Photo by Star Sabroso
Kate Osmillo
Co-Founder of Raion Manila
Portfolio Brand Ambassador, William Grant & Sons Philippines
Kate Osmillo thought she’d spend her life in the kitchen. Dreaming of becoming a chef. But one day, she collapsed in the kitchen because of the heat, and the kitchen didn’t seem the right place anymore. So Kate pivoted, first to coffee, then to cocktails, where she found her footing behind the bar.
Her bartending career started at Hooch in Salcedo, where she trained under DrinkCollectiv’s co-founder and resident mixologist, Icy Mariñas. This foundation set the stage for her next chapter with David Ong, the visionary behind the acclaimed bars The Curator and Oto. Starting as the head bartender at Oto, she quickly honed her skills and took on the challenging role of bar manager, overseeing operations while perfecting her craft and elevating the bar experience for guests.
Click the video below for her full interview:
Competitions pushed her further. In 2017, she won the first Don Papa Cocktail Competition in the Philippines, proving she could hold her own in the scene. Two years later, in 2019, she won Glenfiddich’s World’s Most Experimental Bartender, earning a spot to represent the country in Scotland.
By 2022, her expertise had taken her beyond the bar. She became a Rémy Martin ambassador, and by 2023, she stepped into a new role as portfolio brand ambassador for William Grant & Sons in the Philippines. The shift meant fewer nights behind the bar, but it expanded her role in the industry, focusing on education, advocacy, and brand collaborations. In 2024, Kate co-founded her own bar, Raion, a concept that transforms from a cozy coffee shop by day into a cocktail bar by night. The space reflects her journey, bridging her background in coffee and cocktails.
“It’s the genuine smiles of the guests that matter to me; the satisfaction of service is essential.”
One of her major projects this year is the Ultimate Bartender Championship (UBC 2025) for Monkey Shoulder, set to take place in July. In this role, she will lead the competition, ensuring that bartenders showcase their best skills and creativity.
Kate seamlessly shifts between roles as a bartender, brand representative, and business owner, always staying true to her roots. Whether she’s behind the bar at Raion, leading a masterclass, or collaborating with global liquor brands, she continues to shape the drinks industry, one pour at a time.
What inspired you to pursue a career in the drink industry?
Honestly, I was just channeling my energy into exploring new things, and I wanted to understand all aspects of the food and beverage industry. During that time, I had already gained experience in barista positions, service, and management. Then, I wanted to focus on the liquid side of this industry.
Share a pivotal moment in your journey that shaped your career
Winning two competitions—Don Papa Cocktail Competition in 2017 and Glenfiddich’s World’s Most Experimental Bartender in 2019—in a row opened the doors to many opportunities and professional growth.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in the industry, and how did you overcome them?
I can say that during the pandemic, we almost closed our bar, and our health was at risk. Many bartenders lost their jobs, which made it one of the most difficult times in our lives. In this industry, we explored various alternatives, such as offering meals, rice dishes, and coffee, especially since Makati had a liquor ban at that time. We also had many gigs with brands, utilizing social media for promotions. We organized ‘inuman’ sessions, really leveraging social media platforms to earn money, as our industry was significantly affected during that time.
Who has been your greatest mentor or role model, and why?
For the mentors, I actually have a lot, especially when it comes to the foundation or the basic fundamentals of bartending. I’m thankful for Cedric Cello and Billy Garma, of course, along with the guidance of Icy Marinas (DrinkCollectiv co-founder and proprietor of the now-closed Hooch bar). For the connections and networking, of course, my mentor is David Ong (proprietor of the award-winning The Curator and Oto), who opened my eyes to a wider perspective in this industry. There are a lot of others, like bartenders from other countries, who are my inspiration.
What have been the most rewarding aspects of your work?
For me, it’s the bar takeovers. We usually get invited, not just locally but also internationally. This leads to an exchange of learnings, bartenders, cultures, and ingredients. Most importantly, it’s the genuine smiles of the guests that matter to me; the satisfaction of service is essential.
“Keep your passion burning, keep hustling, and keep accepting the challenges.”
What unique challenges do women face in the drink/bar industry in the Philippines?
Well, this is a male-dominated industry, and we women experience sexual harassment. For me, that’s a common factor that we encounter here in our industry.
What has been the most significant change you’ve witnessed in women’s representation in the bar industry in the Philippines?
Well, back in the day, there was gender discrimination, especially when I was starting out. However, I can see a significant difference now, as there is more gender equality and many female bartenders in Manila. I’ve noticed some outlets that prefer to have all-female bartending teams.
How do you use your platform to inspire women in the industry?
I’m always sharing stories about what I’m doing, such as my daily routine and guest shifts, focusing on the bartending side of things. I want to inspire other female bartenders with my experiences and the masterclasses I conduct as well. I’m really keeping them engaged and updated on everything I’m doing. I use my social media platforms to let them know, ‘Hey, this is what I’m doing. If you want to do it, go for it!
What advice would you give to young women aspiring to follow in your footsteps?
To all the young women out there, keep your passion burning, keep hustling, and keep accepting the challenges.
Follow Kate at @kateosmillo to get updates on her next adventure. You can visit Raion in Manila to see her behind the bar, located at The Corner House, San Juan, Metro Manila, open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 1am.
Read more inspiring stories of women in the world of drinks.
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