MANILA, Philippines — Kenneth Bandivas, a 25-year-old mixologist of speakeasy ABV is representing the Philippines in the global finals of 2015 Diageo Reserve World Class, the cocktail industry’s most prestigious mixology competition.
The local leg of the competition started in January followed by the semi-finals held last July in Bangkok, Thailand where Bandivas won the title of World Class Philippine Bartender of the Year. From there, he bested other mixologists and won the privilege of representing the country in the Global Finals.
Bandivas is planning to serve his classic cocktail called "The Bitter Felipe" in the Global Finals. The drink, which pays homage to his Filipino roots includes mixing bourbon and bittermelon liqueur altogether.
In the Philippines, the art of mixology has gained massive popularity, resulting to numerous restaurants that host bartending shows and competitions.
Bandivas will be competing in Johannesburg and Cape Town, South Africa with 52 other mixologists from around the world.