MANILA, Philippines - They were all fierce, fun and fiery. But among all those behind bars, he was simply the best. Raminad Ong, a.k.a “The Rookie,” of TGIFriday’s Robinsons Place Ermita, defended his title for the fourth time at the recent “2011 T.G.I. Friday’s Shake, Rattle and Pour” bartending championship.
“This year’s Barchamps was a hit. Ong has been making a name for himself at the Asian Bartending Tilt and even at the World Barchamps,” Lilet Martinez, TGIFriday’s vice president for operations, said.
Ong also won the Compulsory Round, which included the technicalities of pouring and speed and placed first in both Drink and the Bar Knowledge tests. He likewise impressed the judges and wowed the crowd as he showed off his smooth bottle-flipping and drink-tossing skills with never-before-seen tricks, flair and techniques.
Ralph Emerson “Flairformer” Daganio (of TGIFriday’s Mall of Asia), Ong’s closest rival, lorded it over competitors in the Pour Test Category and was first runner-up. TGIFriday’s Tomas Morato’s bet, Gen Rev Paul “The Revolution” Bacasno was not only declared the second runner -up, but was also awarded the “Fan Choice Award” as his photo was the “most liked” on www.facebook.com/welovefriday’s.
The other bartenders who vied for the title were Gabriel “Black Wizard” Perez (Alabang), Bryan “The Silent Tamaraw” Lozano (Robinsons Galleria), Joel “El Presidente” de los Santos (Bonifacio High Street), Edu “The Dream” Zamora (Sta. Lucia), Junjun “The Entertainer” Marcelo (Glorietta), and Aldrin “JavarTender” Javar (Friday’s TriNoma), Eric “Pinoy Pride” Esguerra (Friday’s Ayala Center Cebu), John Ariane “Mr. Multiple” Ocampo (Marquee Mall, Pampanga) and Lorenzo Miguel “Party Rocker” Salazar (Abreeza Mall, Davao City).
The panel of judges was comprised of Bobby Campos of Bacardi; Blessie Cruz of Cebu Pacific; Christy Genovea of Bistro Group of Restaurants; Fine Hone of Bulgogi Brothers International; and Divine Lee. The event was hosted by DJ Mo Twister and Kristine Caballero. Music was provided by GSM Mix.
Ong represented the Philippines in the Asian Bartending Championship in Kuala Lumpur last Oct. 16. Cebu Pacific took care of his airfare. The regional winner will then compete in the prestigious Friday’s World Bartending Championship in Texas, USA, in February 2012.