On the rooftop of The Westin Manila, the city feels different. The traffic below is only a faint hum. The skyline glows as the sun slips behind the high-rises, and the air is softer than you expect in the middle of Ortigas. It’s here, on the 32nd floor, that Aire32 will open, an al fresco rooftop bar and events venue, completing the final stage of the hotel’s development.

Pronounced ai-re, meaning “air,” the name hints at its open-sky setting and the kind of atmosphere it aims to create. “This space was designed for social experiences rooted in conscious connection and balance,” said General Manager Alexander Dietzsch in a press statement. “Every drink is a toast to life, a celebration of family and friends, complemented with relaxing views and comfort food.”

The menu takes a thoughtful approach to what Alexander calls “mindful drinking.” Cocktails lean toward low-alcohol options, while mocktails are balanced to be both uplifting and easy on the palate. Spirits are sourced from small-batch producers who avoid artificial additives. This is indeed keeping with the brand identity of Westin, what with the various healthy options seen and tasted in their buffets and limited run menus in the past years. “Our selection includes spirits without artificial additives, sourced from small producers who prioritize quality over large-scale production,” Alexander said.

The drinks draw on surplus ingredients and local produce, not as a cost-saving measure but as a creative challenge. “We believe that utilizing surplus ingredients, local produce and flavors, and artisanal drinks is a starting point for creativity, imagination, and community collaboration,” Alexander said. “Our cocktails are crafted with intention, bringing out the flavorful harmony when the brightness and character of local ingredients meet the body of a good quality spirit.”

To match the drinks, Aire32 serves tapas and pica-pica that nod to the Spanish tradition of unwinding with small plates. Some dishes come directly from Cantabria by Chele Gonzalez, the hotel’s Spanish restaurant that focuses on flavors from northern Spain. These are the kinds of bites meant to be shared: simple, flavorful, and just enough to keep you lingering over another round.

The design reflects Westin’s biophilic philosophy, which builds spaces around a connection to nature. Aire32 uses natural textures, muted tones, and contemporary details that make the space feel both modern and warm. The seating is varied: high bar stools for casual drinks, low lounge chairs for long talks, and dining tables for more structured meals. A private, glass-enclosed dining room can host up to 75 guests, and a wall projection can be used for sports, presentations, or custom visuals for events.

“This venue is also ideal for an intimate wedding ceremony or any kind of celebration,” Alexander said.

At Aire32, the pace is slower, the drinks are intentional, and the view is a quiet reminder that there’s more to the city than its rush.