Filipina bartender to showcase talent on global platform
Kristina Tubig bested other competitors and will represent the Philippines on the world stage through the Patrón Perfectionists program.
Over the years, Patrón Tequila has been supporting bartenders from around the world through its Patrón Perfectionists program. The program has contributed to the global bar culture by discovering and developing bartenders who create and share outstanding Patrón cocktails taking inspiration from their hometowns and culture.
The Philippines has produced talented bartenders over the years. Many have received opportunities to work all over the world, whether in bars or cruise liners. The Patrón Perfectionists program gives Filipino bartenders a platform through which they could further showcase their talents and Philippine culture to the world through their cocktails.
The Patrón Perfectionists program was rigorous, with one going through several rounds until preliminary contestants were narrowed to 10 finalists. The 10 finalists were further trimmed to five, and the top five competed for the much-coveted National Championships in an all-day competition at Hola Bar on 21 November 2022.
After a thorough deliberation and after each finalist showcased different aspects of the country’s culture and their hometowns through their skills and recipes, Kristina Tubig bested other competitors and will represent the Philippines on the world stage through the Patrón Perfectionists program. Tubig, who currently works at Southbank Cafe + Lounge, won the national competition with her signature cocktail called Breaking Norms. With her tenacity and perseverance, she joined again this year and finally won after failing to qualify last year.
When asked about how she feels to win, Tubig said she still can’t believe it as the competition was tight and so many talented mixologists joined this year. About the inspiration for her cocktail, she said she likes breaking the norm and showcasing something different and out of the ordinary. She wanted to show not just flavors but techniques not usually seen here in the Philippines.
Her winning cocktail was made using a mix of classic techniques and molecular gastronomy techniques, employing science to create different ways to enjoy cocktails.
Tubig is the first female bartender from the Philippines to win the Patron Perfectionists National Finals. She said that she’s so happy because she has always wanted to show what women can do because the competition and the industry are dominated by men, so it was a great opportunity to represent women.
Lawrence Gabriel was last year’s national champion and is now working Trade Ambassador for Bacardi Philippines. Asked about his experience from last year, he said he “learned more about how Patrón tequila and the Mexican culture are deeply intertwined.” Asked about advice for Tubig, he said that it is important to “research on the brand, study your ingredients, make sure to stick with the inspiration/concept of your drink, and lastly don’t forget to enjoy the journey!”
Tubig will be flying and competing at the Patrón hacienda in Jalisco, Mexico, this February.
For more information about Academia Patrón Perfectionists and the Patrón Perfectionists program, visit