Blackbird

BLACKBIRD is the Aviation-themed, Contemporary European and Asian Restaurant of Chef Colin Mackay of Sala and People’s Palace fame. It is located at the Neilson Tower of the old Manila International Airport and is named after the fastest air-breathing manned aircraft. 

The ambiance is inspired by an Airport Terminal and its Art Deco building in the heart of Makati City and has a maximum capacity of 140 for dinner and 80 for lunch. The menu is inspired by the international nature of the former airport.

The Neilson Tower was originally the Manila International Air Terminal built in 1937 and was used during the Japanese occupation until 1947. 77 years later, Chef Colin Mackay has transformed it into one of the best restaurants in the Philippines today.

Nielson Tower Nielson tower was the home of the first national commercial airport. Laurie Reuben Nielson was a British-born man who moved to Manila from New Zealand in search of business opportunities in the 1930s. Nielson, an avid aviation fan, proposed the construction of an airport in order to encourage trade and travel between the Philippines and the rest. The 42-hectares of Hacienda de Makati he leased from Ayala & Cia were built into what was then the largest and most equipped Asian airport. Nielson Airport, a terminal building with control tower that resembled an airplane, was opened in July 1937.

The runways that are now Paseo de Roxas and Ayala Avenue were once known as the runways. In 1941, Philippine Air Lines Inc. established their first flight from Nielson Airport to Baguio. Nine passengers were onboard the Beechcraft Model 18 Beechcraft. Nielson Airport was transformed into the US Far East Air Force Headquarters after the Second World War.

In December 1941 the Japanese attacked the field and airport, using it for their entire occupation. Laurie Nielson, who was being held in Japanese internment camps in Hong Kong by the Japanese, was never heard of again. The airport was badly damaged in the war and was quickly rehabilitated by Philippine Air Lines. It became the main entry point for passengers flying into the Philippines.

Manila International Air Terminal Inc. operated the airport. On July 31, 1946, PAL was the first Asian carrier to cross the Pacific Ocean. A chartered Douglas DC 4 flew forty American soldiers to Oakland California. It made stops at Guam, Wake Island and Johnston Atoll.

The airport was closed in 1948 when PAL moved to Pasay City. Cia received the land. Many of the runway structures were destroyed to make way for the construction of Makati's commercial and business district. Today, the Nielson Tower is known as the Nielson Tower.

They preserve both the airport control tower and passenger terminal. These structures are the last pre-World War II buildings in Makati. Blackbird is the new home of the Nielson Tower, which houses a lounge and bar in what used to be the check-in area. There's also an oval grill room at the passenger terminal and a private space in the control tower.

Outside, there's a bar/dining area and a place to eat and drink where once was the tarmac. While the site was extensively redeveloped, it has maintained the authenticity of its original Art Deco design. THE AVIATION OUR TAKE ON THE CLASSIC GIN BASED COCKTAIL CREATED ALMOST 100 YEARS AGO BY HUGO ENSSLIN, THE HEAD BARTENDER AT THE HOTEL WALLICK IN NEW YORK. Ingredients 10ml Lemon Juice Colin Mackay is a Scottish-born chef and restaurateur who has made the Philippines his home since 2000.

His restaurants have been awarded numerous awards and are acclaimed for their outstanding cuisine. Kerwin Go Kerwin, The Inked Chef was first introduced to Colin in Malate's restaurants in 2003. Kerwin has traveled extensively since then and is currently the Head Chef at People s Palace. Kerwin oversees the Blackbird kitchen, where he created many modern Asian dishes.

Jonathan Jimenez The general manager of Blackbird, Jonathan Jimenez oversees all operations at the restaurant. Jonathan began working with Colin in 2005 as a restaurant manager at People s Palace Thai, Greenbelt. Jonathan previously held key managerial roles at a well-known steakhouse restaurant in the Philippines. Jordan Uy Restaurant Manager Jordan started his career in Shangri-La Hotel as a waiter before moving on to People s Palace Thai Makati where he was part of the opening crew.

Jordan later became the Restaurant Manager at Sala Bistro and developed his exceptional service skills, professional knowledge, and warm Filipino hospitality, which he brings to Blackbird.