An inexpensive way to experience Vegas

There is an inexpensive way to experience Las Vegas clubbing.

Down Boni Avenue at a place called the Venue Tower, is Club Mwah where you can see, feel and smell the air of Vegas. The only twist is that Club Mwah is run by Filipino entrepreneurs and the performers are truly Pinoys. As the Pinoy's answer to Caesar's Palace, Club Mwah bewitches and bedazzles not only with its performances but with its physical grandeur-relaxing yet energetic, classy yet affordable.

An amazing dance repertoire that is Broadway and Las Vegas inspired opens this year's Club Mwah entertainment. Called Bedazzled 5, it offers new surprises never before seen in Club Mwah's previous presentations. Who's That Girl, Madonna's hit song is turned into a spectacular production with beautifully gowned damsels wearing colorful masks. I Feel Pretty from the hit Broadway musicale West Side Story is fun as Club Mwah dancers make a spoof of the number. Marilyn Monroe's Diamonds Are a Girl's Bestfriend, is a full production where dancers actually hold a huge diamond. Little Mermaid and Titanic are made into comedic numbers. A delight to watch is the Samba suite reminiscent of the colorful Mardi Gras Festival in Rio de Janeiro. Queen Nefertiti is resurrected in the Egyptian tableau where a whole phalanx of slaves and soldiers dance against a giant Pyramid and Sphinx as backdrop. Liza Menilli's Cabaret is given life by dancers who remind us of the glamorous '40s and '50s.

However, Club Mwah is not limited to "imported" performances. It will also showcase Filipiniana numbers - folk dances with the Vegas twist. "This is in addition to the Bedazzled 5 and Follies de Mwah. It's like Bayanihan at Caesar's Palace, " says Pocholo Malilin, vice president and administrative officer.

It's only the beginning of the year and great things are happening at Club Mwah. Recently, it was accredited by the Department of Tourism as Tourism Entertainment Club (by virtue of Accreditation no. 001-2006 pursuant to Exec. Order 120) given by DOT Undersecretary Atty. Oscar P. Palabyab. "Every establishment yearns for this," Pocholo explains. "And Club Mwah is the first awardee this year."

The stars of Club Mwah have been getting good reviews for their performances. They have a standing invitation to perform in Agana, Guam. There is also an on-going negotiation for a performance in Beijing, China. "Club Mwah dancers are crowd drawers," adds Pocholo.

Club Mwah opened in 2004 with amiable and enterprising owners Chris Nicolas and Pocholo . The duo dreamed of having a venue that will showcase Filipino talent and artistry. Club Mwah has been a recipient of three awards, all given during the first year of operation. It has also captivated Manila's bar going crowd even those whose club meters are exceptionally high.

Club Mwah has something for everyone. Guests who prefer to just relax and keep to themselves can stay at the Quiet Room where they can watch movies, sing-a-long, talk or listen to music of their choice. Club Mwah also hosts parties, launches, shows, concerts and plays. It has free valet parking.

Club Mwah! opens at 8:30 pm Dinner is served while guests are listening to the beautiful music. At 9-10 pm there's disco or ballroom dancing. Bring your own partner or DI. Showtime is at 10pm.

For reservations, call Club Mwah at 535-7943, 532-2282 and 631-6009, or visit Club Mwah at The Venue Tower, 652 Boni Ave. Mandaluyong City, and get Bedazzled by the newest and hottest spot in the country's clubbing scene. Visit its website at www.clubmwah.com.

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