THEY say bad times boost beer sales. If this is true, beer companies are probably making a killing right now. Surprisingly, despite the current political and economic upheavals, bars, restaurants and all kinds of clubs are sprouting left and right. These entrepreneurs probably heard about the beer sales, too. Or maybe, Filipinos just like to drink.

Enter In Vino Veritas wine shop and tasting room. Its owners claim that it is the country's first wine bar.

But a wine bar? Here? Well, hey, who would have thought that with the warm climate, Manila would become coffee-drinking city?

New Concept

The concept of a wine bar is fairly new in the country. Owners John and Carla Maramara and Yvette and David Almendral though of opening one after noticing that there were no places in Manila that carried really wide variety of wines and doubled as a place to meet and talk with friends. So with that, In Vino Veritas formally opened December 9.

THOSE who take time to smell the roses and savor the wine also enjoy their lives.

Something new indeed. But that isn't the hook. Upon setting foot in the small shop at the Alabang Town Center, one finds the minimalist interior elegant and relaxing (also code for non-threatening, which is a plus for those who are ignorant about wine). Praises for this feat should go to Popi Laudico.

The food, wine and wine accessories are reasonably priced, the staff, a friendly bunch. The music ranges from chill-out to acid and classic jazz, which is fantastic for conversation (why shout at each other?) and quite good for meeting up with friends. This is and excellent place to bring a date to.