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Diageo shaping Filipino bartenders to become world class

Diageo Bar Academy provides a platform for bartenders to raise the bar and enhance their career through training and education since 2010. In the Philippines, Diageo Bar Academy has reached 3,000 Filipino bartenders. In January 2023, the Academy has trained an additional 830 Filipino bartenders across 240 outlets from Metro Manila, Greater Luzon and Visayas.

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Diageo, the maker of some of the most iconic and popular liquor brands in the world such as Johnnie Walker, Singleton, and Tanqueray continues its mission to inspire people to drink better – not more – and create unforgettable experiences by elevating the skills of bartenders through the Diageo Bar Academy.

Diageo Bar Academy provides a platform for bartenders to raise the bar and enhance their career through training and education since 2010. In the Philippines, Diageo Bar Academy has reached 3,000 Filipino bartenders. In January 2023, the Academy has trained an additional 830 Filipino bartenders across 240 outlets from Metro Manila, Greater Luzon and Visayas.

“Diageo Bar Academy is one of the main initiatives of the Championing Inclusion & Diversity pillar in our Society 2030: Spirit of Progress program. We believe that the bartending profession is open for all genders, and we are happy to see 30% female bartenders taking part in the Diageo Bar Academy. We are looking forward to continue to inspire both male and female bartenders to upskill their profession into world class levels. This is why we are very excited to have one of our Diageo Bar Academy graduates, Alyssa Lorenzo or also known as Aly, represent the Philippines in the upcoming World Class Competition later in the year”, says Rian Asiddao, Reserve Brand Ambassador and Diageo Bar Academy Trainer.

It was a momentous occasion for the local bartending industry when 28-year-old Aly, a graduate of the Diageo Bar Academy, shattered its glass ceiling by becoming the first female overall champion of the recently concluded Philippine leg of the Diageo World Class Philippines Bartender of the Year 2023 competition. Aly will go on to represent the Philippines in the elite World Class Bartender of the Year competition which will take place in Sao Paolo, Brazil in September 2023.

We sat down with this exceptionally talented and creative mixologist to ask her about what she believes it takes to excel in her highly competitive chosen field, and she shared five unique insights into what goes on in the minds of champions.

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Mixing mastery in action. Aly expertly blends flavors with finesse and precision.

1.    Honor your passion. Aly likens her discovery of bartending to love at first sight. It was as if lighting struck her as a sophomore in college, seeing a flairtending exhibition and wanting more than anything to be able to learn the amazing skills the bartenders showed off with ease. This drove her to learn everything she could about the profession and, from that first moment on, she has never lost sight of that love and excitement for the craft. This passion carried her from college to her first job at 5ynco, to her current position as head mixologist at Xi by Café Guilt.

2.    Embrace adversity. It will always be true that nothing good comes easy, and that is a fact that you will have to come to terms with if you want to perform well in any field. Learning to take critique, criticism, and even outright negativity and manage these in a healthy manner is what separates the legends from the “also-rans”. “I think it’s normal to receive negative comments,” Aly notes, “but the more I experienced discouragement, the more I wanted to prove myself and the fact that I can do better each day. I was patient, I persevered, and I became stronger.”

3.    Work well with others and engender a supportive community. Aly found the value of companionship and knowledge early on. It was through involvement in a creative community of other bartenders that she found a connection that enabled all of them to build off of each other’s strengths and learn from each other’s experiences. After all, a rising tide raises all ships.

Aly emphasizes that workplace friendships play an important part in her professional life. “It’s not all about saying ‘Hi’ and ‘Hello’, it’s all about lifting each other and offering helping hands to meet each other’s needs. Healthy competition and community pushes everyone to win. Day by day we discovered a lot of things that helped us enhance and develop our drinks until it hits the best spot.”

Today’s industry, competitive as it is, has grown in leaps and bounds when it comes to fostering collaboration. This is especially notable when you realize that many of the gender biases that once plagued the industry are no longer the norm. In fact, when asked if bartending, and particularly bartending competitions, was a “boy’s club”, Aly staunchly denied this and said that “my ‘Kuyas’ offered a lot of help during competition!”

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A triumphant moment: Aly proudly holds her well-deserved trophy, celebrating her victory as the first female overall champion. Her winning cocktail, Sugid, beautifully embodies her Filipino heritage, showcasing the values of sikap, sipag, at tiyaga.

