There is no better place to raise a glass than Park Inn by Radisson Davao, where cocktails, creativity, and community took center stage during the three-day “Social Pour: Bar Takeover • Masterclass • Live Mixology Competition • Boozy Pop-up Weekend Market” from July 17 to 19.
Organized in partnership with Destileria Limtuaco & Co., Inc., the Philippines’ oldest distillery established in 1852, and Pop-Up Collective, the event highlighted Davao City’s growing cocktail culture through expertly crafted drinks, live competitions, masterclasses, and a vibrant weekend market.
The festivities opened with a Live Mixology Competition, where bartenders from hotels, bars, and restaurants created original cocktails using Destileria Limtuaco’s premium spirits.
Emerging as champion was Eric Decena of MOD Mobile Bar with Daba Daba, a cocktail made with Palawan Rum infused with washed coffee, durian milk, honey, a crisp tuile, and playful durian caviar. Jeromellee Paro of Wild Tree placed first runner-up with Valor, while freelance bartender Luis Garcia earned second runner-up honors with The Brown Velvet. The winning cocktails will soon be featured at the hotel’s bar.
The celebration continued with a Bar Takeover by Rose De Guzman, co-owner of AKA Bar in Quezon City, who showcased modern Filipino mixology through a menu inspired by specialty coffee techniques.
On day two, Aaron Limpe-Aw, executive vice president of Destileria Limtuaco & Co., Inc., led a Cocktail Masterclass featuring Bonifacio Rum, guiding participants through the spirit’s production before they crafted their own cocktails.
Meanwhile, the hotel’s Al Fresco Garden hosted the Boozy Pop-up Weekend Market, organized by Pop-Up Collective under Monique Gambito. Nearly 20 local brands offered artisanal food, coffee, fashion, crafts, beauty products, and other creative finds, creating a lively gathering for guests to enjoy cocktails, music, and shopping.
More than a celebration of cocktails, Social Pour provided a platform for Davao’s bartenders to showcase their talent while bringing together local entrepreneurs, industry partners, and lifestyle enthusiasts in support of the city’s thriving food and beverage scene.
