Idolstar Restobar

Idolstar Restobar is at 158 M.H. Del Pilar St. in Marikina. It's a small neighborhood restobar with karaoke, and the karaoke is the whole point. Want somewhere easy to sing with friends without renting a KTV room? This is it.

The setup is simple. Casual tables, a mic that rarely sits still and a songbook that goes around the room. The playlist is whatever your table picks, which usually means OPM ballads and the hits everyone knows. Don't come for a concert sound system. It's about having fun, not sounding perfect.

Drinks are beer and the usual spirits at fair prices. There's food to go with them, the kind of pulutan that keeps you going through a few rounds. Dress is casual.

Most of the room are regulars. Marikina locals, workmates unwinding after a shift and barkadas singing until somebody's voice gives out. Friday and Saturday are the nights it fills up. Weeknights are calmer, and you'll get more turns on the mic.

There isn't much about Idolstar online beyond its Facebook page. Check there for hours and promos before heading over. Tip: put your songs in early. On a busy night the queue gets long, and nobody wants to wait an hour for their power ballad.