Heavy rainfall did not deter drink enthusiasts from all over the metro from converging for the launch of the new website DrinkManila.com on the evening of August 25th at the steampunk-inspired cocktail bar, Hooch. The first and only online drink destination in the Philippines, DrinkManila seeks to bring all things drink-related to the Filipino public. The website covers news, features, products, and events in the beverage category, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, with stories about the unique local drinking culture, easy-to-follow drink recipes and videos, the best places to drink in the metro, and the people who work hard to create our favorite drinks.
Cherry Malaya and her crew played smooth RnB hits as guests enjoyed free-flowing cocktails, Scotch, wine, and champagne served in Schott Zwiesel glasses. Guests were plied with a steady stream of craft cocktails created especially for the launch by Hooch’s creative team led by head bartender Sam Webster, made with spirits from DrinkManila sponsors: the spicy So Hot Right Now (Absolut Blue, orange, and chili), the indigo-hued In the Bushes (Absolut Kurant, blackberry, apple, and basil), the refreshing Remy Mistral (Remy Martin VSOP, cucumber, apple, lime), the crisp Tito’s Garden (Tito’s Handmade Vodka, apple, cucumber, and elderflower), and the robust High Society (Chivas Regal 12y/o, Pedro Ximenez, and pineapple). Bruichladdich, The Classic Laddie Islay single malt hit the spot for whisky lovers while AWC Philippines, Inc. supplied guests with full-bodied Chateau Cap de Fer 2012 and sparkling wine Anna de Codorniu.
DrinkManila.com is led by publishing industry veteran Tatum Ancheta as the Editor-in-Chief, restaurateur and booze-columnist Icy Mariñas as Marketing Director, and publisher Patricia Romualdez. They are backed by President and CEO of MFCB Group Arnold Liong. Mr. Liong addressed the revelers, inviting everyone to check out the innovative website, and declaring that this is definitely something to watch out for and that the best is yet to come. DrinkManila.com is published under Stargate Media Corporation, the same publishing house of PeopleAsia Magazine.
There was also a raffle of nearly a dozen prizes: bottles of Absolut, Remy VSOP, Tito’s Vodka, Chivas, Bruichladdich, rare bottles of Godet Cognac (including the brand new Antarctica Icy White) from AWC Philippines, Inc., a decanter from Schott Zwiesel, and a bottle of Anna de Codoniu sparkling wine.
This was definitely not the night to abstain. Everyone was craving a drink (or five), which works perfectly for the website’s tagline: Are you thirsty? The answer can be found at DrinkManila.com.
This event was made possible with the support of our sponsors: AWC Philippines, Inc., Remy Martin, Bruichladdich, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Chivas Regal, Absolut, Hooch, and Schott Zwiesel.
For more information about DrinkManila.com visit the site today or follow @DrinkManila on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Video coverage by Star Sabroso • Photos by Miguel Bernal
