Photo by Star Sabroso I Shot on location at Discovery Primea’s 1824 Whisky and Cigar Bar and Edge
Monica Llamas-Garcia
Communications Director and Co-Founder I Bleeding Heart Rum Company
Monica Llamas-Garcia worked as a professional event host and actor on screen and stage and was the Public Art Program Manager of Bonifacio Art Foundation Inc (BAFI) before working for Don Papa Rum full time. I jumped at the chance to be part of the development and eventual launch of Don Papa Rum because the idea of creating a global Philippine premium product and brand intrigued me and captured my imagination,” she shares. “There is never a dull moment. Creativity just flows.”
Monica’s experience as a woman in the industry hasn’t been that difficult. “Perhaps it’s because from the get-go we made a conscious decision to approach the market differently,” she muses. “We were not about to use “sex” or “sexy women” to sell our product. And perhaps, I personally don’t take crap from anybody, and they know it!”
“I encounter a lot of women in positions of power in the industry,” she adds. “In marketing, in distribution. My husband (who is also co-founder of Don Papa) had remarked that we encounter many husband and wife-teams. And wives sometimes actually take the leadership role where their husbands answer to them!”
“Maybe there just needs to be more awareness that it is a viable career path for women,” Monica says about bartending. “We started Don Papa with a female mixologist creating our first signature drinks. She was and is great! Having Kath Eckstein create our drinks didn’t prove a barrier at all. It was the opposite, we had media outlets that wouldn’t pay attention to spirits suddenly took notice.”
“In no shape or form am I oblivious to how tough things are for women,” she clarifies. “But in the same vein, I believe women have made great strides. We need to keep on supporting each other and propping each other up. And kudos as well to the men who recognize that we also can make an impact on the drinks industry.”
What can you advise aspiring women who would like to pursue a career in the drink world?
Approach it as you would any job you pursue. Do not use “being a woman” as a crutch or be apologetic that you are a woman. Be confident in what you bring to the table. If you are the most qualified person for the job, then make it known. Command respect and people will respect you. Be kind, smile, laugh. The drinks industry is a social industry. It promotes good times. Remember always to have fun.
What do you like to drink?
Wine for every day. An Aperol spritz is nice on a lazy hot afternoon. And to be honest, Don Papa on the rocks is something I quite enjoy, especially to unwind. Gin and tonic or a gin Martini are also something I would also order.
Where do you go for decent drinks in the Philippines, or abroad?
I plead the fifth on this one!
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