This Decommissioned Russian Aircraft Was Transformed Into a Vibin' Martini Lounge

Mosphil Philippines is an aero-ethereal bar destination for social and sophisticated drinking

Danah Gutierrez

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/2d501c3a-6032-4994-800d-4d3fc068e613_20240515_210712.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">A unique bar experience inside an Antonov 24B Russian plane, only at Mosphil.</span></span></span></div><p>The Manila bar scene continues to get inventive and creative with all the varying thematic interiors, immersive ambiance, and other unique experiences each has to offer. From projected walls that make you feel you’re bathing in light, to hidden speakeasies that let you enter through camouflaged doors, every establishment provides a different and distinct flavor. But as a frequent flier and globe trotter, this latest bar discovery captured my traveler&#x27;s heart. </p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/02a61cf5-3704-4e32-9aa5-a32082aeca19_20240527_134036.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Magic and mystery abound in Mosphil Philippines</span></span></span></div><p>Mosphil is a 20-seater martini lounge inside a decommissioned <strong>Antonov 24B Russian plane</strong>, parked inside the lavish grounds of <strong>Palacio de Memoria</strong> along Roxas Boulevard. It is under the ownership of <strong>Mabok MNL</strong>, a group led by <strong>Michael Hearn</strong> that excels in multi-concept food and beverage businesses, with their flagship brand being Run Rabbit Run, a popular and best-rated speakeasy bar in <strong>Poblacion</strong>.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/e26e28fb-88a3-4169-9475-5e9f86e2650e_20240515_211116.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Neon lights will dazzle you in Mosphil’s special cockpit</span></span></span></div><p>Driving from north to south was honestly daunting, but seeing the plane from afar as we entered the gates instantly made us enlivened and ecstatic. It’s easy to say it was well worth the trip. We visited in the nighttime, and the plane glistened underneath the moonlight, with the beautifully intricate backdrop of Palacio de Memoria’s mansion. It was a sight to behold. But what excited me the most was knowing I’ll be sipping on refreshing mixtures of libations and exquisite martinis inside a piece of history. </p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/d1c1bcd3-9164-43ab-ae1c-1b67f5b867e7_20240527_133536.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Bar things</span></span></span></div><p>The aircraft has been around since the ‘60s and was operated by <strong>Mosphil Aero</strong>, a domestic passenger and cargo airline service based in Makati for the southern Philippines. Once it was decommissioned, it was acquired by Palacio De Memoria, a historic mansion in Parañaque, currently owned by the Lhuillier Family. Today, the plane is reconstructed and renovated to be a dazzling Martini bar and lounge that’s sure to wow visitors and guests. </p><div><br/></div><p>Stepping foot inside the big metal airship will enchant you with its otherworldly vibe. Pin lights along spherical wood panels, upholstered captain seats, and see-through floors beautifully tie the whole interiors of the cabin. They wanted to preserve the nostalgia of what the plane has carried through the years, as you can see vintage knick-knacks and decorations everywhere. Old world maps, vintage luggage pieces, classic flight attendant hats, and even a Southern Reedbuck deer wall bust were used to bring out the soul of this aircraft. Ornate lamps, decadent tables, and repurposed flight appliances add a luxurious touch. </p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/acb637f7-1d2e-4c94-b964-84eab5ec1964_20240527_133604.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Vintage knick-knacks bring out the aircraft’s soul</span></span></span></div><p>As we sat down, Tony, the manager, confidently shared with us insights about the bar and menu. She was very personable, pleasing, and knowledgeable, and together with Mac, the bartender, they were an impressive duo. Their menu is curated with different styles of house special martinis and a few cocktails, and even though it’s not an extensive list, each drink is delicately prepared and concocted, with the perfect balance—enough to win an intimate crowd of drinkers. </p><div><br/></div><p>Their menu also shares deeper martini insights: </p><div><br/></div><p>“The origin of the martini dates back to the late 1800s. Today, it remains a staple on any classic cocktail list worth reading. Over the years, the martini has been influenced by wherever it is made—New York City, London, or Hong Kong, each city has their ‘twist.’ There is no one-size-fits-all martini, which is why the drink’s dedicated fans have developed highly specific orders tailored to individual preferences.”</p><div><br/></div><p>It’s my first time to try a proper <strong>Dirty Martini </strong>(gin, olive brine, dry vermouth with skewered olives), the classic James Bond cocktail, and I was very pleased (made me feel extra fancy, too). My personal favorite is the <strong>Lychee Martini</strong> (vodka, lychee, lemon juice and whiskey) because of its sweet and tangy blend, plus the ease and familiarity of my palate. For other variants, they have <strong>Marmalade Martini</strong> for those looking for a citrus punch, <strong>Chrysanthemum Martini</strong> for floral notes, <strong>Espresso Martini</strong> for coffee lovers, and <strong>Reviver No. 2</strong> for the brave ones who want the thrilling kick of Absinthe. </p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/bb2a925f-979e-4096-a2c3-832d827a82a4_20240515_212821.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">L-R: The Dirty Martini, The Marmalade Martini, &amp; The Lychee Martini, their trifecta of bestsellers</span></span></span></div><p>Their martinis are surely worth a try, but if you want other options, I highly recommend their <strong>Aperol Spritz</strong> that’s bright, sweet and citrusy, with an effervescent crisp. For a more classic drink, their <strong>Negroni</strong> is a harmonious blend of bitter, sweet, and herbal flavors with a refreshing and aromatic finish. It is both robust and sophisticated, making it favorites among classic cocktail enthusiasts.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/c03b5774-9a90-4a77-bc4b-9e2e76e49b83_20240515_215459.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/></span></span></div><p>Overall, my time at Mosphil is one that is to be remembered forever. With their no-compromise mindset when it comes to the freshest and best ingredients (their spirits and fruits directly come from importers), up to the regular trainings of their staff to go over and beyond what is expected of them, guests are assured that they get what they pay for, and more.</p><div><br/></div><p>I may have visited for the novel experience to drink and lounge inside a fancy, decommissioned plane, but what got me staying are the magical martinis, cool cocktails, and stellar service. For now, I shall go through my calendar and pin down a celebration I can host privately at Mosphil, because places as bewitching as this are meant to be shared. Every drink is priced at P490. They also host private events with drink-consumable rates. </p><div><br/></div><p>Check out Mosphil on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mosphilph" target="_blank">@mosphilph</a>. Palacio de Memoria is located at 95 Roxas Blvd, Tambo, Parañaque, Metro Manila.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Related Story: </strong><a href="/food/drinks/kyoto-s-bees-knees-bar-takeover-peninsula-manila/38210" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Japan&#x27;s Award-Winning Bar Pops Up In Makati</a></div><div><strong>Related Story: </strong><a href="/food/drinks/battuta-first-speakeasy-in-boracay/37871" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Battuta, the First-Ever Speakeasy in Boracay Is Here</a></div>

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This Decommissioned Russian Aircraft Was Transformed Into a Vibin' Martini Lounge

This Decommissioned Russian Aircraft Was Transformed Into a Vibin' Martini Lounge

Danah Gutierrez

Published May 31, 2024 12:32 PM PHT

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Updated May 31, 2024 01:49 PM PHT

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