Slipping away from the busy streets of Manila, you find Ruby Wong’s Godown, a hidden bar inside the Admiral Hotel Manila MGallery. This speakeasy, usually a quiet spot for a sophisticated drink, became something more on June 26th and 27th, 2025. For those two nights, Quinary, Hong Kong’s top mixologists led by Quinary’s Bar Manager Kai Ng and Head Mixologist Jackie Wong took over.
Quinary is famous for being among the World’s 50 Best Bars and Asia’s 50 Best Bars, known for creating new and exciting cocktails. They use something called Multisensory Mixology. This means they carefully blend smells, tastes, and textures to engage all your senses.
The real magic came from their special drink menu, made with Don Papa Rum. This premium rum, made right here in the Philippines, was the perfect base for Quinary’s skills. Quentin Renard, the Hotel Manager, shared, “We want to bring talented mixologists from top Asian bars to Manila and partner with local brands that share our vision. Don Papa is a leading local spirit that honors its Filipino roots.”
Yssa Yecla, Admiral Hotel’s Restaurant Operations Manager, explained this event is becoming a tradition. “This is the second international bartender guest shift we’ve hosted here at Ruby Wong, and we plan to do it every year,” she said, mentioning last year’s event with Kinsman mixology artisans. This year’s visit was also part of the MGallery Collection’s World Cocktail Months celebration.
Beyond the amazing cocktails, this two-night event, fully supported by Don Papa Rum, turned Ruby Wong’s into a lively spot for creativity and new experiences. The bar’s speakeasy feel was enhanced by Discollectiv spinning live jazz vinyl, creating a cool and relaxed vibe. For something extra, Malditattoo Studios offered on-site tattoo and piercing sessions, adding a unique touch to the evening.
This was much more than just a bar takeover. It was a lively celebration of taste, art, and drinks that excite all your senses. It was a chance to see cocktails not just as drinks, but as carefully made works of art meant to thrill you. As you left, the taste of innovative cocktails and the memory of a truly unique night stayed with you, showing Ruby Wong’s dedication to bringing the best of the world to Manila.
