Top bartenders from all around the metro competed in the 8th edition of the Bacardi Legacy Cocktail Competition (BLCC), pitting their skills and creativity with the best in the nation. The challenge? To create a legacy cocktail that will stand the test of time and banner the rich Bacardi heritage.
Challengers were Alliuss Abrazado from Buddha Bar with his creation the Rosa de Ron; Kenneth Bandivas from Prisma featuring Sonreir; Larry Guevara from Alley and his cocktail La Mision; Orman Bag-ao from Long Bar, with Rain or Shine; and Ralph Allen Santos from Bitters featuring the Nos Unimos.
After weeks of brainstorming, practicing, and preparing, the grand stage was finally set for the BLCC National Finals at 12 Monkeys Bar in Makati. All contenders were ready to go head to head to present their award-winning cocktail creations.
The 2017 Bacardi Legacy Cocktail Competition National Finals indeed proved to be one of the toughest bartending competitions with each contestant showcasing why they deserve to be called as the best in their industry.
Each of the competitors was given seven minutes to present with two minutes preparation time. Within this time frame, they had to narrate the story behind their cocktail as well as explain why they chose their specific Bacardi rum. Contestants were judged not only by the taste of their drinks, but also how they marketed the drink during their segment. A group of esteemed judges, led by global brand ambassador Dickie Cullimore, and regional brand ambassador, Richard Irwin, spearheaded the panel in picking out the best of the best.
Who bagged the coveted title of being the Philippines’ finest?
After some intriguing moments of deliberation, Orman Bag-ao with his Rain or Shine cocktail was deemed this year’s Philippine champion. His bartending journey, ranging back from Davao to Manila, is definitely an inspiring one and has touched the hearts of the audience that night.
“I really didn’t expect to win. Being in the top 5 was enough. I was already happy doing what I love doing, but knowing that God gave me this blessing, who am I to not be gracious for it,” Orman said when asked about how he felt after winning.
According to him, his cocktail Rain or Shine, symbolizes the ups and downs in his life. Knowing that being a bartender is what makes him happy, he pursued this passion of his and he hopes that others will do the same in living out their dreams, no matter what the weather.
“All the finalists gave their all. It was a really close contest that put the judges in a tough situation. Each of them deserved to win, but I believe Orman is our best bet for this year. His passion and drive will certainly take him to great heights. Let’s all hope he continues this as he embarks on his journey towards the Global Finals in Berlin,” says Aurea Aguilar, Trade Marketing Manager & Bacardi Legacy Cocktail Competition Philippines Project Head.
This year’s BLCC Global Finals will be held in Berlin, Germany on May 18-24, 2017. Orman will be going against 39 other representatives from across the globe and hopefully he gets to cement his place in history as the next Bacardi Legacy Cocktail Competition Champion.