Bank Bar turns 3

For its third anniversary, Bank Bar brought in multi-awarded mixologist Otis Florence from New York to take over the bar for a three-night guest shift.

Florence is at the helm of Attaboy New York, a hot spot known for its limited seating that causes guests to queue for up to five hours. It has also consistently made it to the World’s 50 Best Bars list every year since it opened in 2012. Florence’s bartending career also includes New York City bars Pouring Ribbons and Milk & Honey.

His guest shift kicked off with a special bar program to celebrate Bank Bar’s birthday.

The day started with Insider Afternoon, designed by Bank Bar as an annual gathering of people from the hospitality and beverage industry. Florence spoke about two bartending styles in relation to his own list of New York’s best bars. Participants were then treated to three drinks — including the Tender Lime, which made use of Iron Balls Gin and ginger flavors — mixed exclusively by Florence and the bar’s team.

Later that evening, the bar reopened for Florence’s guest shift, where he was joined by the bar’s favorite global bartender Marek Vojcarcik.

On the special menu for the evening, as well as for the next two nights, was the Penicillin. It was originally created at one of Florence’s home bars, Milk & Honey, before becoming one of the world’s most-loved drinks. The eight-drink menu also featured three cocktails created for Bank Bar: the smooth and foamy Mango Gin Sour, the refreshing Gardener’s Kiss and Salted Grapefruit Negroni.

For the special celebration, the bar was transformed into a concrete jungle with its ceiling covered with hanging vines.

(For more information, visit Bank Bar Manila on Facebook and @bank.bar on Instagram.)

Bound

(From left) Anton Lorenzo, Nicholas Teotico, Mike Tomacruz, lawyer Alex Rivera, Siefred Guilaran, Gerry Qua, Ross Garcia, Jeff Dayrit and lawyer Wryan Te.

Siefred Guilaran recently held his fourth solo exhibition titled Bound at Art Underground in Mandaluyong City. I first noticed his paintings four years ago and thought the guy’s work was very unique.

Guilaran’s exhibit was centered on pilgrimage. The title of the show can be interpreted “either ‘bound’ as in the destination one is headed to/for; or ‘bound’ as in being held by/holding something.”

The artist’s process began by choosing photographic material selected from his personal collection, which he either took or was given to him. He recomposed the images for his intended composition and printed them out to process a screen for printing. The printed design was painted over with another layer to add another dimension to an initially flat output.

When one looks closely at an acrylic painting done by Guilaran on canvas or paper, it looks like random white dots. But when one moves further away from the painting, it is the only time one can see the image the artist intends to depict.

His beautiful works during the exhibit were all sold out. Many art enthusiasts, including me, hope that this talented artist would have more shows so they could get their hands on one of his works.

(Art Underground is located 814 Balagtas Street, Mandaluyong City. For inquiries, call 721-0745.)

Powerful Ferrari

Dennis Uy, Wellington Soong and Ferrari Far East and Middle East CEO Dieter Knechtel.

Autostrada, the official dealer for Ferrari in the Philippines, unveiled the Ferrari Portofino at The Cove of Okada Manila in Parañaque City recently.

The event also marked a milestone for Autostrada and Ferrari with the announcement of a new partnership with Udenna, headed by Dennis Uy. This partnership, a significant strategic alliance between Uy and Wellington Soong paves the way for the next generation in Autostrada to develop and grow the Ferrari brand in the Philippines.

The Ferrari Portofino had a global debut in Frankfurt last year. It was named after one of the most attractive towns located in Riviera in the Liguria Region. It is powered by the Ferrari V8 turbo, a member of the engine family that won the International Engine of the Year Award in 2016 and 2017.  The new car boasts an ability to punch out 600cv and to sprint from zero to 100km/h in just 3.5 seconds.

The Ferrari Portofino is the most powerful convertible car that Ferrari has ever produced.

(Check out www.ferrari.com.)

(Follow me on Instagram @pepperteehankee.)