Genrev Bacasno is 2013 TGIFridays Asia-Pacific ‘Bartender King’

MANILA, Philippines - Genrev Paul Bacasno of TGIFridays Tomas Morato proved that he is the bartender to beat when he was declared TGIFridays 2013 Asia-Pacific Bartender champion.

Held on Sept. 10 at TGIFridays in Bonifacio High Street, Genrev bested Matt Ambler of Australia, Yogesh Yadav of India, Daniel Lee of South Korea, Koki Yokoyama of Japan, and Wang Zhai of China.

Also known as “The Revolution,” the 25-year-old bartender wowed the judges with his grace and illusion stunts. He also engaged them in a lively conversation while mixing their preferred drinks.

But prior to the final leg of the competition (which was the flair tending), Genrev already stole the judges’ attention during the Compulsory round where they took a “drinks exam” where they had to memorize 100 drinks (its preparation and ingredients) by heart; the Pour Test (measurement of each shot they make), the Garnish Test (the right cut/measurement of say, a lime), Wine Opening Test, and the Speed round where they needed to make five drinks on the spot. Needless to say, Genrev outshone all the other contestants.

Genrev shared that he was more confident now because of his experience in last year’s Asian Barchamps held in Melbourne, Australia where he won second runner-up honors.

“That experience helped polish my skills. I’m also lucky to have coach Chi Sicat, one of the best bartenders in TGIFridays; and the support of my TGIFridays family,” he enthused.

The judges were Donald MacQueen, managing director of TGIFridays Asia Pacific; Martina Lichorobiecova, director of bar and beverage, Carlson Restaurants (the company that operates Friday’s Stores worldwide); Mike Olk, senior director for International Restaurant Excellence, Carlson Restaurants; Jeremy Hanlon, director for International Culinary Menu Development, Carlson Restaurants; and media personality Rod Nepomuceno.

“All TGIFridays bartenders embody the brand’s passion of giving our guests only the best when it comes to novel cocktails, great food, and flair-tending skills,” said Guia Abuel, TGIFridays VP for operations. “Hosting this year’s competition means we have more reasons to celebrate the talented mixologists that we have in the country who, like Genrev, can be pitted not just against the best in Asia, but even the whole world.”

Genrev Bacasno will be representing the country in TGIFridays World Bartender Championship to be held in March 2014 in Dallas, Texas.