Pinoy is fan fave in world bartending tilt
03/06/2012
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| Ram Ong of the Philippines was named Fan Favorite at the 21st World Bartender Championships in Dallas, Texas. Photo courtesy of T.G.I. Friday's |
MANILA, Philippines – Filipino bartender Raminad “Ram” Ong was named T.G.I. Friday's Fan Favorite at the 21st annual World Bartender Championship held recently in Dallas, Texas after more than 300,000 cast their votes online.
This is the second appearance of Ong in the finals of the international bartending competition.
Ong, who works at T.G.I. Friday’s in Robinsons Place Manila, was among the nine finalists who faced off in Dallas last February 26. He competed with bartenders from Malaysia, Sweden, Dominican Republic and the United Kingdom, as well as four Americans.
But it was David Kringlund from Stureplan, Sweden who was crowned the World’s Greatest Bartender.
“This entire competition has been an exciting challenge and a phenomenal ride,” Kringlund said in a statement.
“Hours of training and preparation paid off not just with this win, but with the total experience that made me feel more a part of the Friday's family.”
The WBC, which started as a one-off challenge between two bartenders, has become acknowledged as one of the toughest international bartending competitions. Finalists were chosen based on their knowledge of the bar, the flavor of their drinks and their “flairtending” skills.
Over 1,000 spectators attended this year’s finals, led by international singer Enrique Iglesias.
“We are always impressed by the talent that comes through this competition from all corners of the world,” said Trey Hall, chief marketing officer for T.G.I. Friday’s. “Anyone can learn to mix a good drink, but our bartenders – David in particular – have that extra something that ensures anyone seated around the bar will feel Friday’s infectious energy."
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