Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest DrinkManila launched #TipYourBartenderPH as a way to help out our local bartending community during these trying times. Every Friday, for #DMHappyHour, we’re showcasing a bartender who will share a tasty cocktail recipe that viewers can do at home, as well as give them a platform to promote their small business. People can show their love by supporting the featured bartender’s business and directly sending them a tip. This week’s featured bartender is Jeremie ‘Auie’ Benisano. Auie has been in the industry since 2013 and got his career boost when he was given the responsibility of handing the Macallan Whisky Bar at the VIP Level of Solaire Resort. After leaving Solaire, he worked in a private membership club in BGC and then got the chance to run the bar at Gallery by Chele, one of Asia’s best restaurants, where he was able to really immerse himself in the bar industry. From there, he moved to Mistral Rooftop Bar where he worked as head mixologist until the pandemic hit. Since he started, Auie has joined a few competitions, placing second at La Maison Cointreau 2018, winning the First Pisco Competition in the Philippines with Don Revy’s Pisco Bauza, and was named champion of Apotheke Craft Spirits‘ Opihr Gin Competition and represented the country in the regional competition in Vietnam. Auie Benisano Like many in the industry, Auie was hit hard by the effects of the pandemic. “It was sudden that after the announcement of ECQ bar and cocktails are no longer part of the system,” Auie shares. “Everyone on our outlet was informed that we will not be reporting for work which means that we will be earning less than what we used to have.” Despite the challenges, he still found a positive side to this. Spending more time at home and having the space to slow down and focus on himself has given him a new appreciation for his family. “Being at home for 90 days straight will really bring out a different version of yourself,” he says. “I saw and learned a lot of things that my kids and wife are doing on a daily basis. And our relationship got deeper. I am now part of their night routines and this is one of the best things I’ve gained during this pandemic.” With his source of income cut down because of the pandemic, he needed to find a way to provide for his family. That’s when he came up with Anroe’s Glazed Chicken. They are currently offering three flavors: Sweet Garlic Soy, Paprika and Herbs, and Rum and Sesame. And since Filipinos love rice, thery’re offering rice meals as well. Anroe’s Chicken The idea for Anroe’s started from their kitchen. “It’s one of our family’s to-go meals. My wife loves it, the kids love it,” Auie says. “With Anroe’s we get to share our family’s traditional glazed chicken to others.” Even though it hasn’t been easy, he sees the value of putting up a business at this time to provide for his family. “Online business is at its peak during this pandemic. We prefer to get all our things online than to take the risk outside, especially with little kids at home,” he explains. “So starting this online food delivery business is a great way to earn some extra income to sustain our daily needs and to pay all the bills. It was really hard at first since you don’t get the same income that you used to. But it is what it is. When you have a family, you don’t quit, you think of other ways to survive.” His main advice to those who would like to start their own businesses is to pray, be excited about what you’re doing, and don’t compare yourself to others. “My lovely wife tells me every time I think and plan on starting something is for me to pray hard for it,” he shares. “And after praying for what you had in mind, make sure that you are happy doing those things. Because if you are happy then you’ll never get tired and you’ll never run out of ideas. And the last thing, never look to others’ sales and income and compare it with yours. It will just lead to you getting demotivated. So pray hard, be happy, think clearly, and enjoy!” Show your support by following and ordering from Anroe’s on Facebook and tipping Auie directly through his GCash: 09063900305. Follow Auie on Facebook and Instagram. Maker’s Mark is giving a bottle to the highest tipper for this program. Take a screenshot of your tip to Auie, and send the pic via DM to DrinkManila and the highest tipper will get the Maker’s Mark bottle!