HOW POCH ANCHETA GOT TO BE CHAMP
Now on its eighth year, World Class Philippines is committed to supporting the industry as it elevates the Philippine cocktail culture and scene
Diageo recently concluded the Philippine leg of the Diageo Reserve World Class Bartender of the Year Competition virtually, awarding Poch Ancheta, bar manager of
Skye, as the Philippine Champion for 2021. Ancheta will represent the country in the Global Finals to be held virtually in London this month against 50 other countries.
Now on its eighth year, World Class Philippines is committed to supporting the industry as it elevates the Philippine cocktail culture and scene. It is the biggest and most prestigious bartending competition in the world, where bartenders go head-to-head at a local level for the chance and the privilege to represent the country in the Global Finals. The Global Finalists then compete for the title of Diageo Reserve World Class Bartender of the Year.
The final stretch of the competition will be held virtually this year. Perhaps the most unique component in this year’s competition is the presence of Avatar Bartenders, who are skilled bartenders tasked to prepare and present the World Class finalists’ cocktails all in one space for judging.
Tom Cruise movie was his inspiration
After completing a series of qualifying heats featuring Diageo Reserve spirits such as Johnnie Walker, Tanqueray No. TEN, The
Singleton and Ketel One, Ancheta emerged victorious, besting 30 other hopefuls.
Initially intrigued by the world of bartending because of the movie Cocktails starring Tom Cruise, Ancheta recalls feeling inspired by the practice, but never thinking it would be his passion and profession.
Things all changed when he met Jericson Co, owner of The Curator Coffee & Cocktails, who became his mentor and paved the way for Ancheta to develop his bartending and leadership skills.
Filipino bartenders are a strong breed of resilience, talent and passion, and such was seen in Ancheta throughout this year’s competition and even well before that.
Ancheta, prior to his big win this year, had vied for the title five times before winning it. He speaks fondly of this journey and revels in his similarity with fellow World Class Bartender Lester Ligon, who tried three times before winning the title in 2018, and moving on to place 6th globally and to win the Ketel One Better Drinking Challenge — a major feature in the competition.
How it went down
For World Class Philippines 2021, the competition was held digitally last March in compliance with local government safety guidelines, up until the end of April. Thirtyone participants were grouped into two teams, each closely mentored by two of the most recent World Class Philippines champions: OTO’s David Abalayan (2019) and The Spirits Library’s Lester Ligon (2018). Ancheta was part of Team Lester.
It was an eventful two months consisting of five multi-platform challenges divided into three major rounds. Judges were previous World Class Bartenders of the Year for the Philippines AK Roxas (2013), Yoma Rivera (2014), Kenneth Bandivas (2015), Michael Tubiera (2016) and Royce Pua (2017).
Ancheta was a constant podium finisher in his team; and by the final round, only the top six remained. Alongside Ancheta vying for the coveted title were Kevin Corrales of South Bank Café + Lounge, Ralph Santos of The Spirits Library, Shinichi Itoh of OTO, Duane Legaspi of BCN and Jhon Parraba.
As he sets his eyes on the Global title, Ancheta takes with him his fierce belief in the potential of the Filipino bartending industry.
“The goal is to make a mark; to be the stepping stone for the next generation of bartenders to achieve greater heights; and to push the boundaries for Filipino bartending,” Ancheta said. “I want to establish the Filipino brand of bartending, which goes beyond just innovative drinks and well-executed cocktail presentations. It is uniquely ours because it is powered by the innate hospitality and desire to serve for which our nation is known.”
Follow Poch Ancheta’s journey in building the Filipino brand of bartending. Check out Project K.O.R.N. at