The spree scene in Cebu

WAITING sucks. At 4 a.m., you would think that cabs are easy to come by, but not in Cebu, where it seems that teenagers have so defied the temptation of their bedrooms and their mother's curfew that there's no single available cab in the streets. As to whether they're on their way home or to another party, I wouldn't know. But definitely, they practically give new meaning to the word "nightlife"; teenagers seem to think of sleeping as another form of procrastination.

It is this Cebu energy that drives artists and entrepreneurs to flock to this city. During the weekend of the recent Sinulog Festival, a number of the country's top performers were down South to experience this vibe. Martin Nievera, the excellent performer that he is, brought the house down at the Waterfront Hotel.

Now I don't even want to guess where Cebuanos get their energy. Perhaps, it's the dried mangoes or danggit. But for whatever reason, teenagers here are swarming all over the place-from bars to gas stations. It wouldn't come as a surprise then if more and more hangouts would continue to mushroom all over the place. In fact, there are two relatively new nightspots-the Crossroads and Ayala Entertainment Center-that have bunched together some of the hottest clubs. The Smart Bar Tour took us to these places and allowed us to party till early morning. They are to be blamed for this insomnia mania among teenagers.

Brix Sports Caf‚ (Ayala Center)

The night is young and there's still room for alcohol in your body. You've barely picked up your energy. You've barely met up with all your friends. What to do? The Brix Sports Caf‚, at the second floor of the Ayala Center, may just hold the answer. Part chill, part techno, the mood in this bar is perfect for those who are just about to prowl for their night's prey. There are large tables at the corner that is a perfect tambayan for big barkadas. And while waiting, you may want to try out some Filipino meals that the caf‚ is ready to dish out for you.

However, their name is quite a misnomer, for billiards is the only sport we get to see in here. But then again, billiards can prove to be just enough for teenagers since everyone plays it. For Latin culture lovers, you may also want to check this place out for their music.

Ratsky's (Ayala Center)

This is probably the largest Ratsky's yet, and it's hot! Never mind if the show band performing still plays "Dancing Queen" or "Better Off Alone." You have to admit we all still feel that secret desire to get loose and dance on these tunes (Okay, Pam's guilty, not me). On that particular night, we saw Ogie Alcasid, Raymart Santiago and Mark Nelson dancing to "Sexbomb," among others. This fact is important, considering how Cebuanos tend to be easily starstruck, so don't miss out on Ratsky's if you want to do some star-spotting.

This two-level bar not only boasts of good music but also good food as well. Checking out the menu, we find some dishes irresistible if only for their creative names. For example, under the Barkada Feasts, the dishes are grouped into three: the Fresh Catch (seafood, calamares, shrimp, mussels), Pinoy (kinilaw na tuna, sisig) and Sosi (cheese, nachos, quesadillas and fries). Definitely, all are worth pigging out on. You must take note though that despite the numerous tables and spacious floors, the bar can be easily filled up with people so better get there early.

Also, check out Ratsky's from time to time for a concert of the country's top performers like South Border and Regine Velasquez.

M! V!da (Ayala Center)

Apparently, the Jennifer Lopez and Ricky Martin mania is still alive and kicking this side of the planet. M! V!da is known in Cebu as the club for all salsa and Latin music lovers. This place is always jam-packed with people who are ready to groove once the drums start beating.

Wild-spirited individuals are willing to motivate their boring counterparts by dancing on top of tables, the bar area and the ledge. And they're not just any individual, mind you. Some are actually drool-worthy.

Block Oneseven (Crossroads)

If you feel like wearing your leather jacket and displaying your marvelous dreadlocks, then just head on to Block Oneseven. Being here feels like being in an underground ghetto club, which is a cool place to be. The place has an industrial look to it matched with the two giant pseudo-industrial fans at the bar area. There are steels everywhere and for a moment, it does feel like you're in a block party somewhere. Block Oneseven seems small at first, but with some ecstatic fusion, the tight crowd seems all right.

The music is absolutely good and hard ravers are sure to enjoy it. You won't hear any of the mainstream techno music here, definitely. Think Toti Dalmacion, who is up the DJ booth that night we are the night's stalkers.

Vudu (Crossroads)

Perhaps, it is a bad night. Still, we cannot hide the question mark on our faces when we get to Vudu. It is a two-floor club, the first of which looks like a chill-out room for people who want to give themselves a few minutes of break. The second floor looks like the dancing area, but apparently, during that night, no one feels like doing so. The place is packed with yuppies and we fear that this can be the reason for the "conservative" partying that takes place. Anyhow, it may be worth checking out some time.