TGIFriday's got the moves, the awards and the fun

MANILA, Philippines - Proving that they’re more than just superb food and big flavors, TGIFriday’s rocks the dining scene anew with three special feats that applaud some of the people behind the country’s favorite casual dining restaurant.

First to stir things up was veteran bartender Sir Raminad Ong of TGIFriday’s-Malate, who got the judges and the crowd abuzz with admiration at the World Bartending Competition held in Dallas, Texas. Armed with his signature bartending moves, breathtaking flips, tosses and tricks, Ong stood out in the intense exhibition and earned the judges’ approval, naming him second runner-up among barkeeps from different TGIFriday’s branches all over the world. He also received the “Most Favorite Bartender Award” for receiving the biggest online fan votes.

Excellent service is one thing which TGIFriday’s takes seriously. In fact, a regional conference is held annually to recognize the hardworking people who give food service that extra personal touch. This year’s winner was Foeds Villamayor who was awarded the prestigious General Manager of the Year Award for Asia Pacific Region. Villamayor started out as a manager-in-training (MIT) at TGIFriday’s and diligently worked her way up to general manager position at TGIFriday’s in TriNoma. Apart from the honor and recognition she earned, Villamayor also received a Rolex wristwatch and a certificate.

It’s more fun at Friday’s where customers will find some of the friendliest and most talented people. This was proven when TGIFriday’s Glorietta’s bartender Jun Jun Marcelo was tapped by the Department of Tourism (DOT) to represent the restaurant industry and showcase his bartending skills during DOT’s trip to New Delhi and Mumbai, India for the One World Travel Mart. Marcelo’s innate humor and hilarious antics coupled with his flair-tending expertise got him in the popular “More Fun in the Philippines” campaign of DOT that promotes the country as a premier tourist destination.