MANILA, Philippines - His bartending story began three years ago when he first joined TGIFriday’s Bartending Competition. Though he didn’t claim the title, winning third place honors, GenRev “The Revolution” Bacasno was not fazed at all. He kept on trying until he was finally adjudged Bartending King in this year’s TGFriday’s “Shake, Rattle and Pour Bartending Championship!”
His excellent showmanship, sunny personality and impressive working flair catapulted him to the top, earning him the title “ultimate bartender” and the chance to represent Friday’s Philippines at the Asian Bartending Competition to be held in Melbourne, Australia in November.
Rev represented Friday’s Tomas Morato, Quezon City and bested 12 other finalists, namely Mike “Mr. Unstoppable” Rabago (Glorietta); Edu “The Underdog” Manabat (Alabang); Wilfredo “The Entertainer” Marcelo (Malate); Francis “Most Wanted” Domingo (Robinsons Galleria); Joel “El Presidente” Delos Santos (first-runner up from Bonifacio High Street); Aldrin “The One ” Javar (TriNoma); and Marc “The Super Proxy” Bautista (SM Mall of Asia). Genrev also defeated bartenders from Friday’s branches outside of Metro Manila — Mark “Bar Rocker” Maranon (Ayala Center Cebu); Gino “Mr. Nice Guy” Simbillo (Marquee Mall, Pampanga); Lorenzo Miguel “Party Rocker” Salazar (Davao); Don Mark “The Bomb” Celestino (Eastwood); and Harold “The Juggler” Puno (Subic).
“I can still remember how disappointed I was with the result of my compulsory tests, I even told my parents not to watch me on the final competition,” Genrev Bacasno said.
In the Compulsory Round, all bartenders were tested in the technicalities of pouring and speed. Genrev lost to Aldrin Javar (who also went home with the “Most Popular Bartender” title) in the speed and pour-off challenges. “I realized that I cannot just relax and let this chance pass me by again,” he added.
So, 24-year-old Genrev revealed a fierce game plan and rocked the bar with his world-class bartending skills, his ability to entertain the audience and some card tricks that captivated the board of judges made up of April Sy, director for operations (Krazy Garlik, The Stock Market, Pig Out & Ma Maison); Aurea Aguilar, marketing manager, Future Trade Inc (Bacardi); Harlee Depositar , Fish & Co restaurant manager; Jay Server, bar and restaurant owner; and Cristy Genovea, administrator of Bistro Academy.
All his efforts paid off. Genrev made his parents, friends and co-workers at T.G.I.Friday’s-Rembrandt, proud.
Aside from the cash prize and a “wooden propeller” (a symbol that runs and propels T.G.I.Friday’s), Genrev will compete with equally skilled bartenders in Australia. The regional winner will then join the TGFriday’s World Bartender Championship to be held in the US in March next year.
“This is my time to shine,” Genrev beamed as he finally secured the much-coveted crown. “I am armed and ready for the Asian bartending competition. I will give them a good fight.”
‘The Revolution’s’ story has only just begun.