Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest We’re putting the spotlight on Billy Ranchez. Billy has honed his craft over years of experience behind the bar. With a keen eye for detail and an adventurous spirit, he continuously pushes the boundaries of mixology, crafting unique and unforgettable drink experiences. Winning the esteemed Patrón Perfectionists 2023/24 national title has catapulted both him and his home base, The Spirits Library, into the limelight. We recently caught up with Billy to delve into his journey into bartending, how he’s preparing for the global finals, and his words of wisdom for budding bartenders. How did you get into the bartending industry? “When I was still in culinary school and under-aged, I worked part time in pubs as a cook but mostly waited tables. Then I landed my first real job and transitioned from the kitchen to the bar. It felt right and had the sense of satisfaction where I thought to myself that this is what I want to do. After working for hotels in Baguio, an opportunity came from Panjee Singleton (of Banter & Jive), asking if I would like to join her team in opening Her new cocktail bar. I said yes and decided to move to Makati and left Baguio.” “The culture in Poblacion (Makati) was very bright. From the people in the industry to the art to the food, everything was overwhelming to me, but this was the perfect place to master my craft and get exposed to the cocktail culture. Job after job, I was searching for a bar that would be the right fit for me, where I could learn, push beyond my limits, and be a better bartender. Finally, I asked Ralph Allen Santos (The Dean of Spiritual Arts at The Spirits Library) for an opportunity to work for him and Doc Lee Watson. That’s how I got to work for The Spirits Library with an amazing team.” What were the inspirations behind your cocktails for the Patrón Perfectionists national competition? MABAYA Mabaya: Patrón Reposado, Yakalz Cordial, soda water “A childhood memory of summer was the inspiration for the flavors of my take on the Paloma. When I was a kid, we would spend hot summer afternoons playing patintero and tumbang preso (popular outdoor Filipino children’s games). There was a big guava tree that we would climb and pick fruits off of nearby and we would also suck on the nectar of gumamela (hibiscus) flowers that grew below it. The highlight of our afternoon snack is the samalamig (a collective term for various Filipino sweet chilled beverages), and we would drink, laugh, and rest after hours of playing.” MAÑANA Mañana: Patrón Silver, avocado liqueur, citric water, avocado syrup, dehydrated avocado spice, avocado seed “I was inspired to create a cocktail with a single ingredient from skin to seed in the Margarita de Mexico challenge. Apart from being in line with Patrón’s movement towards sustainability, it’s also about creating a solution where we can use avocados wisely.” Competitions often push participants to their limits. What was the biggest challenge you faced during the competition, and how did you overcome it? “The greatest challenge for me was building my spiel. It’s twice as hard for me to speak in front of a lot of people. During the preparations, I would often lock myself in our employees room to practice how to speak with confidence and conviction. I practiced reciting my spiels while I took a shower, walked to work, and even while eating. This was something that I appreciate because it helped me build up my confidence and how I sound for the national finals.” Winning a prestigious competition like Patron Perfectionists must come with its fair share of attention. How has your life changed since winning, both personally and professionally? “Personally, people would recognize me more often than usual with the title of national champion tied to my name. Professionally, my seniors and managers expect more from me.” How are you preparing for the global finals? “I prepared as much as I could for the national finals and I still had some lapses with my performance. Plus, I realized that researching and developing takes a lot of time. With the global finals coming up, I’m doing this all again but in a timely manner so I won’t rush or cram. Everything has to be perfect.” What are you excited for about the global finals? “To discover Mexico, meet new friends and eat a lot of tacos. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received from another bartender? “Claude Delima (bartender at The Spirits Library and winner of Diageo World Class Bartender of the Year PH 2022) told me that we are never wrong to chase our dreams. And that we, ourselves, are the ones who decide where we grow. Sharing this with me helped me to decide on what risks I should and shouldn’t take.” For aspiring bartenders looking to follow in your footsteps, what advice would you give them for entering and excelling in competitions of this caliber? “Focus on expressing who you are behind the bar, it’s a platform to share your story. Master your craft, and always be open to being corrected by learning something new everyday. And never be afraid to chase down that dream while having fun.” Billy Ranchez will compete against 14 other countries in the global finals at Hacienda PATRÓN, Jalisco, Mexico, in May 2024 together with last year’s national winner, Kristina Tubig. 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.