Ralph Allen Santos 2025 Diageo World Class Philippines Bartender of The Year
The 12th Diageo World Class Philippines wrapped up last May 26 at Opal Bar in Poblacion, Makati. Seventy-six bartenders from Luzon to Mindanao, including finalists from Baguio, La Union, Iloilo, Bacolod, and Davao, competed through online challenges and a live showdown that tested their skills and personalities, using Tanqueray No. Ten, Don Julio Tequila, and Johnnie Walker Black Label.
The journey kicked off with a digital content challenge on January 22. Bartenders had to craft a Johnnie Walker Blonde and Black Label cocktail that was shareable online. Following that, the final rounds took place in Cebu and Manila. The talent pool ran deep, but in the end, Ralph Allen Santos—known as the “Dean of Spiritual Arts” at The Spirits Library in Makati—claimed the title for Bartender of the Year. A familiar face in Manila’s bar scene, Ralph has competed in World Class before and was a runner-up in the 2021 Philippines edition.
The Philippine finals were judged by World Class Indonesia 2024 Champion and founder of Islander Bali, Aris Sanjaya; World Class Hong Kong and Macau 2024 Champion and bar manager of The Aubrey at Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, Steffano Bussi; and Uma Nota Manila’s bar manager, Benjamin Leal. During the competition, the 16 finalists were tasked with creating a cocktail that paid homage to their hometown’s cuisine using Don Julio Blanco. The final four, who advanced to the last stage, were asked to craft a drink inspired by art and fashion, evoking a luxe cocktail experience with Johnnie Walker Black Label.
Ma. Kristina M. Tubig, the bartender from Southbank Café + Lounge in Alabang, Muntinlupa, took home the Don Julio challenge, but in the second round, Ralph’s cocktail, Kapwa, pulled out all the stops.
Ralph’s winning drink, Kapwa—an ode to community, culture, and craft, was inspired by Carlos “Botong” Francisco’s “Bayanihan” painting, a mural depicting the Filipino tradition of communal unity and cooperation. The cocktail combines: 45ml Johnnie Walker Black, 30ml Lambanog Mango Rice Coffee, 20ml Bamboo Bitter, and 15ml lemon juice.
Ralph now prepares for September’s global finals in Toronto, where over 55 countries will compete. It’s a high-stakes showcase of creativity, technique, and artistry, with the world’s best aiming to earn the title of World Class Global Bartender of the Year. And he’s got his sights set on it.
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