For many Filipinos, bartending is often seen simply as the art of mixing drinks and serving guests. But behind every well-crafted cocktail is a discipline that demands precision, creativity, hospitality, storytelling, and years of dedication behind the bar.
For more than a decade, Diageo World Class has been instrumental in elevating the standards of bartending worldwide, helping shape some of the industry’s most respected professionals.
Run under the Diageo Bar Academy, World Class is recognized as one of the most prestigious bartending education and competition platforms globally. The academy provides training, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to hospitality professionals across the world. Since its launch in 2009, it has empowered bartenders through continuous learning and an annual global competition where national champions from more than 50 countries compete for the ultimate title.
In the Philippines, this mission is carried forward through World Class Philippines, which focuses on discovering and developing local talent while preparing bartenders for international competition.
Building Skills Beyond the Bar
Bartender trainer and former World Class competitor Lester Ligon, who represented the Philippines at the 2018 global finals in Berlin, shared how the program goes beyond technical skills.
“Bartending was never just about making great cocktails. It’s about understanding people, creating experiences, and staying relevant in a constantly changing industry,” Ligon said. “World Class pushes bartenders to think beyond recipes—it develops creativity, storytelling, and critical thinking.”
Industry advocate Rian Asiddao also highlighted the program’s impact since the Philippines joined in 2013, calling World Class the “Olympics of bartending” and noting its role in elevating Filipino talent and fostering global connections.
More Than Just Cocktails
Participants are evaluated not only on technical execution and spirits knowledge, but also on creativity, hospitality, storytelling, and the ability to craft meaningful guest experiences. Many draw inspiration from Filipino culture, local ingredients, and personal journeys—helping define a distinctly Filipino voice in global cocktail culture.
Inspiring Success Stories
In 2023, Alyssa Lorenzo made history as the first female World Class Philippines Bartender of the Year. She went on to represent the country on the global stage in São Paulo, Brazil, describing the experience as a defining moment in her career.
More recently, Ralph Allen Santos of The Spirits Library was crowned 2025 World Class Philippines Bartender of the Year with his winning cocktail “Kapwa,” inspired by Filipino community values and bayanihan spirit. His journey from first joining the competition in 2016 to finally winning the national title reflects years of perseverance and growth. Santos later represented the Philippines at the global finals in Toronto and continues to apply the program’s lessons in his role in Singapore.
“World Class taught me to approach cocktail creation with intention—focusing not just on flavor, but on storytelling and guest experience,” Santos said.
Road to the Next Champion
The next milestone takes place on June 9, 2026, at Skybar in Solaire North, where 15 finalists will compete for the title of World Class Philippines Bartender of the Year. The winner will represent the country at the global finals in Scotland this September, joining top bartenders from around the world.
More than a competition, Diageo World Class continues to serve as a platform that develops talent, strengthens the local bartending community, and showcases Filipino creativity on the global stage—proving that Filipino bartenders can stand among the best in the world.
