TGIFridays Philippines’ Rizza Umlas competed against other bartenders in six other countries that included Guam, Australia, Dubai, Korea, Japan and Taiwan, and won TGIFridays Asia-Pacific Championship held in Taipei, Tawain. Every year, TGIFridays Philippines has long been a training ground for many bartender greats who have won in regional and world bartending events like Eric “El Terrible” Martinez who was named 2006 grand champion at the TGIFridays World Bartender Championship. This year was extra special because Umlas is the first Filipina and female bartender who won in the male-dominated competition.
“This is such a huge and significant victory not only for TGIFridays Philippines but for the whole country as well because we made history in the world of bartending,” shares Jean Paul Manuud, The Bistro Group COO. “It was one tough competition but we had an exceptionally talented representative in Umlas who showcased once again that Filipino bartenders – whether male or female – are some of the best in the region.”
Umlas won the compulsory round, a skill test that involved technicalities and speed and accuracy of pouring drinks. She also topped the freestyle category with flipping, tossing, juggling, and catching bottles and shakers with flair and precision. She bagged the coveted trophy, cash prize, and a round-trip ticket to New York for TGIFridays’ 50th year celebration last October. TGIFridays Philippines is excited for their bartender as next year she will represent Asia-Pacific in the World Bartender Championship in March 2016 in Dallas, Texas. This global event will feature the toughest and the fiercest bartenders in the world who will all compete for the much-desired title (and bragging right) of King (or Queen) of the Bar.
“Umlas’ success inspires us as we pursue our journey into another decade in the restaurant industry, bringing to the public world-class dining experience and the best bartenders,” Manuud said.
To know more about TGIFridays, check out its social media sites: TGI Fridays Philippines on Facebook and follow @tgifridaysph on Intsgram and Twitter. Visit their website on www.fridays.com.ph.