Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Industry insiders and supporters flocked to HOLA Eat Drink Play last November to witness the latest prestigious Patrón Perfectionists cocktail competition. After two intense rounds, Kristina Tubig of Southbank Cafe and Lounge was crowned this year’s Patrón Perfectionists national winner. She impressed the panel of judges comprised of DrinkManila’s co-founder Icy Mariñas, former beverage manager of the famed Rosewood Hotel Hong Kong Arcadius Rybak, Patrón Perfectionist Philippines 2019 winner Jason Ali, and Patrón Perfectionist South Africa 2021 winner Cassandra Eicchoff, and will be representing the Philippines in the global finals at Hacienda PATRÓN, Jalisco, Mexico, in March 2023. Kristina Tubig and her Salo-Salo cocktail Kristina presented her Hometown Hero cocktail, Salo-Salo for the top 10, and her Breaking Norms cocktail for the top 5 My Masterpiece Challenge, which catapulted her to the top spot of the competition. Breaking Norms by Kristina Tubig: Patron Silver Tequila, guava pandan liqueur, orange bitters, guava cordial pod, garnished with pulverized spiced guava Kentt Yap of Cafe Cha placed second, while Jaz Jan Juan of The Spirits Library, Aliuss Bernard Abrazado of Unknown Bar Sheraton Manila Bay, and Lance Tabilin of Water & Wine Provisions round out the top 5. Felix Vergara of Flame (Discovery Primea), Esse Magsino of Polilya, Jet Javier of Cafe Claus Eastwood, Clayton Paul Munar of Alibi Lounge and Bar, and Cherrie Ann Alegre of A’Toda Madre make up the rest of the top 10 for this year’s competition. Find out more about this year’s Patrón Perfectionists top 10 and their Hometown Heroes here. This year’s national finals featured two challenges that tested the skills of the contenders. Hometown Hero, the entry challenge that tasked bartenders to develop a unique cocktail that blends Patrón Silver Tequila with their local culture, using ingredients from a prescribed list. After this, the roster was narrowed down to five, and they had to present a cocktail that reflected the theme of My Masterpiece, wherein each bartender had to create a drink that included one ingredient used in three ways. Two challenges were implemented this year as Patrón Perfectionists has expanded into a more holistic bartending program, to reflect the growth of the existing competition and Patrón tequila’s long-standing commitment to inspiring and nurturing the on-trade community. After an impressive showing at last year’s competition, placing second after champion Lawrence Gabriel, Kristina used the time in between to hone her skills and get better at her craft. She was ready for this year’s competition, and it showed. Her presentations stood out for confidence, creativity, sophistication, and execution. Kristina will be competing against the other 18 national winners and the one Wild Card winner from the four corners of the globe to compete in the global finals series of challenges taking place at Hacienda PATRÓN, Mexico, in March 2023. The Wild Card winner will be taken from the pool of first runner ups from the national competitions, so there is a chance that the Philippines will have two contenders on the global finals roster. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Academia Patrón (@academia_patron) “It’s an honor to be this year’s representative for the global finals, especially being the first female to win the nationals,” shares Kristina. “For me, there is no more supportive, more unified industry than the bartending industry. I’m really glad that Patrón created this competition where we can showcase our talents and express ourselves.” “It’s been an honor competing alongside some of the best bartenders in the Philippines. The competition was pretty tight since all the participants brought their A-game. But one thing I loved the most is that there is no pressure between me and the competitors. It’s an absolute friendly competition, we supported each other and we just enjoyed every moment. It’s like a year worth of experience in just one day,” she adds. Lawrence Gabriel, Patrón Philippines Trade Ambassador and last year’s national champion is pleased with the results of the competition. “ I’m so proud of all of our contenders this year. There’s a mix of veterans and new blood and everyone did well. Their personality, creativity, and knowledge really came through in their presentations” Lawrence notes. “Kristina’s performance was excellent. We’ll be doing some trainings to prepare her for the global finals, and we can’t wait to go to Mexico in March to show the world what Filipino bartenders are capable of.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lawrence Christopher Gabriel (@rencewithbenefits) Follow Academia PATRÓN on Facebook and Instagram for updates and information about the competition. Check out https://www.academiapatron.com to learn more about PATRÓN Tequila.