Meet Your Bartender: Kristina Tubig

We’re putting the spotlight on Kristina Tubig. An upcoming star in the local bartending scene, Kristina has proved herself in the brief time she’s been in the industry. Bagging the prestigious Patrón Perfectionists 2023 national title has certainly put her and her home bar, Southbank Cafe + Lounge, on everyone’s radar. Armed with ambition, natural talent, and genuine curiosity about the craft, Kristina is certainly one to watch out for.

We sat down with Kristina to get to know how she got started in the industry, the challenges she’s faced in a male-dominated field, and her advice for aspiring bartenders.

How did you get into the bartending industry?

“Back in college I always knew that I wanted to be a bartender. But becoming a bartender can be extremely difficult if you don’t have any experience. So I decided to start off as a waitstaff in Southbank Cafe and Lounge then climbed my way through bartending after 6 months with the help of my senior bartenders who patiently taught me everything that I need to know about this industry.”

How does it feel to be the first female bartender to represent our country in the Patrón Perfectionists global competition?

“It feels empowering knowing that this industry is male-dominated. And it also brings me joy knowing that I inspired some women bartenders to join competitions.”

How are you preparing for the competition?

“I always plan for everything— the good and the bad. I always think that anything could happen. Most importantly, practice. There is no better way to get good at something other than practicing.”

What are you excited for about the competition?

“New experiences, meeting other finalists around the globe and to gain knowledge from them as well. Overall I’m excited to visit Hacienda Patron to learn the whole production process and to experience the culture of Mexico.”

What’s the best pieces of advice you’ve received from other bartenders?

“I think it would be: Don’t be afraid to fail. This advice helped me to see failure in a different perspective. That just being able to attempt to do something is already a win.”

What advice can you give those who want to join international competitions?

“There’s no harm in trying. If you really want it, you should go for it. My mantra when it comes to competing is ‘Play to win but also be ready in case you don’t.’ After all either you win or lose, you’re going to learn new things.”

What are the unique challenges of being a woman in the industry? And how have you overcome them?

“I think it would be intimidation. But I always remind myself that what men can do, women can do better.”

What advice can you give to the women out there who want to be bartenders?

“Go for it. Bartending can be a little scary because of late night shifts and memorizing a lot of stuffs. But this is also the best and fun career to take.”

Kristina will be representing the Philippines in the global finals which will be held at Hacienda PATRÓN, Jalisco, Mexico from March 24 to 30, 2023. She will be battling it out with 15 other talented global finalists in three challenges that will test their skills, hospitality, ingenuity, and much more.

The competitors have to impress three sets of judges: Sandrae Lawrence, Giulia Cuccurullo and chef Ana Martorell for Challenge 1: Field to Flavor; Ivy Mix, LP O’Brien and Harrison Kenney for Challenge 2: The Stories We Share; and the grand finale named Mi Mesa es Tu Mesa (my table is your table) will be judged by the entire panel of seven, accompanied by Lauren Mote, PATRÓN’s Global Director of On-Trade Excellence and head of the Perfectionists program.

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.

Check out the highlights of the Patron Perfectionists 2023 national finals here.

UPDATE: Due to Visa issues, Kristina will be unable to join this year’s finals. She will be joining next year’s global finals.