4.    Play to your strengths. Aly’s winning cocktail, Sugid, was subtlety in gastronomic form. Conceptualized through her pride in her heritage and her desire to highlight the Filipino values sikap, sipag, at tiyaga, the white sphere served atop a banana leaf isn’t what comes to mind when one thinks of cocktails. It is, however, a perfect representation of who Aly is – a Filipina who got where she is today through the said values, dedication and hard work.

5.    Learn the differences between real and imagined limitations. While some limitations are very real, such as the need to sleep and eat, others are purely imaginary. Case in point, you can be a girl and be a bartender—a very good one. “Not everyone knows the capabilities of a female bartender, which is mainly underestimated by everybody,” shares Aly. Refusing to accept limitations of gender, race and orientation biases is what has put this lady on the map. She knew she could do everything and anything a male bartender could and has taken it upon herself to learn and grow to be able to bring the very best skills to the table. A proud proponent of Pinay Pride, Aly proudly exclaims, “Mabuhay tayong mga Pilipina!”

As Aly continues to train in preparation for her faceoff with the representatives of other countries, her colleagues cheer her on. Many of them came through the same training as she did at the Diageo Bar Academy, which serves as the fertile environment where many of them have nurtured the same passion for excellence that Aly exemplifies.

Aly is the first female World Class Champion showing the world that bartending knows no gender. Providing an equal playing field for ambitious mixologists and bartenders as well as recognizing and nurturing talent to those who wish to take up the craft is one of the driving goals of Diageo Bar Academy. With this win, Aly is undeniable proof of the potential that this organization can unlock, and the drinking public can look forward to reaping the benefits.

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Watson boosts global expansion, unveils 16,800th store worldwide

This store was opened in Rotterdam, marking a remarkable milestone in AS Watson’s ongoing expansion and its commitment to delivering a seamless and exceptional O+O (Offline plus Online) customer experience.

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As Watson, the parent company of Watsons Philippines, announced the grand opening of its 16,800th store worldwide, further consolidating its position as the world’s largest international health and beauty retailer, with a portfolio of 12 brands operating across 29 markets. This store was opened in Rotterdam, marking a remarkable milestone in AS Watson’s ongoing expansion and its commitment to delivering a seamless and exceptional O+O (Offline plus Online) customer experience.

Dr. Malina Ngai, Group CEO of AS Watson, expressed her excitement at the store opening ceremony, “The opening of our 16,800th store represents more than our growth as a company – it symbolises our commitment to serving the communities worldwide. With every store we open, we create jobs, foster customer relationships, and build lasting trust.”

“16,800 is a number with special meaning in Chinese culture. The number 6 symbolises ‘everything goes smoothly’ while 8 represents ‘good fortune’. We embrace the special meaning of this milestone and look forward to a future of lasting success and prosperity, not only for our business growth but also in extending these best wishes for a brighter future for the world during this festive Christmas season,” Malina added.

Commitment to Continuous Growth

Ed van de Weerd, CEO of AS Watson Benelux, remarked, “We’re honoured that AS Watson’s 16,800th store worldwide opens in vibrant Rotterdam, demonstrating AS Watson’s steadfast commitment to growth in the Benelux region and globally. As the No. 1 health and beauty retailer in the Netherlands, Kruidvat serves its customers with nearly 1,000 O+O stores and over 24,000 passionate colleagues and has become an integral part of many Dutch people’s lives.”

The brand-new store will serve over 11,000 customers every week. As one of the largest Kruidvat stores, it spans over 770 square meters and is designed to enhance O+O shopping experience with clear in-store navigation. The store offers an extensive assortment of over 36,000 products, making it the largest selection among all Kruidvat stores.

Watsons Philippines operates in over 1,100 stores nationwide, reflecting its commitment to bringing health, wellness, and beauty closer to every Filipino. Enhancing this experience is the Watsons app, which provides customers access to exclusive deals, personalized recommendations, and convenient services such as Click & Collect and home delivery.

Looking ahead, AS Watson remains committed to innovation and excellence in customer experience, and will continue its growth journey with the purpose of putting a smile on the customers’ faces today and tomorrow. 

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AIA PH powers health and wellness with over 9,000 runners at Rock ‘N Roll Running Series Manila

Manila, the only Asian stop on the global Rock ‘n’ Roll tour, offered runners a choice of 5K, 10K, 21K, and 42K distances on a unique AIMS and World Athletics-certified course, highlighting the city’s historical beauty.

