11 of Manila’s finest bars and their most talented bartenders will be competing in the Diageo Reserve World Class Bartender of the Year 2014. Dubbed as the Oscars of the cocktail industry, Diageo Reserve World Class is the biggest and most prolific cocktail education program and bartending competition across the globe.
World Class Bartender of the Year 2014 was launched in the Philippines last January 22 through a posh pop-up cocktail lounge, where all participating bars and bartenders were introduced:
Cristopher Bayon – Black Sheep
Joma Rivera – The Curator
Ernie Andog – EXIT Bar
Albert Salvador – Las Flores
Erad Joseph Adriano – Museum Café
Eduardo Yonzon – NinerIchi Nana’s
Jerry Miranda – Privé Luxury Club
Samuel Alcantara – Prohibition Liquor Lounge
Rian Asiddao – Raffles – Long Bar
Syrian Ebdane – Sofitel Philippine Plaza
Alyona Jeffery – Speakeasy
“World Class brings together the best and the most talented around the globe and this year, we are proud to have gathered 11 of Manila’s best bars and bartenders for the competition,” shares Marie Ona, Reserve Luxury Manager for Diageo Philippines. “This stellar line-up represents the thriving cocktail culture that we have in the Philippines, and tonight, we really wanted to put the spotlight on these bartenders and show the rest of the world the talent that they possess.”
To make the evening more exciting, guest bartenders Erwan Heussaff, Tim and G-Tongi Walters, World Class 2013 Bartender of the Year winner Allan King Roxas, and Hannah Waters, World Class Brand Ambassador for Southeast Asia, also prepared exclusive cocktails for guests to enjoy. DJs Bombi Balquiedra and Jessica Milner provided beats for the night, while Catriona Gray did a special performance during the program.
Tonight’s affair marks the start of an exciting journey for all bartending hopefuls. From January – May 2014, each market will host a series of qualifying heats and finals, to find their most talented and inspirational of bartenders. The winner will go on to compete in the DIAGEO RESERVE WORLD CLASS Bartender of the Year Finals, where 50 of the world’s best bartenders will pit their skills, impeccable technique, and knowledge against each other in front of the cognoscenti of the bartending industry.
“DIAGEO RESERVE WORLD CLASS tests every aspect of the bartending profession. To succeed, you need creativity, precision, theatre and an innate ability to connect with the customer. Participants are encouraged to push the boundaries and experiment with new flavors and techniques, which are then brought to life and enjoyed in some of the finest bars worldwide,” shares Hannah Waters, World Class Brand Ambassador for Southeast Asia.
Now on its 6th year globally, World Class continues to elevate the craft, innovation, and creativity within the industry. “World CLASS helps build careers in the industry and has been instrumental in changing the lives of the next generation of bartending talent.”
For more information, you may contact:
Felicia Mateo / Naissa Carmona
EON, The Stakeholder Relations Firm
Tel: +63917.555.7698 / +63917.511.0528
Email: felicia@eon.com.ph / naissa@eon.com.ph
