If you want an insanely good night out combined with some midget exploitation then Ringside Manila truly does take some beating.
Located in the “red light district” of Manila (well one of them) it is once again one o the go to places for a night out in the capital.
What the Ringside Manila?
Tucked away on P. Burgos Street in Makati, Ringside Bar has long been Manila’s most notorious nightlife oddity. Opened in the early 2000s, it borrowed a page from the legendary Hobbit House, swapping Tolkien-themed charm for a rowdy spectacle of midget boxing.
Where Hobbit House gave little people employment in a themed setting, Ringside turned it into a show. The bar went quiet during COVID-19, its future uncertain, but like much of Manila’s nightlife, it bounced back. Ringside is once again open, controversial as ever.
The Theme
Ringside isn’t just about midget boxing. It’s a full-on spectacle with a rotating cast of characters. On any given night you might see lady boxing, oil wrestling, or a mix of both. The bar is built around a central ring, with low lighting, loud music, and dancers weaving between tables.
Drinks are not cheap, the vibe is chaotic, and the crowd is a mix of curious tourists, regulars, and the occasional lost soul. It’s gritty, messy, and completely unfiltered, exactly what you’d expect from the heart of Burgos Street.
Rumor has it that the girls, and even the midgets can be bar fined, but we have never tested out this theoretical conundrum.
And the Midget Boxing?
When I was running stag parties through GNT, we worked with two regulars at Ringside. Jimmy the Midget (so called because his name was Jimmy and he was a midget) and Jose the Midget (same). Most nights they’d put on a bit of a show for the punters, but when I was there, they weren’t acting. They were genuinely laying into each other, swinging wild and not holding back. It wasn’t entertainment, it was carnage, and the crowd loved it.
These days the setup has gone one better. You can actually get in the ring and fight the midgets yourself. There are rules. You’ve got to be on your knees and box left-handed (I’m left-handed). You start off against two of them, but more keep jumping in until you’re facing six at once. I beat the shit out of those little bastards.
It’s chaos, it’s ridiculous, and it’s Ringside at its finest. One of your mates acts as the referee (or you can pay for one) and the whole thing will set you back close to $100. Worth every cent for the story alone.
How to get to Ringside and Back
Getting to Ringside Bar is a breeze if you’re staying in Makati. Located at 4853 P. Burgos Street, corner Kalayaan Avenue, it’s right in the heart of Poblacion’s red-light district. From most hotels in the area, it’s a short walk or a quick taxi ride. Just tell the driver “Ringside, P. Burgos” and they’ll know where to take you.
Once you’ve had your fill of the action at Ringside, there are plenty of other spots nearby to keep the night going. One standout is Filling Station Bar & Cafe, just a stone’s throw away at 5012 P. Burgos Avenue. This 24/7 American-style diner is decked out in 1950s memorabilia and serves up hearty meals, milkshakes, and cocktails. It’s the perfect place to refuel and soak in some retro vibes.
Ringside Bar
- Address: 4853 P. Burgos Street, corner Kalayaan Avenue, Makati, 1210 Metro Manila, Philippines
- Phone: +63 2 899 7106
Filling Station Bar & Cafe
- Address: 5012 P. Burgos Avenue, Brgy. Poblacion, Makati City, 1210 Philippines
- Phone: +63 917 833 7837
Both venues are staples of Makati’s nightlife scene and offer unique experiences that cater to a variety of tastes.
And is Ringside exploitative?
Is Ringside exploitative? Well, yes, of course it is—but that’s also part of its appeal. In the Philippines, the poor are often left to fend for themselves with little to no support from the government. Ringside gives midgets a chance to work, something that’s hard to come by in a country where job opportunities for marginalized groups are scarce. You might argue that it exploits them, but from what I’ve seen, many of the workers would rather have the job than not. It’s a harsh reality, but it’s the truth.
If you’re one of those people who likes to champion causes and avoid uncomfortable truths, then you might want to turn a blind eye to what Ringside represents. But here’s the thing: sometimes it’s better to face up to exploitation than to pretend it doesn’t exist, especially when it’s providing a job and an income. If you’re really about helping, embrace the uncomfortable reality instead of putting on your “snow white” glasses and denying these people a way to make a living. It’s a rough world out there, and Ringside gives them a chance to survive.
Click to check out my Philippines Tours with YPT.