The Philippine cocktail scene, long celebrated in community bars and hidden gems, finally received its first nationwide celebration with the historic Philippine Cocktail Fiesta. This landmark event, held from November 17 to 23, 2025, brought together over 100 bars from Metro Manila and spotlighted regional talents from Cebu, Iloilo, Dumaguete, and Siargao.
Cebu Takes the National Stage
John Park and Darrel de Garcia from Cebu City's The Lost Unicorn bar kicked off the weeklong fiesta with a guest shift at Skybar in Solaire North Resort on November 17. Their participation marked a significant moment for Cebu's beverage industry, showcasing its rapid evolution beyond the island's famous lechon and beaches. Park expressed his honor and excitement, noting in a digital interview that Cebu's cocktail scene is relatively young but full of potential.
For their opening shift, the duo collaborated with Destileria Limtuaco, incorporating local spirits like rum, calamansi liqueur, and coconut cream liqueur into their signature serves. They presented three standout drinks: Yakgwa, Bingsu, and Banana Milk. The following day, November 18, they demonstrated their versatility at Big Fuzz in Makati with another set of creations like Omija, Makgeolli, and Maesil.
Korean Roots Meet Filipino Ingredients
Park's mixology philosophy is a personal fusion of his Korean heritage and his home in Cebu. His cocktails draw direct inspiration from Korean drinks, ingredients, and snacks such as Yakgwa, Makgeolli, and Bingsu. However, he seamlessly weaves in local Filipino elements, creating a harmonious blend that defines his innovative style.
One of his most talked-about creations, Banana Milk, is a nostalgia-driven cocktail combining dark rum, spiced syrup, black tea, yogurt, and banana milk, served tableside from a distinctive banana-shaped flask. Another, the Bingsu, offers a Korean twist on the Filipino halo-halo, featuring local ube and dried young coconut. Park emphasizes that every component, whether strong or light, must work in balance to form one complete and cohesive drink.
Building a Community Through Craft
For Park, bartending is more than just a profession; it's about community, craft, and meticulous attention to detail. He credits the supportive industry and the growing interest in mixology for fueling Cebu's dynamic scene. The Philippine Cocktail Fiesta provided the perfect platform to connect with peers from other cities and integrate Cebu into the nation's expanding bar community.
As the festival concluded on November 23, Park and de Garcia succeeded in offering attendees a genuine taste of Cebu's culture and its emerging voice. Park's final reflection highlighted the island's great community and the unstoppable growth potential of its cocktail industry, signaling that Cebu is now firmly on the national mixology map.
