Hidden gem offers a unique experience for music and nightlife enthusiasts
Stardust Lounge, which is situated in Makati at 58 Jupiter Street, is more than simply a typical bar or restaurant. Its chic and excellent nightlife experience, with a particular emphasis on excellent music, is intended to appeal to all five senses.
The interior, designed by Angie Gonzalez-Hager, greets guests with a Hollywood-esque hallway featuring marble-like floor tiles, a ceiling adorned with disco balls, and a corridor of mirrors that create an atmosphere of glamour.
As guests move further inside, the velvet-lined furnishings and custom furniture give the space an air of exclusivity, reminiscent of vibrant Manhattan nightspots. Even the restroom is more luxurious than many five-star hotel facilities.
While many bars in Makati follow the usual formula, the management of Stardust has created a space that challenges the status quo, offering elegance and world-class appeal. Michael Chung, one of the owners based in New York, believes the lounge could easily fit into the high-end nightlife scene of New York City.
“I’ve been to lounges and clubs in NYC all my life, and Stardust looks and sounds better than most venues here. We wanted to offer an experience with the best dance music, played on vinyl and amplified by a state-of-the-art sound system,” he said. “Stardust is a tribute to Manila’s sophisticated music scene.”
The idea for Stardust was born from the owners’ shared passion for music. Chung and Peter Hager, both International School Manila alumni, were part of the mobile DJ group Nouveaux in the late ‘80s. They are joined by Andre Kahn, a former executive at Trans Radio Broadcasting Corporation, Louie Ysmael, a legend in the Manila nightlife scene, actor Alden Richards, and DJ Angelo de Dios. Their combined love for music led to the creation of Stardust, named after the iconic ‘80s nightclub Stargazer.
The journey to Stardust began in 2019 with a serendipitous meeting with David Vukovich, one of the owners of Traction speakers, which would eventually be used to elevate the lounge’s acoustics. By 2020, the team sourced high-end Traction speakers and began to conceptualize a lounge that would offer an immersive, high-quality audio experience.
Stardust’s sound system was carefully designed by Waxefield Sound Production Corporation and Basic Machinery and Acoustics Corporation, ensuring the acoustics matched the lounge’s upscale vibe. The lounge is equipped with Scicoustic Ltd. speakers, including two-way loudspeakers and low-frequency subwoofers, delivering a sonic experience that many patrons find extraordinary.
“I’ve been into music my entire life, but hearing the same song in Stardust feels like hearing it for the first time,” said Kahn. “The quality of the sound reveals details that you wouldn’t notice with lesser speakers.”
The music selection is just as curated. Chung and Hager sift through hundreds of vinyl records each month to craft the “Stardust sound,” while De Dios and resident DJ Arnel Genterone carefully choose tracks that fit the lounge’s vibe. Their goal is to offer fresh, future-forward music that creates a memorable experience for each guest.
Aside from its attention to sound, Stardust has also curated a selection of drinks and food that complement the overall experience. Signature drinks like the Euphoria cocktail and dishes such as Lomo Saltado, made with US beef tenderloin, and Beef & Mushroom Salpicao, are favorites among regulars. The owners pride themselves on delivering an experience that surprises and delights, even when guests don’t know exactly what to expect.
“It’s about offering an experience that people will enjoy, even if they didn’t know they wanted it,” said Hager.
Open every Tuesday through Saturday, Stardust provides a unique escape for those seeking a sophisticated, high-end nightlife experience. The lounge operates from 5:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. on weekdays and from 6:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. on weekends.
For reservations, patrons can contact 0917-1675800 or email reservations@stardust.ph. Follow Stardust on Facebook and Instagram for updates.
