Last February 21,2015, Pinoytender Management Consultancy in cooperation with Bacardi-Martini Philippines staged the Bacardi U-Mix Bartending Challenge ,a bartending competition for students that focuses on the “talking bartender” and the search for that ultimate cocktail. This is the culminating activity of the advocacy program of Bacardi Philippines, the Bacardi University for students which is now on its 2nd year.
The competition was held at en Route Distillery Tomas Morato in Quezon City. The venue itself gave its attendees a feel of what Bacardi is all about. A bottomless Cuba Libre bar with stunning models, Cuban songs filling the area, wood planks and barrels which takes us back to the country where the best international rum was founded.
The program started with the opening remarks given by the organizer of the event and proprietor of Pinoytender and Philippine Bartending.com Mr. Richie Cruz. As he puts it, “This is the first competition in the country to adapt this format for students (the talking bartender) because we want to develop the future players of the beverage industry in how they express themselves while making a drink. Our goal is to produce bartenders that can compete in international competitions and be future ambassadors of our brand. A bartender takes pride in the drinks he makes, a cocktail is a whole story on its own. We always invest in the youth and believe that one day we will achieve our road to LEGACY.
In order to know who is best for this year, 5 distinguished panel of judges were invited and these included:
Mitos Semana – champion Bacardi U-Mix 2013-2014
Jericson Co – Partner in Curator and Edsa Beverage Group
Rian Asiddao – Bartender of Long Bar in Raffles Makati
Jerry Miranda – Head Bartender Prive Luxury Club
Adrian Gearing – Training Director of Holland America
The mechanics of this competition is to make a cocktail in 5 minutes. But the twist is that they have to talk and explain what they are doing in English.
Criteria for judging:
Name 10
Technical Skills and presentation 10
Appearance 10
Aroma, balance flavours and character appeal 40
Ingenuity and innovation 10
Inspiration and story behind the recipe 10
Product knowledge 5
Promotional Plan 5
TOTAL 100
Deductions would include over time if the drink yield is appropriate
After the competition all of the participants were asked to sit down with the judges and had a debriefing of how they performed. As one judge said, “ You are all winners the fact that you are here in this competition. Never stop honing your craft and expose yourselves in the world of cocktails.”
Bacardi U Mix 2014-2015 Official Scores
Ansherina Vicente Umali 56.2
Tropical Sensation Joseph Tibayan 62.6
Cucuban Delight Joshua Parcero 68.6
Pristine Ansherina Bautista 57
Rogue Ralph Romasanta 44.8
Burst Jhon Parraba 73.6 3rd
Facundo’s Special Venian Duque 72.6 4th
Storge Charmaine Dela Paz 74.4 1st
The Summer Class Rizele Camille Trinidad 68.8
Cocorumba Emervin Torlao 73.8 2nd
The Heart of Flamel John Caballes 71.4
Best in Cocktail John Anthony P. Caballes
1st P5,000 trophy,medal.certificate, gift packs from Bacardi and World Class Concepts
2nd P3,000 trophy,medal.certificate, gift packs from Bacardi and World Class Concepts
3rd P2,000 trophy,medal.certificate, gift packs from Bacardi and World Class Concepts
Best in Cocktail
P2,000 trophy, medal, certificate, gift packs from Bacardi and World Class Concepts
Official Media Sponsors of this event are: When in Manila.com and Hospitality News Philippines.
This is indeed another historical event for Philippine Bartending in the aspect of Mixology. Kudo to Ito Zamora and Bobby Campos of Bacardi Philippines for making this event a reality.
Let us see where the road will take us.
