Photo by Star Sabroso I Shot on location at Discovery Primea’s 1824 Whisky and Cigar Bar and Edge
Vanessa Singson
Chief Executive Officer I VASST Exchange International Inc.
Vanessa Singson got into the spirit distribution world when she moved back to Manila back in 2016. She helped a friend distribute Stella Rosa Wines without really expecting it to grow. “But our orders started getting bigger, so we decided to bring in more product. Then Vasst Exchange International Inc. was born, and that was the beginning of my career in importing and distributing wines & spirits,” she says. They started small, with only a team, which consisted of Vanessa, her husband, and partner Jennifer Lorenzana, an employee, and they did everything themselves. “What I love is that I have grown with my company and learned so much,” says Vanessa. They have now expanded to over 20 brands which include SelvaRey rum (rum owned by Bruno Mars) and California’s Ventura Spirits, and have more coming in.
“I think that the industry today is evolving,” she says of women in the spirit world. “Women like you and I have every opportunity in this industry! If anything I feel like being a woman is an advantage because I’m always underestimated. People don’t expect me to be the CEO of the company.”
What can you advise aspiring women who would like to pursue a career in the drink world?
Anything is attainable when you work hard, focus, and have an amazing peer system and team. This industry is welcoming many women! This is your time!
What do you like to drink?
My go-to drink is gin or vodka and soda with lots of lemons! I like my drinks simple and sour!
Where do you go for decent drinks in the Philippines, or abroad?
The Back Room in BGC, Kermit in Poblacion (for SelvaRey cocktails), and margaritas at Hacienda Comida in BGC. Abroad, I like the cocktails in Toca Madera Jean Georges (Waldorf Astoria) in Los Angeles, and The Old Man in Hong Kong. All these places have very well-curated cocktails!
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