Global mixologists to showcase craft drinks in Bacolod

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — Sixteen acclaimed mixologists from around the world will gather in Bacolod City for Terra Madre Asia & Pacific (TMAP) 2025, set for November 19 to 23 at the Provincial Capitol Park and Lagoon.

The event highlights sustainable gastronomy by showcasing the region’s diverse flavors on an international stage, according to a press statement released Monday by the organizers.

TMAP 2025 will feature more than 100 world-class chefs alongside the mixologists, further establishing Bacolod as the “Center for Sustainable Gastronomy” and celebrating Negros Occidental as the “Organic Capital of the Philippines.”

The province’s deep agricultural roots and rich culinary heritage make it an ideal host for this international gathering, which promotes biodiversity, small-scale farmers, and the philosophy of good, clean, and fair food.

TMAP Executive Director Reena Gamboa said one of the festival’s highlights is “Slow Drinks,” an event where participating mixologists will collaborate with local farmers to craft cocktails and beverages using locally sourced ingredients.

“The Slow Food movement champions good, clean, and fair food—even in drinks,” Gamboa said, emphasizing sustainability and ethical sourcing in the beverage industry.

The event will feature world-renowned names, including Danny Childs (USA), author of the James Beard Award-winning book Slow Drinks; Danny Park and Rachel Shin (South Korea) of Zest Seoul, ranked No. 2 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025; Agung Prabowo (Hong Kong/Indonesia) of The Old Man and Penicillin; Sasha Wijidessa (Singapore/Denmark) of FURA; Daniel Nguyen (Vietnam/USA) of Sông Cái Distillery; Renate Spurlock (USA) of Kaya Orlando; Anna Ye (Vietnam/USA) of Anna Ye Tea; and Rishot Laloo (India) of Shad Skye Shillong.

Representing the Philippines are Niko Tiutan, Ron Cruz, Aly Lorenzo, Frances Ang, Ken Alonso, Kalel Demetrio, and Jessey Qi, each recognized for their contributions to the country’s growing craft cocktail scene and inclusion in Asia’s top bar rankings.

During the five-day celebration, select mixologists will lead Bar Takeovers across Bacolod’s top bars.

On November 20 at Qanto, forager-mixologist Kalel Demetrio (Philippines) will serve drinks—no reservations needed, first-come, first-served.

On November 21 at Nooma, Sasha Wijidessa and Christina Rasmussen (Singapore, Sri Lanka, Denmark) will take over the bar—reservations required.

On November 22 at Portiko, Danny Childs (USA), author of Slow Drinks, will headline the evening—reservations required.

Terra Madre Asia & Pacific 2025 aims to bring together global talents to celebrate creativity, culture, and sustainability—raising a glass to the future of responsible gastronomy.