Problem Child

Problem Child opened on Jupiter Street in Makati in September 2025 and made an unusually fast rise. In March 2026 it was named Best New Bar in Tatler's Best-in-Class awards for the Philippines, and in July 2026 it entered Asia's 50 Best Bars at number 44, which also made it the highest-ranked bar in the country that year. It was founded by Kevin Corales and Patrick Leyble Jr, with Wendy Esteban.

The bar's big idea is constant change. Every three months it rebrands itself, with a new drinks profile, new staff uniforms and a new identity built around a single colour scheme. Instead of a traditional back bar lined with bottles, it uses colour-coded storytelling to frame each menu. That means the drinks list you see on one visit may be gone by the next, so regulars return to see what each season brings.

Despite the experimentation, the bar takes classics seriously. Tatler picked out the Martini as a must-try alongside the Ube and the Amethyst, and the founders have given familiar drinks such as the Negroni a tropical twist. The two founders bring different backgrounds to the counter, Corales from cooking and Leyble from electronics engineering, which may explain the mix of technique and playfulness.

As a recent arrival with international recognition, the bar can be busy, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights, so arrive early in the evening or contact the bar through its social channels to ask about reservations. Opening hours and the current menu theme are best checked there before you go. Dress is smart casual, and cocktail prices are in line with other leading bars in Makati.

Because the theme changes every quarter, it is worth asking the bartenders which colour and story the current menu is built around, and how the drinks connect to it. If you are visiting with friends, order different cocktails and share tastes, as that is the quickest way to understand the season's ideas. Carry ID, and plan your ride home before the late-night rush for cars.

Problem Child fits easily into a Makati night out that starts with dinner at one of the city's Bib Gourmand restaurants, such as Lampara in nearby Poblacion. It suits cocktail enthusiasts, couples and small groups who want to see where Manila's bar scene is heading. If you only have time for one serious cocktail bar in the city, this is a strong candidate.