XO KTV
XO KTV is a mid-range karaoke lounge on Mabini Street in Ermita that positions itself as a cleaner, more transparent alternative to the area's less reputable KTV operations. The venue occupies two floors: a reception and bar area on the ground level, and eight private KTV rooms upstairs ranging from small two-person booths to a large room that seats 12. The rooms are air-conditioned with modern karaoke systems carrying an extensive song library in English, Tagalog, Korean, and Japanese. Room rates run 500 to 1,500 PHP per hour depending on size. Hostess services are available at 800 to 1,000 PHP per hostess per session. Drinks are ordered separately: beer at 100 PHP, cocktails at 180 to 250 PHP. The venue posts its prices at the entrance, which is unusual for Ermita KTV bars and a deliberate differentiator. The staff are professional, and the billing at the end of a session has been consistently reported as accurate.
Where to stay near XO KTV
Hotels and rentals within walking distance.
What to Expect
A clean, well-maintained KTV with private rooms and transparent pricing. Hostess services are available but not mandatory. The atmosphere is a step above the average Ermita KTV lounge.
Clean and professional, with a more organized feel than many Ermita KTV operations.
Karaoke with an extensive library covering English, Tagalog, Korean, and Japanese songs
Casual. No requirements.
KTV visitors who want transparent pricing and clean rooms in the Ermita area
Cash or GCash. Credit cards accepted for bills over 2,000 PHP.
Price Range
Room rate 500-1,500 PHP/hour, beer 100 PHP, cocktail 180-250 PHP, hostess 800-1,000 PHP per session
Room ~$9-27/~8-25 EUR per hour, beer ~$1.80/~1.65 EUR
Hours
18:00-03:00 daily
Insider Tip
Ask for the price list at reception before choosing a room. The smaller rooms are the best value for one or two people. Book ahead on Friday and Saturday nights, when rooms fill up by 9 PM.
Full Review
XO KTV solves the main problem with Ermita's KTV scene: unpredictable pricing. The venue posts its rates clearly at the entrance and reception desk. Room rates, drink prices, and hostess fees are all visible before you commit to anything. This transparency alone puts it ahead of most competitors in the area.
The rooms are well-maintained. The small room I used had a modern touchscreen karaoke system, a comfortable couch, a table for drinks, and functional air conditioning. The song library was extensive, with current hits alongside classics in four languages. The sound quality was good, better than the aging systems at some neighboring KTVs.
I booked a small room for 500 PHP per hour and ordered two beers at 100 PHP each. A hostess was offered at 800 PHP for the session. I declined, and there was no pressure. The total for a two-hour visit came to 1,400 PHP, exactly what I expected based on the posted prices.
The crowd included a mix of Korean tourists and Filipino groups. The larger rooms on the upper floor were booked by what appeared to be office parties. The reception area had a bar where visitors waited for rooms to become available, creating a small social scene.
XO KTV is not the cheapest option in Ermita, but the transparency and cleanliness justify the modest premium. If you want to do KTV in this area without worrying about surprise charges, this is the safest bet.
The Neighborhood
XO KTV is on Mabini Street in Ermita, surrounded by other entertainment venues and restaurants. Robinson's Place is within walking distance.
Getting There
Take a Grab to Mabini Street, Ermita. XO KTV has signage visible from the street. The nearest LRT station is Pedro Gil.
Address
Mabini Street, Ermita
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Ringside Bar
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Hangar 18
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Memories Bar
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