Over the years, PATRÓN tequila, the world’s number one Super premium tequila, remains steadfast in its commitment to support bartenders from around the world through its PATRÓN Perfectionists program. The PATRÓN Perfectionists program has undoubtedly contributed to the global bar culture as it continues to spearhead its advocacy of discovering and developing bartenders who create and share outstanding PATRÓN cocktails taking inspiration from their hometowns and culture. 

The Philippines is one such country that has produced talented bartenders over the years. There is no shortage of talent from the country when it comes to bartenders, as 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 the Philippines’ culture to the world through their creatively crafted cocktails. 

Going through the PATRÓN Perfectionists program was a rigorous one, going through several rounds until preliminary contestants were narrowed to 10 finalists. The 10 finalists further trimmed to 5 and the top 5 competed for the much coveted National Championships in an all-day competition held at Hola Bar last November 21, 2022.

And after a thorough deliberation and after each of the finalists showcased different aspects of the country’s culture and their hometowns through their skills and recipes, it was Kristina Tubig who bested the rest this year and will represent the Philippines at the world stage through the PATRÓN Perfectionists program. Kristina currently works at Southbank Cafe + Lounge and was able to win the national competition through her signature cocktail called Breaking Norms. Kristina, with her tenacity and perseverance joined again this year and finally won this year’s much coveted National Championships after failing to qualify last year when she initially joined. 

When asked about how she feels to have won and her inspiration for her creation Kristina says, she still can’t believe it as the competition was tight and so many talented mixologists joined this year. As per her cocktail, she likes breaking the normal and showcasing something different, something out of the ordinary. Kristina wanted  to showcase 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 using science to create different ways to enjoy cocktails.

The opportunity for Kristina Tubig will surely be an unforgettable one. She is the first ever Female bartender from the Philippines, to win the Patron Perfectionists National Finals. Kristina says that she’s so happy because she’s always wanted to show what women can do because the competition and industry is dominated by men contenders so it’s a great opportunity to represent women. Lawrence Gabriel, who was last year’s national champion and is now working as The Trade Ambassador for Bacardi Philippines.  Asked how his experience from last year he said “he learned more about PATRÓN tequila and the Mexican culture deeply intertwined with it.

And when asked if he has any advice for Kristina who will represent the country at the PATRÓN Perfectionists program, he says 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!”

Kristina Tubig will be flying and competing in The PATRÓN hacienda in Jalisco Mexico, this February for the PATRÓN perfectionists Global Finals.

For more information about Academia PATRÓN Perfectionists and the PATRÓN Perfectionists program, visit https://www.academiapatron.com/patronperfectionists