Introduction to Paragon
MASTERCLASS
Monday, November 17, 2025
1pm-2pm
📍Skybar, Solaire Resort North
Speaker: Clayton Munar, Beverage Innovator, Philippines, Monin Asia
In this session, Clayton Munar presents Paragon, a range of cordials developed through infusion, distillation, and molecular techniques. The collection showcases rare botanicals transformed into concentrated flavour solutions designed to expand the creative possibilities of modern mixology.
Introduction to Bonifacio: Philippine Pure Potstill Rum
MASTERCLASS
Monday, November 17, 2025
2pm-3.30pm
📍Skybar, Solaire Resort North
Speaker: Aaron Aw, Executive Vice President, Destileria Limtuaco
The session will explore the production process of Bonifacio Philippine Pure Pot Still Rum and how this distinctive style sets it apart from other Philippine rums on the market. It will highlight the batch distillation process that defines its unique flavor profile, and conclude with a guided tasting of the brand’s three distinguished expressions.
Codigo Masterclass and Tasting
MASTERCLASS
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
1pm-2pm
📍Skybar, Solaire Resort North
Speaker: Shallum Recto, Código 1530 Brand Ambassador
The Código Masterclass and Tasting, led by Shallum Recto, Código 1530 Brand Ambassador, explores the rich history, heritage, and craftsmanship behind this exceptional tequila. Attendees will learn about its unique production and aging process that distinguish Código 1530 as the most selective tequila in the world.
From Idea to Glass: The New Way to Build Drinks
MASTERCLASS
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
2pm-3pm
📍Quezon Club, Solaire Resort North
Speaker: Antonio Lai, The Opposites' Co-founder (Hong Kong)
Renowned mixologist Antonio Lai will lead an in-depth masterclass, “The New Way to Build Drinks,” guiding participants through the art and science of cocktail creation. This hands-on session will explore step-by-step techniques, flavor balance, and presentation, empowering the new generation of bartenders to craft innovative, well-structured drinks with confidence, creativity, and precision.
HAPPY HOUR 24/7: HOW TO BUILD A VALUABLE BRAND BEYOND PRICING
MASTERCLASS
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
2pm-3pm
📍Skybar, Solaire Resort North
Speakers: The Foundry Asia Head of Branding & Communications, Ian Fan (Hong Kong, Regional), and Senior Branding & Communications Manager, Janell Ang (Singapore)
The Foundry Asia, a marcomms agency active across Hong Kong, Singapore, Shanghai, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Tokyo, presents a masterclass with Ian Fan and Janell Ang on building brand value beyond pricing. Drawing on work with clients like Solisca, Campari, Lee Kum Kee, Wynn, Wing Lei (Macau), The Opposites, Quinary, Mostly Harmless (Hong Kong), ZLB23 (Bangalore), Maison Boulud (Singapore), and Narisawa (Tokyo), the session provides practical strategies to boost brand equity and customer loyalty for bars and restaurants.
Love Local
PANEL TALK
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
2pm-3.30pm
📍The Forum, Solaire Entertainment City
Speakers: Lester Ligon, The Grasshopper Bar Co-Founder (Manila);
Nitin Tewari, Mr. Bartrender (India);
Volkan Ibil, Shangri-La The Fort Director of Bars (Manila)
Moderator: Marco Lobregat, The Mushroom Explorer's Guide To The Cordilleras author and Icy Mariñas, co-founder of DrinkCollectiv
Moderated by Marco Lobregat and Icy Mariñas, this session explores how bars can cultivate a distinct sense of place through local flavors, inspiration, and ingredients. Lester Ligon (The Grasshopper Bar, Manila), Nitin Tewari (Mr. Bartrender, India), and Volkan Ibil (Shangri-La The Fort, Manila) highlight how championing local, educational bar programs and cultural exchanges can strengthen community ties, promote sustainability, and share the rich stories behind regional flavors in the industry.