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AIA Philippines has continued to champion its purpose of helping people live healthier, longer, better lives by supporting the 2024 ASICS Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Manila as presenting sponsor for the second consecutive year. Held on November 23-24, 2024, the event brought together over 9,000 runners from 58 countries, transforming Manila’s streets into a dynamic celebration of fitness, music, and community spirit.

Manila, the only Asian stop on the global Rock ‘n’ Roll tour, offered runners a choice of 5K, 10K, 21K, and 42K distances on a unique AIMS and World Athletics-certified course, highlighting the city’s historical beauty. Runners, from first-timers to seasoned marathoners, enjoyed live music along the route, passing iconic landmarks like Rizal Park, the National Museum, Fort Santiago, and Binondo Chinatown, before culminating in a spectacular finish-line festival.

“We’re thrilled to be part of the lone Asian stop for this global celebration of health and wellness,” said AIA Philippines Chief Marketing Officer Melissa Henson. “The Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series embodies our mission to inspire Filipinos to embrace an active lifestyle and invest in their health and well-being. This event is a celebration not just of fitness, but also of the community spirit and joy that come with achieving personal goals.”

In partnership with The Ironman Group, AIA’s involvement went beyond the race. The AIA Health and Wellness Expo, which kicked off during the race week, became a central hub where participants could access exclusive promotions, expert advice, and exciting brand activations. “We’re proud to support this growing community,” said Henson. “Our involvement in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series is just one of the many ways we’re encouraging Filipinos to prioritize active living and build connections within their communities.”

To amplify its broader mission, AIA launched the AIA One Billion initiative, which aims to engage a billion people across Asia in healthier lifestyles. This drives the company’s initiatives to support major events like the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Manila, which empower participants to take charge of their health, while creating a lasting impact across communities.

With a finish-line festival featuring top local bands and a celebratory atmosphere, the event was more than just a race — it was a community celebration of personal wellness and achievement. Runners were treated to exclusive race perks, including event shirts, finisher medals, and unforgettable entertainment along the course. The energetic post-run festival, with live performances by Reujen Lista & the Trinidad Band, Brad & Nina Band, Gracenote, and Jason Fernandez, captured the unique spirit of Rock ‘n’ Roll.

Looking ahead, the 2025 Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Manila will be known as the AIA Rock ‘n’ Roll Run, with AIA Philippines as title sponsor. AIA is committed to raising the bar even higher through expanded entertainment, enhanced course features, and new wellness initiatives are set to deliver an even more memorable event.

AIA Philippines is committed to building a healthier future for Filipinos, and the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series will continue to be a key part of that vision. With AIA’s continued support, the event is set to inspire even greater participation, foster healthier lifestyles, and showcase the transformative power of movement for years to come.

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Manulife Investment Management launches Manulife Global Income Feeder Fund

The Fund provides investors access to US Dollar-denominated fixed income and fixed income-related securities of issuers globally, giving them high-quality and stable income generation opportunities. Investors may access the Fund for as low as US$1,000 or PHP1,000.

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Manulife Investment Management and Trust Corporation (“Manulife Investment Management Philippines”) announces the launch of the Manulife Global Income Feeder Fund (the “Fund”), a unit investment trust fund (UITF) that aims to provide a high-quality, low-volatility income opportunity by seeking the best sources of income across the entirety of the fixed income universe.

The Fund provides investors access to US Dollar-denominated fixed income and fixed income-related securities of issuers globally, giving them high-quality and stable income generation opportunities. Investors may access the Fund for as low as US$1,000 or PHP1,000.

“The Manulife Global Income Feeder Fund offers an all-weather wealth solution that combines the entirety of the fixed income universe, including traditional and non-traditional sources of income.  It provides high and sustainable opportunities that can help investors maximize their financial portfolio’s income generation across economic and interest rate cycles,” said Aira Gaspar, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Investment Management Philippines.

The Fund is the newest product in Manulife Investment Management Philippines’ distinct suite of UITFs for different investment objectives, and will be part of the investment firm’s newly introduced “Better Income” campaign. Through this campaign, Manulife Investment Management Philippines aims to empower investors to elevate their financial journey by giving them investment choices based on their unique financial goals, needs, risk tolerance, and life stages. 

Interested investors may open a UITF account online through Manulife iFUNDS, a secure digital investment platform that makes it easy and convenient for investors to manage their UITF investments. For more information on fund options that best suit your investment goals, you may contact a Manulife Wealth Specialist or visit www.manulifeim.com.ph.

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