Ka Freddie's in Manila

        For folks looking for a night of good music in Manila, check out Ka Freddies, Adriatico corner Pedro Gil, in Malate. It is the bar owned and operated by Freddie Aguilar, the famous folk singer who got his start singing to US Navy sailors in Olongapo in the 1970s. Freddie Aguilar performs just about every night that the bar is open. On Wednesdays, he performs with his incredibly talented kids and on the weekends with his band and some guest stars. The food is fine and the beers are cold enough, but the real attraction is Freddie Aguilar. He is the consummate professional, having played all over the world, and he delivers a solid performance even when there are only a few folks in the audience. The Aguilar family is also a famous and at time controversial clan. When multiple Aguilars are on stage, there is a strange energy in the room. They are enormously talented but there is a clear undercurrent of turbulence. And that makes it even more interesting and entertaining. The only criticism: don't order the pizza. They are comically tiny and include fake cheese. Other than that, check the place out if you want a night of great music.