clever wall projection that can be customized for private events—everything from corporate presentations to wedding backdrops.

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Aire32 serves a fine selection of cocktails, wines, and food

aire32 at The Westin Manila food and drinks
The Westin Manila

Low-alcohol cocktails

One thing that sets the bar apart from other hotel bars is its cocktail program that highlights low-alcohol content that encourages slow sipping for extended stays. 

“Our carefully curated drink collection includes low-alcohol cocktails for conscious consumption,” said the Westin Manila General Manager Alexander Dietzsch. “Other unique offerings include well-balanced mocktails that are both relaxing and uplifting, Our selection includes spirits without artificial additives, sourced from small producers who prioritize quality over large-scale production.”

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Golden Grove Sour

aire32 at The Westin Manila golden groove sour
The Westin Manila

Elixir Mestizo

aire32 at The Westin Manila exterior elixir mestizo
The Westin Manila

My first sip was also one of my favorites: Midnight bloom (Tried and True vodka, Ratafia Rossi, blackberry syrup, lemon juice, and fresh basil) was light and refreshing. Rumba de Piña, meanwhile, is an interesting mix of Planteray Dark Rum, Campari, pineapple juice, and calamansi. Finally, another favorite is Elixir Mestizo, which is Tried and True Vodka, langka-basil cordial, calamansi, banana liqueur, and egg white.

The food selection is just as special at Aire32. And how could it not be with no less than Chef Chele Gonzalez, the chief architect of the exquisite Cantabria restaurant next door, at the helm of the menu? There were jamon iberico bombs, which is explosive panipuri and jamón ibérico bites; pintxo de ensaladilla y gambas (tiger prawns and potato salad on toast), tosta de sobrasada con miel y nueces (chorizo spread on a sourdough toast with parmesan, walnut, and honey) and croquetas chili crab con mayonesa de lima (creamy chili crab croquette with lime mayonnaise). 

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Rumba de Pin?a

aire32 at The Westin Manila exterior rumba de pina
The Westin Manila

Midnight Bloom

aire32 at The Westin Manila exterior midnight bloom
The Westin Manila

A quick weekday escape

What I liked most about Aire32 is that it doesn’t scream nightlife or force you into a party mood. Instead, it just feels like a space designed to help you exhale after a workday grind. The cocktails are smart and light on the guilt, the food is thoughtful and shareable, and the views are unbeatable.

For anyone working in Ortigas—or looking for a new rooftop spot in the city—this is one worth the elevator ride.

 

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