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 bartender is Dara Marie Carido. This up-and-coming bartender got her start flipping bottles at an American casual dining restaurant. She craved more knowledge about the craft of bartending and joined the team of 205 in BGC, where she learned about the basics of classic cocktails. From there, she moved to The Spirits Library in Poblacion, where, under the guidance of some of the best bartenders in town, she can explore and learn more about spirits and cocktails and get to flex her artistic side as well. Dara Marie Carido The pandemic has given her some perspective and made her focus on what’s important. “I have food to eat, home to live and clothes to wear that I am still blessed and thankful to the Lord for providing these things. It’s also an eye-opener to us that life is short so choose to be happy and that I should never stop learning,” Dara says. “I should value my health and be strong in mind and body. Learning to overcome challenges I didn’t know I could is an amazing feeling!” Dara wanted to make good use of her time during quarantine and decided to be proactive and up an online business, iCrave. iCrave offers milk tea, select silog (garlic rice and egg) meals, as well as lip-smacking marinated ribs for delivery. “I really wanted to generate my own money and contribute to our daily expenses,” she shares. “I was really scared to put up a business during the pandemic, but I realized that it’s not bad to give it a try and if you face it you will overcome those fears.” iCrave Marinated Ribs iCrave Milk Tea As a new business owner operating during a pandemic, Dara has encountered some unique challenges and has gained some insight into what can make a business successful. ” The 45% unemployment rate is not a joke. Everybody’s thinking twice before spending, “she says. “Since everyone and everything is online you, have to make a way to attract their attention to buy your products. Consistency and social network matters.” Dara urges those who would want to put up a business at this time to be bold and build a strong network. “Don’t be afraid to start your own business,” she advises. “Once you start, just take it day by day and your business will grow. Trust yourself that you can do it and you put your mind and heart into it. Also, don’t forget those people who support you and pass the good deeds support other local business too!” Catch Dara on #TipYourBartenderPH at 5:00 pm on August 21, Friday, on DrinkManila’s Facebook page. She’ll show us how to make her cocktail entry, Lovely Day, which pairs well with her marinated ribs. Show your support by following and ordering from iCrave on Facebook and Instagram and tipping Dara directly through GCash: 09063396953. Follow Dara on Facebook. Remy Cointreau is giving a bottle of Cointreau to the highest tipper for this program. Take a screenshot of your tip to Dara, and send the pic via DM to DrinkManila and the highest tipper will get the Cointreau bottle!