The Power of Community: Lifting Your City’s Bar Culture
PANEL TALK
Thursday, November 20, 2025
2.30pm-3.30pm
📍The Forum, Solaire Entertainment City
Speakers: Angeline Tan, Three x Co co-owner of and KLCW co-founder (Malaysia) and Nicholas Ng, KLCW co-founder and Food for Thought founder of (Malaysia); Mars Chang, To Infinity and Beyond founder and Taiwan Can Drink Festival co-organizer (Taiwan); Summer Chen, Vender and Taichung Cocktail Camp (Taiwan) co-founder; Minakshi Singh, Sidecar and India Bartender Show co-founder (India)
Moderator: Tatum Ancheta, DrinkCollectiv Founder
A star-studded panel of industry leaders from KLCW, Taiwan Can Drink, Taichung Cocktail Camp, and the India Bartender Show shares insights on why cocktail festivals matter and how The Power of Community can elevate a city’s bar culture and create lasting impact.
Women and Tipple: Inspiring Women Bar Professionals Across Asia
PANEL TALK
Friday, November 21, 2025
1pm-2pm
📍The Forum, Solaire Entertainment City
Speakers: Amanda Wan, Three X Co Head Bartender (Malaysia); Minakshi Singh, Sidecar, Cocktails & Dreams Speakeasy, The Brook, The Old House Founder (India/Nepal); Rachel Tann, 50 Best Bars, Academy Chair (Southeast Asia & Korea); Kate Osmillo, Raion Co-founder (Philippines); Julie Tu, Intention Guide Founder (Taiwan/Shanghai)
Moderator: Tatum Ancheta, DrinkCollectiv Founder
The session spotlights DrinkCollectiv's long-running series Women & Tipple, celebrating the remarkable stories and journeys of women trailblazers in the world of drinks. This inspiring panel will share their diverse experiences, challenges, and triumphs, highlighting the impact of leading women across the Asian cocktail and beverage scene.
Do Awards Matter?
PANEL TALK
Saturday, November 22, 2025
1pm-2pm
📍The Forum, Solaire Entertainment City
Speakers: Penrose's Jon Lee, Founder, and Maria Escobia, Bar Manager (Malaysia), and Lair's Beverage Director Navjot Signh (India)
Moderator: Nicholas Ng, Food For Thought Founder and 50 Best Bars Contributor
Does getting ranked on prestigious lists in Asia or the world truly matter for a bar? Award-winning establishments Penrose, ranked No. 10 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025, and Lair, ranked No. 8 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars and No. 96 on the World’s 50 Best Bars 2025 extended list, weigh in on the topic. Their key team members share insights on how such recognition impacts reputation, operations, and the broader bar community.
Lambanong: The Indigenous Philippine Spirit
PANEL TALK
Friday, November 21, 2025
2.30pm-3.30pm
📍The Forum, Solaire Entertainment City
Speakers: Richie Cruz, Lambanog Advocate and Pinoytender Management Consultancy Owner; Kalel Demetrio, Liquido Maestro; Lui Manguit, Lambanog Entrepreneur and Philippine Craft Distillers Inc. (Lakan) Managing Director
Moderator: Aaron Limpe Aw, Destileria Limtuaco & Co., Inc’s Executive Vice President
Discover Lambanong, the indigenous Philippine spirit, with a panel of local experts and tastemakers, moderated by a sixth-generation Limpe Aw family member, owner of Destileria Limtuaco & Co., the country’s oldest distillery, as they share the rich heritage, craft, and vibrant stories behind this iconic Filipino liquor.
The History of Philippine Spirits, Cocktails, and Bar Culture
MASTERCLASS
Saturday, November 22, 2025
3pm-4.30pm
📍The Spirits Library, Makati
Speaker: The Spirits Library’s Founder Lee Watson
Join Lee Watson, spirits guru and Headmaster of Makati’s The Spirits Library, a treasure trove of rare and remarkable bottles where every sip tells a story, as he uncorks the fascinating, flavorful, and intriguing history of Philippine spirits, cocktails, and bar culture.
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